Home decor is a crucial aspect of our lives, as it goes beyond mere aesthetics and serves as a reflection of our personality and style. It offers numerous functional benefits that optimize the usability and practicality of living spaces. Effective decor choices can enhance organization, personalization, and mental wellbeing.
A well-decorated home can evoke feelings of comfort, relaxation, and happiness, while a cluttered or uninspiring environment can lead to stress and anxiety. The colors, textures, and layout of our living spaces have a significant impact on our mood and confidence. Neuroscientists have discovered that interior design choices, from flooring to lighting, can help create homes that improve our mental health, decrease stress and fatigue, and even spark creativity.
Interior decor is more than adding pretty things into a place; it’s conducive to easy living, well-organized, simple to navigate, and pleasant to stay. A well-designed space is conducive to easy living, as it’s well-organized, simple to navigate, and pleasant to stay. Human beings tend to feel ill at ease in chaotic places, contributing to stress and anxiety.
Top five astounding benefits of decorating your home include personalization, improved mood motivation, a more hospitable home, and the use of natural home decor and furniture. Subtle yet pervasive elements, such as the height of the ceilings and the presence of plants, can elevate mood, promote concentration, and reduce anxiety.
A well-decorated home can be a sanctuary where you can relax and unwind. Elements like comfortable elements can increase social confidence and encourage sharing with friends.
In conclusion, changing your home decor will give you a new feeling and an attractive and elegant residential environment. By choosing the right decor elements, personalizing your space, and incorporating natural elements, you can create a home that is not only visually appealing but also emotionally enriching and financially valuable.
📹 The Benefits of Renting Your Home Décor
You can rent homes cars even clothing so why not rent the items that make up your home too our mission is to make it effortless to …
How does your home decor affect your mental health?
Calming colors like blue, green, and lavender can help lower blood pressure and slow heart rate, while incorporating natural elements like plants, flowers, and water features can create a calming environment. An organized space, designed by a designer, can help reduce stress levels. Comfortable furniture, such as a cozy chair or sofa, can also help reduce stress.
Well-designed office spaces can increase cognitive function and productivity in workers due to factors like increased natural light and improved air quality. People are more likely to feel creative and engaged when they have control over their environment, such as adjusting temperature or choosing their own furniture. A well-designed office space promotes a sense of calm, which is essential for optimal cognitive function. Overall, a well-designed workspace can lead to increased cognitive function and productivity, promoting a more productive and relaxed work environment.
What is the main principle of home decor?
The design elements include line, shape, form, color, texture, and space. The principles that underpin the creation of a well-designed space include balance, emphasis, unity, rhythm, and proportion.
Why does decorating make me happy?
Creating a sanctuary for relaxation during busy lives renews energy and provides peace of mind. Well-being is the highest state of mind, and our surroundings greatly impact this feeling. Painting the exterior of a house creates a new look, inspiring the desire to redecorate the interior to create harmony. Although it may take time, work, and money, the end result is bliss. Decorating is beneficial for our minds, hearts, and souls, and there are nine reasons why it is important to do it. By incorporating these reasons, we can achieve a state of bliss and rejuvenate our lives.
What is the function of home decor?
The process of decorating one’s home is not merely a visual undertaking; it is, in fact, an endeavor that encompasses the creation of a space that reflects one’s individuality. This space should be conducive to relaxation, entertainment, and inspiration. Effective interior design should reflect the individuality of the inhabitant, accommodate their lifestyle, and enhance their overall well-being. Therefore, it is recommended that you obtain paint swatches, select your preferred throw pillows, and commence the process of creating a domicile that you would be pleased to inhabit.
Does home decor make you happier?
Building a beautifully decorated space can significantly boost our emotional health, as our surroundings significantly impact our mood. The choice of colors and materials in our home can enhance our outlook on life. To create a happy home and increase daily dopamine levels, consider using mood-boosting colors, which can influence feelings of happiness, sadness, energy, and calmness. Consider a fresh coat of paint if you’re consistently feeling low, as these colors can work wonders to bring about a noticeable shift in mood.
Why is home decor important?
Home decor significantly impacts our emotions and thoughts, boosting mood, reducing stress, and creating a positive atmosphere. It goes beyond aesthetics and contributes to our emotional well-being. Decor involves arranging furniture, colors, art, and accessories to make living spaces visually appealing and comfortable. Personalized decor allows us to express our individuality, making our living spaces feel like an extension of ourselves. A comfortable home is crucial for overall happiness and relaxation.
Is it good to decorate your home?
Interior decor is not just about adding aesthetics; it’s about creating a relaxing and organized environment that promotes easy living. A well-designed space can reduce stress and anxiety, making it a beneficial aspect of mental well-being. Interior design, often seen as an art form, uses principles like balance and color composition. For those who enjoy art, decorating their home can be an opportunity to express themselves and live within their work of art.
