Lessons Learned at a Home Decor Shop
For about a month, I've been working at a home decor/antiques shop a day or two per week. I thought it would be a nice way to get out of the house, hang out with some cool people, and take a break from my other work. But spending eight-hour days at a very stylish, busy decor store has also taught me many decorating lessons. And I wanted to share a few of them with you:
- You don't have to spend a fortune--it's all about presentation. Placing an inexpensive accessory in a grouping with pricier items makes the cheaper piece look much better. Mix lower-cost finds with things like expensive antiques, one-of-a-kind painted pieces, and your collectibles.
- Focus on color schemes. There are so many beautiful things in the shop where I work that I was overwhelmed when I first started working there. I was trying to redecorate my foyer, but noticed that all the pieces I was drawn to were ivory, white, or tan. But when I really thought about it, I realized that I need color in my foyer because it is already a bit on the dull side. I started focusing on the colors red and deep gold, and this saved me from buying pretty pieces that I wanted but that would not really fill my decorating needs.
- Think seasons, rather than holidays. There are approximately 1 million pumpkins (okay, not really) in our shop. Ceramic, tin, wood--you name it, we've got it. They're incredibly cute and people are snatching them up faster than we can put them out. But instead of focusing on Halloween or Thanksgiving or even Christmas home decor items, I have been focusing on items for fall. I've brought home garland in fall colors for my mantels, and ceramic squash, gourds, and other items for centerpieces and arrangements, since they can stay in my home from September through December. For individual holidays, I just add a few holiday-specific accessories to existing fall arrangements. This not only saves me time, it saves me money.
- Don't skimp on scents. I've always loved candles, and I often burn them in my home, especially when I'm entertaining. But I've never purchased expensive candles, because I didn't think they would make that much of a difference. But by the second day at the shop, I learned that I was wrong. When I light a Votivo or Caldrea or other type of higher-end candle, the scent literally fills the entire store all day long. They seem to last longer, the scents are much deeper (although not necessarily stronger), and many customers comment on the fabulous smell of the store.
- Go for emotion. We have a wall of signs in the shop that makes people just stop and think for a while. Many of the signs have inspirational sayings. My favorite: Prayers Go Up, Blessings Come Down. If something in a store, at a yard sale, or at a flea market makes you stop and smile and remember someone or something in your life, buy it, whether it's a painting, sign, or whatever. Fill your space with meaningful things and your time spent there will be just a little more special.
Comments
Excellent advice. I think most people forget that decorating your home should reflect your personality and not only copy what they see in magazines!
>Fill your space with meaningful things and your time spent there will be just a little more special.
That is a really good tip... the scented candles aren't a bad idea either. ;)
Posted by: Pete | October 27, 2006 05:09 AM
I kike your post. It is so true! Being myself a home decor store owner, I can relate to your post. and you are right, don't forget colors, it is amazing how much people are afraid of buying colorful items and yet it is so fun!
Posted by: Sophie | October 27, 2006 03:39 PM
Thanks for great advices.
I agree this is common mistake when decorating doesn't reflect personality, but just was copyed from somewhere.
Posted by: Jessica-C | November 3, 2006 02:11 AM