I've given a lot of thought to my DIY projects. I search the Internet for ideas. The thing I enjoy the most is looking at other blogs that focus on home decor. But they can be my worst enemy at times too. Why? Because I don't always feel I can measure up. The problem with looking at what other people do is I tend to compare myself with them - oh boy, that can be a big mistake if I'm not careful I can become discouraged.
We will always find someone who can do it better than us.
The key is to realize that and use their example as inspiration rather than let it defeat or discourage us.
Some of the home decor blogs are amazing! They have perfect houses and perfect photography to share their home decor. Oh, and let's not forget, they have perfect writing styles, and even perfect pictures of themselves on their sidebar where they introduce themselves.
I'm not perfect. I hate to break it to you. But I am ME and I am happy to be me. Good thing, because I can't be them and I can't be you.
Nor should I want to.
Life would be boring if we were all the same.
The thing is, I don't have the resources others have - or appear to have. That's partly why I started this DIY blog. Maybe you don't have lots of money either.
Let me encourage you.
You can have a comfotable, beautiful home that you can enjoy even if you don't have a boat load of money.
There are some parts of my home, particularly my kitchen that when I walk in, I can't help but smile.
(Glass Jar - $1.00 Goodwill, Tiered Glassware and Punch Bowl - gifts, Mug Art and Mug $4.00 at a consignment shop, Fall Leaves - 75 cents clearanced at Michaels, Jelly Jar - gift from years ago painted, Birdhouse - prize at Bridal Shower)
I don't have extra money and I love my home. I think it's beautiful inside. Others might not think so, but they don't live here. I do.
You are the only one you need to make happy with your home decor...well, ok, maybe you should consider your husband too, but only if he cares. I'm fortunate my DH doesn't really have an opinion about our home decor. He just wants me to be happy. Yep. I know. I've got it made.
Decorate with purpose - to make YOU and your family happy. Use things in your home that make you smile whenever you look at them.
Here are ten things to consider.
1. Decide what you like and focus on making your home fit your style. Make a plan!
2. If your finances are tight then determine to be patient and look for amazing deals that fit your plan. Self control is needed here.
(Glass Photo Cutting Board - Free from Shutterfly, a Christmas promotion, Antique Mason Jars - gift from a friend)
3. Know what you are looking for and search everywhere you go. I am on a constant mission. If you don't know what you are looking for, then you'll not find it. You need to exercise patience. This is a good time to work on that. I even have my husband looking for me! NOTE: It helps to have patient family and friends. I'm constantly saying, "Oh, this would be cool for my blog, " or, "Take pictures so I can blog about it!"
My Friend Lisa's Antique Door Knobs
4. As you look online and at other homes, file away in your mind the things you like and don't like. This will come in handy when you are out looking for your treasures. Pinterest is a good place to look for ideas.
5. Re-purpose, re-purpose, re-purpose! Look at what you already have and figure out if you can change it to fit your needs.
Wine Rack Repurposed into a Towel Holder
6. In every store - whether online or in town, scour the clearance aisles. You'd be surpised the things I've found on the cheap. Sometimes you can find some really cool stuff in out of the way places. Recently I found two stainless steel napkin rings that say, "FAMILY" on one side and "FRIENDS" on the other for just 50 cents at Kohls. I'm sure I won't use them as napkin rings, oh the possibilites!
(Bird Cage stuffed with Dried Leaves - Clearance at Michaels, $3.00 (I searched for the perfect and "cheap cheap" bird cage for weeks!)
7. Shop garage sales and consignment shops. "One man's junk IS another man's treasure!" This is so true. Sometimes I pick up things and tuck them away for another day - sometimes I have no idea how I will use them but see potential for the price of a song.
(Basket - 50% off at Hobby Lobby, $3.00. Owl - free at Kohls w/ $10 off $10 coupon.)
8. Tell your family and friends about your grand plans. Sometimes friends might have just the thing you need and they think it's junk! Like pallets for example - many people have them laying around outside their garages and barns. Oooo boy. They are nicely weathered and old looking. Just the ticket for some DIY projects. Ever looked on Pinterest for pallet ideas? Ooodles of ideas!
9. Take your time to put together your home decor. Sure, others out there hire a decorator or just decide one day to re-do a room and just go out and buy everyting they want. Hellloooo! I can't do that! I've spent a year working on my new home and am just starting to get to where I'm feeling it's a bit decorated.
10. Be content with what you have. That doesn't mean you can't plan and change what you have. It just means your heart is content as you wait for things to fall into place and you work at get what you want.
We moved to Wausau 2 1/2 years ago. We started out renting because I wanted just the right house. We looked for 2 years and finally found one that was just right for us (A LOT of prayer went into the quest!).Then we repainted every bit of the inside to give us a place of comfort before we moved in (I would have gone crazy looking at orange sponge painted over yellow walls every day!). I've spent the last year working on decorating it, one little space at a time. Money is tight and I've had to take my time, but I believe my life is better for it. It's been such fun to hunt down the right things, find deals and take the time to make it work.
Let's recap.
Plan. Be in Control. Search. Remember. Re-purpose.
Be frugal. Buy used. Enlist others. Be patient. Be content.
Enjoy.