Art classes can help develop creative skills and learn about color. Re-decorating allows for a change of scenery, allowing individuals to appreciate the surroundings and appreciate what’s right in front of them. By incorporating these elements into your home, you can create a more enjoyable and functional space.
What are the benefits of decorating?
Wall decoration offers numerous benefits for your home, including enhancing the aesthetic value of your room, providing a comfortable and peaceful atmosphere, filling empty spaces, closing “defects”, increasing creativity, and increasing motivation. While some homeowners may find wall decoration unnecessary, others may find it strategically important due to its flat area and large size. Wall decorations can provide a sense of purpose and make the house more attractive.
Some may feel that leaving walls empty without decorations doesn’t change its function, while others may be sensitive to the importance of wall decoration. Overall, wall decoration can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal and functionality of your home.
Does decorating help depression?
Depression is a common mental health issue, and as the number of people diagnosed with depression increases, there are various ways to combat it. One effective anti-depression aid is creativity, which stimulates the brain and provides a sense of care and creation. Interior decorating can also help combat depression after the project is completed. Two main tactics include light therapy, which can help treat most forms of depression without the need for a light box, and windows, which provide ample sunlight and enhance the aesthetics of homes. Big, beautiful windows not only provide a beautiful view but also allow for ample sunlight.
Why do people love decorating?
Decorating for seasons and holidays is a powerful way to create memories and create a sense of significance in our lives. By placing significance on these moments, we can create memories that our children will cherish forever. By taking the time and care to create special moments, people and loved ones will flock to us, making the ordinary become extraordinary.
Decorating for various holidays brings a sense of community and excitement, making us feel seen and part of something larger than ourselves. It also changes the space, making us more present mentally in our lives. Regular days become exciting and charged with anticipation as we prepare for the holiday or event.
While some may argue that decorating is frivolous and a waste of time and money, it is important to remember that it can be a valuable tool for fostering trust, gratitude, inspiration, and faith. By having fun and getting into the spirit of the holiday season, we can create lasting memories and make our lives more meaningful.
What age group buys the most home decor?
A study revealed that consumers spend an average of $128 a month at small businesses, with Millennials spending an average of $135 and Baby Boomers making an average of $130. Furniture was the most popular category, followed by groceries and home décor. The survey revealed that 64% of respondents sought local businesses, with 53% going to small ones. Factors for doing so included boosting the local economy, seeking unique products, higher quality goods, and a sense of community connection.
📹 Home Decor You Need to STOP Buying ASAP & AFFORDABLE Alternatives! Interior Designer Tells All!
In today’s video, we discuss home decor and furniture that you NEED to stop buying! We all love to pick up these home decor …
I apologize for the audio troubles! I used a new editing software this time around and while it sounded good on my end, I can see that you are all having difficulty hearing me. I do apologize and I see your comments! I am working to fix this for subsequent articles and unfortunately, I can’t fix it retroactively. Your feedback is appreciated! Have a beautiful day 😊.
THIS is how you do a “DO NOT” article! You don’t insult your viewers… You don’t income shame your viewers… You give them actionable steps and strategies to make their dollar stretch and homes more functional! Thank you KB!❤️ (BTW: I’m still going to get the OXO storage containers! They’re just too pretty!😩 But I’ll get mine from Homegoods for a few dollars less!☺️)
Growing up my mom always got dish towels for each season, and I’ve started doing that now too, because they’re easy to store but a cute way to add something in the kitchen for the holiday. And she would buy fresh flowers that went with the season because they get discarded anyway. I’ve started to do these things too so i don’t feel fomo about seasonal decor!
Hey Kiva! Maybe you do this on purpose and I’ve missed you discuss it somewhere but if not, just an FYI, your article volume is much much lower compared to others in your field. I’m not sure if it’s a mic thing or editing or what but if I’m perusal a article from Nick or Arvin or most others and then go to one of yours I can barely hear yours whereas theirs were very loud at the same volume setting on my phone. Just wanted to let you know!
I get my coffee table books from the thrift store for $1-$2 each. Take off the ugly paper cover and VERY likely it’s a neutral coloured hard cover book with white, black, gold, or silver text. And choose books that resonate with YOU! I’ve been able to find so many awesome coffee table books based on nature and places I love to travel and they look awesome, cost almost nothing, and of course are second hand. I do have a small handful of coffee table books on interior design that I actually have read and enjoyed and to me those are worth it – but if I’m not interested in the contents of the book, I’m not buying it. I don’t like owning meaningless stuff as filler.
