Ever find yourself fingering a new towel set or enchanted by lovely drapery panels when you’re out and about, only to wish you could remember the exact shade of blue you’d painted that bathroom? Returns are no fun, and you never know when you’ll stumble on that well-priced must have item. Should you pull the trigger or not? Dilemma solved. Start a Design Diary for your home.
Image from seejanework.com
It’s an easy practice to start. Pick up a purse (diaper bag, backpack, small suitcase, whatever you’re carrying these days) sized notebook. We like these from See Jane Work.
In your diary you can designate a few pages for each room. Make a list of the items you’re searching for (window treatments, art, towels, bedspreads, lamps, furniture, accessories, etc.). If you’ve painted already and are happy with the outcome, tape the paint chip from the paint store right on the page. Staple in any fabric swatches. (No one will ever notice the small cut from your dust ruffle!) You can also attach pictures from magazines and catalogs that inspire you. That way, when you find yourself at HomeGoods with only 10 minutes to spare before your lunch hour is over or you need to pick up the kids, you can consult your design diary to determine whether that bath mat you’re contemplating will work with your colors, and whether you actually NEED it.
You can also use your design diary as a record for work you’ve had done in your home, and as a place to collect business cards from quality contractors whom you’d like to call again should the need arise.
It’s easy to tailor this concept to your home’s design needs, but making it portable is key. When you have it at the ready, you can avoid the whole “seemed like a good idea at the time” kind of buyer’s remorse that sends you straight back to the returns lane.
0 comments:
Post a Comment