Home Sweet Home
Article & Photos by Ali Massey, Ali Michelle Interiors
Whether you live in a brand new house, or are living in a 1990s fixer upper, decorating your space can help you love the home you’re in. It’s easy to achieve a stylish, yet comfortable home by following these simple tricks.
DECLUTTER & ORGANIZE
The first step to creating a relaxing space where you can rest at the end of the day is to declutter and get organized! Go through your closets and donate clothes, toys, and games that your children don’t play with anymore. Go through that stack of papers that has been sitting on your counter for weeks. Incorporate baskets and bins throughout your home to hold items like magazines, shoes, beauty products, and more. I also like to use trays as a base for objects. It gives the items in the tray a “home” while keeping your counters clear and easy to clean around. You should now have a clean space to start building your design!
You’ll be amazed how adding the right furniture and a balance of textures and color will turn your house into a home!
ESTABLISH A PLAN & BUDGET
Before you begin decorating, always establish a budget and determine what goals you want for the space. It’s tempting to buy décor the moment it catches your eye; but, oftentimes people find themselves spending more money while being left with décor they don’t have a place for. By coming up with a plan, you know exactly what you need and a better idea of how much you can spend per item. This will also cut down your time shopping by staying focused and not questioning, “do I really need this?”
Once you have a budget for a room, ask yourself where you want to save on items and where you want to splurge. You may want to allocate most of your budget to the furniture you use daily, or a focal piece of art. I also recommend splurging on bedding and linens if you can. After all, this is where you sleep every night, so why not make it plush and comfortable? Items to consider saving on might include an accent table, vases, candle holders, etc. There are many budget-friendly stores that offer beautiful home décor.
MAKE IT FUNCTIONAL
When you come up with a plan, make sure it is functional for you family’s daily needs. If you have small children or pets, shop for furniture with durable, easy to clean surfaces such as wood or leather. You might also consider slip-covered chairs or sofas. When shopping, also try to purchase items that have dual purposes. If you want to use a large ottoman as a coffee table, you might look for one that has hidden storage for toys or blankets. If you are searching for an entry table, try to find one with a drawer or cabinets to hide mail and keys. This goes back to having an organized and clutter-free home!
ADD SOME ACCENTS
This is the fun part and the best way to personalize your home! Now that you have the main pieces picked out, add some style with an accent chair and trendy pillows. A nice throw blanket and pops of greenery (real or fake) will make your home feel cozy and inviting for guests. Personalize your space by scattering a few framed family photos and monogramed items such as table linens or hand towels in the bathroom. Don’t spend too much on accent pieces so that you can change them out with the seasons.
Ali Massey is an Interior Designer & Home Stylist in College Station, TX. Her business, Ali Michelle Interiors, offers consultations, selections, and all-inclusive interior design & styling. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University, Class of 2006.