I could feel your passion on this!! So true! Those dollars add up..and nothing makes me sadder than seeing waste. Our landfills are choked with “stuff” —and when you decide to purge closets etc, so much gets thrown away. More waste! Just stop and be more picky. I love the idea of saving those dollars. Yes! Thank you for the shake up! Really enjoy this website.. moves fast-lots of relevant info and no tedious chit chat! !! ❤️
I’ve definitely got a room full of things that I bought that I should’ve waited until my vision was timed the right way instead of buying ahead of time and then just storing it because by the time I actually see the vision through my style has changed or I decide on some thing else so I’ve definitely been guilty of doing some of the things that you are encouraging us to think about I totally now work my best to shop with intention and I love you saying that because I’m really big on that shopping with intention and taking my time and not being in a hurry even if it goes out of stock it’ll come back in stock and if it doesn’t I’m sure I’ll find something else equally as beautiful so as usual thank you for all your pearls of wisdom have a great weekend😘😘😘🥴👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Informative and worth the time to view. I disagree with you on the plastic containers. I say Pyrex storage containers. They are glass, the can go in the refrigerator, the freezer and the microwave and they do not leach plastic into your foods. They nest making them easy to store neatly. Yes, the initial cost is more but I have have had mine for ten years (or more) and I am still using them. Since my initial purchase, my spouse left one at work other than that they have proven their durability.
When I was working, I was fortunate to make a good living, but every once in awhile I would take a month and not spend a dime on anything but groceries and gas. I would bring my lunch and coffee to work.No extra anything it was kinda a game. OMG the shade that people would throw!! I would tell em I didn’t even work Overtime and at the end of the month I seem to have an extra 300. to 400 bucks. extra.. Misc. spending eats up way more money than people understand. GOOD article Kiva xoxo !!
I just found your website for the first time. This is amazingly good advice. I love your approach to shopping and your advice on pillows, buying covers instead of pillows. Covers are so much easier to store. I’m not buying decorative items for every holiday or season. This convert easily be done with color changing out placemats, Changing flowers in your arrangements etc. Thank you so much for this great advice I’ll be perusal frequently
COMPLETELY agree about pillow inserts and pillow covers…. I rotate mine several times a year and love that I can change them up and keep the covers folded/stored nicely and not bulk in closets! OH NOOOOoooooooo, I am a hardback book junky! I’ve been one for SOOOOO many years……. I can’t give it up… just can’t! I’ll often remove the cover of late and some very old ones I’m not attached to I’ve painted the cover and the pages are facing outward. I don’t know…. I can’t do it!
Kiva’s greatest tips!! Love the pillow idea!! Luckily I sew, but have way to many pillows and now make covers. Also, totally agree about seasonal decor! Buy a neutral lantern and decorate for holidays, not a lantern for every season. Love how you give practical advise and don’t put down certain styles💕❤️💕
My Dad used to tell me “Mind the pennies and the dollars will follow”. So true! I’m like you, I love Xmas and have a lot of Xmas decor. For other holidays, like Easter, I set a budget ($20 or so) and I decorate with tulips or hyacinth, bowls of jelly beans, etc. Things that are festive and can be used, enjoyed or discarded easily when holiday is over. Love your motto of no budget shaming! 🙂 Always enjoy your articles!
A fun thing I do for seasonal decor is using found nature things. Most people do pumpkins in fall and flowers in spring, but you can also decorate with acorns, leaves, branches, grape vine wreaths, pinecones, or even season produce that you also eat. All are basically free and compostable. If you do it right, I think it looks better than the plastic stuff for sure
Hi KB. Great ideas. I’ve also used old throw pillows as inserts for new throw pillow covers. I can’t recall if I got this tip from you but I have bought many books throughout the years and I’ve purchased decorative storage boxes made of natural fibers to house my thinner books. It helps with decluttering. And the boxes can be used as a base for other decorative items such as my crystal.
I had a “friend” back in the day who tried to shame me about my cheap, plastic dry goods containers (which had screw-on, airtight lids, by the way, and which I still use 25+ years later). She would only buy Tupperware. Mind you, she couldn’t afford her own place, but she splurged on Tupperware and overpriced cookware from Princess House. It was all piled up in boxes because she had nowhere to put it. 🙄
Kiva, I just have to say how much i like your look! the blonde/gold accents of your jewelry and glasses look amazing on your skin tone; and the bold chunky statement earrings( blonde again), are perfect with your short hairstyle. The subtle muted green colour of your top is a creative substitute for black, and the v- neck looks so relaxed and classy. Well done!
