Five Tips to Decorate with Authenticity

Once upon a time, people wanted everything in their house to match. They matched wallpaper to a border, which matched the flooring, draperies, sofa, accent chair, lamp, and each piece of decor down to the bookends. Thank goodness the days of the “matchy-matchy” interiors are gone!  Now, we want our spaces to reflect our unique styles. We have shifted to allow more freedom in decorating and design, and few of the old “rules” still apply.  It’s all about being authentic and sharing you and your family’s interests and personalities. 

Are you looking to create a space that feels more true to your style? Here are some tips for creating a space that is all your own!

1. Family Décor – Are you taking a photography class? If you have a piece that you’re particularly excited about, put it on display! Your kid’s artwork might not be museum ready, but go ahead and decorate with your favorites! Recently I helped a client take their children’s artwork, and we framed several pieces in a sleek black modern frame. The quality framing made the pieces look stylish, and the kids were so excited!
   
2. Heirlooms – If you have items that have been passed down to you that you love, use them to decorate! They can be great conversation pieces as they detail your family history and heritage. 
   
3. Travel Collections – Find a theme or collection that you can collect on your travels! I worked with a family that would bring a seashell back from every beach vacation. We created a unique display on their mantle, and they enjoy sharing stories about each location. 
   
4. Edit your Collections – While collectible items are fun, edit and replace them when needed. I love to collect old skeleton keys. There came the point where I had plenty and didn’t have space for more. I decided to remove some less-interesting keys to make room for more unique keys. I often tell my clients who have an excess of one item, “When everything is screaming, you can’t hear a word.” So, 200 skeleton keys would be too much, but a small dish with several interesting keys makes a fun display.
   
5. Shop Local – I always love to shop local and support small businesses. Pop into your favorite local boutiques and see which pieces catch your eye.  Museum gift shops and galleries are great places to find exciting artwork or decor that you might not find anywhere else and could be perfect additions to your space!
   

Your style and décor can speak volumes about who you are. Let it highlight those extraordinary things that make you and your family special! 
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