Great information! There definitely needs to be a part 2 and PLEASE add to the list of people who over accessorize!! They literally try to put every item they purchase on a table, bookshelf or on every wall in the house because it’s pretty or they got a good deal ! Some of things just don’t make sense! There are so many things to look at you – it starts to look like a flea market! If you love accessories like I do just switch them out from time to time instead of putting everything you purchased from HG on your table! There are so many influencers on YT that are guilty of this and people respond by saying “you have a great eye for decorating everything is so pretty ” PLEASE STOP ! They make the space look cluttered and junky! Try purchasing quality INTENTIONAL pieces! So we can get a better idea of what your style is and not look at ALL your great finds in one space!! It’s just my opinion!
My favorite pillow hack that I realized on my own (which I am truly proud of lol) is buying pillow inserts from Ikea and then switching out the covers(also from ikea) seasonally. I have the same 5 pillows and a small box full of different pillow covers. Clutter is minimalized and I am able to keep my living space updated affordably!
Kiva, You’re hilarious! Christmas will “throw up” at my house every year. lol, but I agree with you!!!! Amen to these STOP Buying suggestions you shared: 1. Expensive pantry containers 2. Expensive Coffee table books 3. Multiple Pillows everywhere Continue helping us to be intentional and practical when shopping and to consider how we allocate our coins, lol!!!!
Hey Kiva, new subscriber here! Just spent 2 hours perusal some of your posts 😀 Anyhow, my question is on the “Items you cannot return”. In your opinion, the Anthropologie Gleaming Primrose Mirrors, I love them, but are they a trend or good investment? I’m not decor or design savvy enough to know if i should make the drive to the Anthropologie Outlet and spend big $$$$ or buy a knock off or just pass on the style all together. Thanks for your help, your articles are amazing!
I bought six rugs from Wayfair…. Three of them are wool. The rest are high in quality of different combinations. No crap stuff one is very funky. One is really strange. And the qualities phenomenal. UPS and FedEx hate me sometimes whrn they drag them up. Because on Wayfair I can plug in a price range from $100-$10,000 for a certain size rug, material, type, and I will find it. Can’t find that at home goods. Or Amazon. I don’t fun to shop on Amazon or Home goods.
Regarding holiday decor I personally like to find pieces that would work for at 2 seasons at a time (fall/winter and spring/summer) instead of buying decor for every single holiday. For spring/summer I’ll stick to fresh florals, lighter colors, linen textures, refreshing citrus candle scents etc. For fall/winter I’ll go with moodier/warmer colors, heavy knit textures, cozy candle scents, dried florals. That way my decor last through several months vs a one-day holiday. But I still make room for Christmas-specific decor… can’t not have a tree! 🙂
After years of searching and collecting, I have the most beautiful Christmas ornaments and decor. We have 5 or 6 trees, two for the front deck, the rest for inside our home. However, after only decorating to the hilt for a few short years, it’s taking them down that is difficult. We are getting older, the kids and parents all live out of state and of course we travel to see everyone…at Christmas. We are pooped. So the last couple of years we put up one tree (this last year with our plastic toddler proof ornaments, because we adopted two cats and both are height seekers). It was perfect. Hopefully we will be able to gift a tree or two to a family in need of one. They are so expensive unless you get a fantastic sale or via Market Place, etc. My curated ornaments will go to my daughter. Along with all of the rest of the decor, save for a few bits. We predict that in about five years time we will be plugging in a ceramic Christmas tree and calling it good! My favorite holiday, and time of the year. It will always remain so in my heart.
I think we would love you doin a vid on your jewelry pieces you kno where you get them how much you spend your thought behind your pieces if any and your favorites and what you consider staple pieces. Gold vs Silver ??? Costume, good costume vs the real thing jewelry. We’d love it cuz I’m always first distracted by how fabulous you look (jewelry& tops) then I start listening to ya 😂❤️
Hello! I love your advice…I spin things to suit my taste and am slowly making my house a home. Anyways, I just want to let you know something. I watch you through YouTube on my TV. I have noticed that when you are talking, your voice seems very muted, and I have to turn it up and when the prerecorded edited parts are on, those come at normal volume. I do not seem to have this issue with anything else I view, so I just wanted yo let you know of the audio issue. Anyways….keep the great stuff coming. You are amazing!!
I’ve found just the opposite on buying pillows. Anywhere I’ve seen the pillow covers are very high priced for a beautiful one. And inserts are ridiculously priced especially in larger sizes. I won’t pay high prices for a total decorative pillow. But I’ve found really nice ones through Better Homes and Gardens. 👍🏻
Seasonal decor… seriously, people get wayyyy to much of it! Lol. And then half the time you forget you have it by the time the next season rolls around and you don’t put it out and even use it! You also end up collecting so much that doesn’t fit with your style anymore. TBH, I think the OXO containers are worth it. The seals are amazing. They stand up so much better in general, and even if you can dishwash the other kind, cheaper plastic can warp so fast in the dishwasher! I don’t put mine in the dishwasher. You can also take the tops apart for washing & drying.
Re rugs: If the rug you see in person at the store is gorgeous and flawless, buy it there. Discount items online are often faulty or damaged. Also, regarding the color, dye lots vary. If you want the exact rug you see in person, buy it. The one you can’t see in person may be a shade darker or lighter even if it has the same color name. It may be from a different dye lot of the same color. Better to buy the one you see and love. If you order one, it may come to you damaged or in an off-color, and by then the one you loved at the store is gone.
Love your articles. You’ve done good ones on small spaces. What about decorating for different ceiling heights? My house is kind of squat and solid, and my choices have to be different than for folks who have high or cathedral ceilings. For example placement of rods for curtains, placement of shelves, furniture height. and making the room “look” less squat– or alternatively more cozy when sitting at the bottom of all that “high up” space. Thanks!
I don’t do seasonal decor except a 4×6 xmas tree in snow wall tapestry on a wall for a month in December (that’s my xmas tree). However I understand people’s need for pageantry. It signals a passing of time and season that’s beholders joy. HomeGoods can never tempted me with its seasonal decor display lol.
I have to disagree with the food container point though… only because I spend A LOT of time in my kitchen, so for me, it actually is important to have a coherent and beautiful pantry. It makes me glad to be in the kitchen when everything is well organized and in high quality containers. However, I will say that I bought my “fancy” containers at Ross, and I also buy the stackable cylindrical plastic containers that come in large quantities on Amazon. So, high and low end lol. Thanks for article 🙂 lots of good points
Also great for finding things cheaper: reverse image search. Grab the picture from the online store and use Google reverse image search or tineye to see if anyone else uses that exact picture. Taking pictures for an online shop is somewhat expensive so a surprising lot of shops use pictures that the supplier gives them. That means you can easily find all the others selling the same item with a reverse image search and compare prices among them.
And for pillow covers! If you don’t have a pillow insert but want a new look for your current decorative pillows, bring them to a fabric store, get some fabric glue and and zipper or Velcro, pick out your own fabric! They’ll measure for you to fit the pillow, and you have so many options! Sooo cheap and functional
Okay hay usual I agree with other things you say, I buy a thrift stores and Goodwill I have 15 days to return and I try sometimes the sculptures are worth $1,500 for 7$ paintings that are worth $900 for $8, what you buy at Goodwill can be signed pieces or much more valuable and unique than at honegoods.
I want to have inserts and pillow covers to swap out seasonally but I can’t find a good down alternative pillow. The ikea pillows are honestly so FLAT. I want something I can also use to lay on if I am on the couch. Any tips or sites that have big pillow inserts (18×18 or 22×22) down alternative pillows? Also, any place you like that have a variety of cover options? I know Ikea has some, any others?
I have a couple of coffee table books that are for USE (for guests to look at if they are relaxing in the living room). They are on the bottom shelf of the table, with nothing on top of them so they can actually be used. I can’t stand “flat lay” book decor – it’s so obvious that they are not to be read. If you need to elevate a lamp, get a decorative box or something. Book lover’s rant over 🙂
Thank you so much for the info. Pillows are so expensive and I just found out that Ikea has pillow covers, yeah. Everything you mentioned is so true especially the books, I love Tom Ford but I’ll borrow his book from the library and bring it back on time so I don’t pay a fine. As for Home Goods and T J Maxx I feel that the quality has really declined in their stock and I hardly every go in there except I am looking for a rug and I’m definitely using your advice. You make sense that’s why I love your articles and look forward to perusal them.
Check with your local thrift store most do returns even with 2021 going on. Also know your brands for thrifting, if it doesn’t work it’s easier to resale if it’s a know name or brand. I’d also look outside of just goodwill stores and see what thrift stores are doing in your community. I shop at ST Vincent de Paul because it’s a volunteer-based program and has a huge impact on my community. I’d rather waste five dollars there because it goes to the community i.e the food bank, clothing vouchers and other great programs.
where were you when I was 18 and first married…LOL!?! I regret SooooooooooOOOOO! much purchasing, especially because we ended up moving quite a bit. Decorations for windows would have to be the biggest though. In the 90’s I had over 50 lbs of curtains that couldnt be used from one place to another. Lesson Learned…most dayz🤪🤫🤓🤓🤓
Well I am going to say KEEP BUYING those books but buy them from your local Friends of the Library book sales or stores. From coffee table books, to cook books. This goes for decorators as well. We have these books in great condition and we also have volunteers who repair books. You will get quality books at much lower costs so BUY THOSE BOOKS from your Friends of the Library and when you do you are putting revenue into sources that fund needed programs and services in your communities!!!!
Good article but I want to point out one thing. If you buy from Goodwill or other secondhand stores versus Home Goods or other major stores you are reusing goods which is good for the environment. I will always choose to spend $100 at a second hand store over $100 at a brand name store. Also many second hand stores are locally owned or are charity stores. And Amazon, while convenient and inexpensive, is not a good company to support. We need to support businesses that are good for the environment, are locally owned, give back to the community, and treat their employees respectfully.
Another nice thing about pillow inserts is that they won’t need to be washed/cleaned as often as the cover so it’s easier to keep them clean, fresh and looking nice. Also, use oversized inserts to achieve a really plush, full pillow look. Look for decor pieces at thrifts stores, estate sales, garage sales. People’s styles do change over time and you can find some really high quality decor items on a budget. Artworks can be commissioned by emerging artists in your area. This helps emerging artists and elevates your home as well. Plus you never know if you will be supporting the next Jackson Pollock or Cindy Sherman; just make sure that the artwork speaks to you and you love it. As a long time DIYer I can bones say approach DIYs with realistic expectations. Fact is there are some things that while yes, you CAN do it yourself but it may just save you time and money to buy it or pay someone to do it. I’m pretty willing to tackle most projects but I won’t lie and say that some of these didn’t end up being more expensive in the end, take up way more of my time and some things are just outside of my wheelhouse when it comes to my skill level. For example: I do not sew. Not a single stitch. So it would cost me more in time and materials than it does to just buy curtain panels. This also includes tools. DIYs are great but you will not only need materials but also the tools in many cases to complete the DIY. If you don’t have a large collection of various tools or a place to store said tools it may be best to just purchase the item.
I worked at a very high end furniture store. We sold Baker, Henredon and most other high end brands. People would come in and use our free design services and have us show them everything they wanted. Then they went and ordered it themselves. I get so angry when people advise you to go to a store and look at their stuff and buy elsewhere. That store has to pay for their store, pay employees and pay for all the inventory. If you buy that way, you are STEALING!!!
I’m glad the “buy with intention” came up. That’s something I have trouble with, but have been working on. For the Holiday/ season decor, I would suggest that the majority of the stuff you buy are just for the season itself, with a few of them for each holiday. Fall is a big season in my household, and so a pumpkin with seasonal items and signs would be the most I would have, and then switch out an apple (back to school) to a black cat (halloween) to (a turkey, or cornucopia, ro something thanksgiving like), as the holidays change within the season. I’m including the pallets change as a seasonal thing.
For seasonal decor I’m a big fan of a seasonal door wreath. They’re easy to store and can be enjoyed by not just you but your whole neighborhood as well. And especially since it’s a pandemic and people aren’t really visiting us in our homes, it makes sense to focus the impact on something actually visible to others. Plus wreaths are super easy to DIY and customize to your specific style. And inside maybe focus on a fresh seasonal grocery store bouquet to add some seasonality in something that you won’t have to store. Or if you have a garden or access to wild areas outside you can make floral arrangements for free.
KB…Thank you for all of the hard-hitting decorating and purchasing TRUTHS. The seasonal decor one really hit home…I still have a stack of Easter stuff that I have to find a spot to store. I love the idea of picking a spot to change every season. You are awesome…and by the way…I think you have been looking even more classy and beautiful.
I have a few small spaces in my home where I place seasonal decor. There’s a spot in my kitchen where I change out a small hanging plaque. In my dining room, I change out the runner on my table and a small display on my hutch. In my bathroom, I change out the flower arrangement on the wall, and a small shelf that’s just large enough for a small plant. In my daughter’s room, I change the small display on her shelf. Literally, every holiday fits in a small dresser in our guest room. If I see something that’s great and I love- I get it, so long as it can fit in one of those spaces. If it can’t, I let it go. No sense in cluttering up our space when it’s only out for a short time.
My first thought about decorative pillows was exactly that. You can just wash the covers easily. I actually bought a couch at IKEA since we needed to get a smaller one to fit in our new living room and one thing I do like is that I can just take the cushion covers and throw them in the washer as easy as that. Plus, if I ever want to change the color I can just go buy different covers.
I disagree with the coffee table books that are boxes. How about using books that reflect your interests? The boxes are not meaningful and therefore I feel they serve no purpose. It’s just trying to get a look in a cheap way. Investing in your space over time is has a much better impact. We love hiking and camping. So we have a beautiful Yosemite book we got when we were there. We have a best day hikes in America that have amazing pictures. We have a few others that reflect our love of the outdoors. It works with our decor and has meaning. We’ve enjoyed looking through them.
Love this article Kiva. Agreed with the coffee table books – they can be so expensive and I’d end up “reading” them only once lol. I do disagree about how you’d lose money when you thrift at Goodwill etc. Almost 100% of the time, I’d make money on the things I thrifted and end up selling after I’m tired of them.
Can I just say… Eff YouTube. Ridiculous that simply scrolling down is enough to cancel my comment draft. So dumb. Anyway, what I WAS going to say before this busted platform so rudely interrupted was… For the holiday decor, you could also do a dollar-store minimalist piece. Painted wooden blocks, a vase with ribbon and marbles, a bucket with decorative utensils, etc. You can swap out the colors as the seasons change, like Kiva mentioned with the pillows. Swap the red ribbon with yellow, orange for white, and so on. You can even reuse some colors in multiple holidays/seasons (both Valentine’s Day and Christmas use red). That was a summary of the more-detailed comment that YouTube stole from me. As for what YouTube can stick where the sun don’t shine, I’ll leave that to the imagination.
Buying at Salvation Army I bought a silver plate antique Persian box for $6.99 and sold it in about 12 hrs on ebay for $199. That’s just one example. You can find things that were priced by people that don’t know what they were pricing. I’ve found Lalique plates for 99 cents. A signed Steuben compote for $13.99 and that sold on ebay auction for around $140. That’s the only advice I disagree with. But otherwise an excellent segment. Much thanks.
You forgot one more plus for separate pillow inserts and covers ie storage…In Europe our houses are smaller… So my priorities are 1) easy to store when not in season eg Christmas, spring, Easter, colour changes and 2) cover removal for easy washing. I have a little bit of seasonal decor.. But high quality pieces, and special pieces (eg homemade or bought when traveling) that will last a lifetime and I only decorate in the dining/living room (not the whole house). This is typical in Europe… Just collect things slowly over years. Great tips👍. Love your website 😍. You seem to go totally against the “American interior design decoration way” 🤗. Halleluja! Finally someone who says don’t buy coffee table books! Most you tube interior designer s say buy them.. 50 to 150 USD a book.. Eg house of Valentina is obsessed with them! Nuts!.. They are clutter, more cleaning etc..maybe they are good for people who do not read books, but for book lovers, we have enough “real” reading books which can be used as part of our decor. Brilliant! Only buy what is on your list.. Do not impulse buy! Love love love… You are brilliant! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
KB Brought a blue sectional I love (big family) trying to decorate. Gold,bronze silver accents. 2 items in living are tan marble edge table with bronze legs and standing large tan flower pot (heavy) which I love . Have some ideas but not really sure. Oh yes, Parka flooring and white walls with foyer area. I’m stumped. THROW PILLOW great ! And seasonal items awesome
Thank you, I didn’t think about changing the pillow covers for the season 😍 will have fun with that!! I don’t buy decor every season, I actually barely decorate. I hate dusting so don’t like buying things that will make my life harder. And my mom always buy stuff and says “it was only $5” and that way she buys bags of stuff that each costed a few bucks… ends up spending $60-100 each week. So change does matters!
Just seen your article, clicked on it. Bought this picture frame yesterday for $100 from hobby lobby. So I was curious and decided to see if I could find it else where cheaper, so I looked it up just to find out that online at HobbyLobby the picture is $45.99 (on sale)!!!!!!!!! I will be retuning and repurchasing for cheaper… you are a blessing with your articles.
Thank-you for your no nonsense, practical, informative but not pushing down our throats approach to the aesthetics of what to and what not to do regarding home design! P.S. I love OXO but you have opened my brain to think “inside” the box. Thanks for that! I will definitely consider other options for my food storage. What got me is the $2 cereal in a $20 container! Things that make you go hmmmm.😏😏😏Thanks Kiva!
Better yet, sew your own pillow covers from cloth napkins. Where you buying cereal? 😄 It’s like $8 here! 🙈 Use mason jars for food storage. Totally agree on seasonal stuff! Smart having a seasonal area instead of the whole house. Our neighbors used an off site storage place for their seasonal decor! 🤦🏼♀️Thanks for saving me $$!
Hi Miss Kiva, guilty as charged……I was terrible when it came to decor for the holidays!!! My Mom always decorated for the holidays, when she would be out on vaca with my Dad and see something I would like she would get it for me and vise versa after she passed away being an only child, I kept everything my parents had not wanting to let go of anything. Now I have double decor on almost everything for the holidays. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Easter, V-Day. So Fr fr I have like 20 totes in my spare room all piled up on one wall plus stuffed animals I’ve had since I was a kid all in excellent shape, tissue paper wrapped in a massive box and I always say there are kids out there that would love these and I would start to go through the box and the memories would flood my head and eyes and I couldn’t do it. I don’t know I think maybe if I let go of these precious things I’ll lose the memories that go with them. Oh wow just putting all my business out there huh??!! But you are so so right about a small space for holiday decor and pillows and containers etc. I wish I had you as a neighbor here in upstate NY to maybe be a little firm with me and help me downsize some of my holiday decor as I’m an only child and it’s really hard……..💗💗 Thank You Kiva for all you do
I LOVE cheaper! I never buy an item if I know I can buy the same exact item elsewhere for less. I don’t really consider myself cheap, but I cannot stand it when someone else pays less! That does include cars, something HARD to buy when you want the best price. They will rip you off one way or another! I loved this article! Thank you.
Glad somebody finally brought up coffee table books! It just look silly when everyone gets the same books about Chanel, YSL etc. – even people who don´t actually care about fashion! Also, a house full of fashion coffee table books makes the person seem kind of vain 😅 Books on history, travel, nature, classic literature, etc. are a much better choice.
Wait a minute now ma’am! You will not sit here talking about my seasonal decor!😂😂 Nah but for real, we use it for our dining table and kitchen. All prices Are stored and used again every year. I’ve gotten my monies worth plus some. And guess what? I don’t spend tons of money. I get what I love to see and run with it. Now those expensive table books that people are getting is weird to me. I have tackle books but it’s something I’ve read time and time again and ones that my guest love picking up to read. Great books don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. And I promise you. I’m more than likely not going to think you have great style just because you bought a book from a clothing designer 👀. Keep decorating fun.
Yes!!! So much great advice in one article! I have a designated Christmas box. If it doesn’t fit in there, I’m not allowed to buy it. If I just need to have it then I force myself to give something else away in order to fit it. Also, you are so right, every single dollar adds up! Buying something you can’t use is literally throwing money away. My style is more colorful and maximalist but your advice in all your articles are great for all styles! 💗
Yassss, this is what the YouTube interior design community needs! If I see another unused coffee table book 🤣 and those homegoods pillows can be a little gross. I had an epiphany on the business model of Home Goods, and why it is so easy to go in there and come out with a cart full of stuff you’ll never use 1. It’s always crowded 2. Everything is sold in very limited supply 3. Nothing is organized so it literally creates a stressful mind experience of I need to leave this place asap and I’m never going to find another item like this again. Anyway, keep giving tips that are against the grain because many of us cant afford to go into debt to have a home like our favorite YouTube interior designers and what we really need is just a little more common sense.
Agreed about the issue with pillows. I feel the same regarding duvets. Food storage containers, spot on. Easy to clean is way more important. I have used Pringle chip cans w/ silica packets, both free (silica packets are reusable). I now use old instant coffee jars. I told all my friends, put ad on local FB page, again free. Gave the Pringle ones to a teacher for her class organization, kept my silica packs. When I travel I buy a book of that place and that is it aside from a few post cards. I do look at them often a few times a week. I don’t have a TV so it is a nice way to disconnect and I go through the memories with friends. I keep photos and measurements in my phone for the same reason.
Back in 2019, I thought I ordered pillows from Amazon 🤦🏾♀️but, they were actually pillow covers and a light went off in my head that I should of used covers a long time ago. You live and you learn. The containers from dollar tree does that job, I have my cabinets neat and organized. Thanks for the tips!
That Tom Ford coffee table book is the new hotel Eiffel tower picture, or painting of grapes and wine. No individuality and super cliche. Anything branded like that — nah. Try something more personal like a sculpture you found while traveling, your favorite plant or fresh flowers, and a cluster of votives/tea lights.
I purchased the OXO containers set and a few more pieces during Christmas/Black Friday on sale. Afterwards I started going to home goods once a week to find them. I always buy all of the OXO, Home Edit and other clear containers and storage trays, take them home, use the ones I need and take the rest back. I use them everywhere from the kitchen to the bed and bathrooms.
I have given up most plastic food storage for the IKEA glass storage with the plastic tops. They are moderately expensive, but they last ans last, are microwave safe and even look nice for daily serving of food. The tops often fit several depths of container, so you aren’t hunting for the “right” top for the container.
You should absolutely buy the $50 container if you’re battling pantry moths. So many of the cheaper containers that claim to be water and air tight (and therefore protect against those pantry bugs) don’t actually have a sufficient seal. Trying to rely on the cheap containers just results in throwing away food time and again.
I worked at (unnamed retailer) in the home/kitchen/bath/decor area for a year and what I learned is there is really only one plastic container brand that’s worth your money and it’s Rubbermaid Brilliance. I can’t tell you the amount of times xoxo products broke/cracked before we even got them to the floor and I agree piece meal & not sets. Your website is Bomb KB and your advise is always spot on. Thank you for all that you do! -organizing enthusiast
My sofa came with some fugly pillows. About a year ago I started buying throw pillow covers on Amazon for different holidays and seasons. It’s an easy way to freshen the look – use pillows I otherwise wouldn’t have – and like you said it’s easier to clean them in the sink than the actual pillow. That’s definitely good advice 👍