If you're like many homeowners and you're struggling to find a cohesive well thought design for your home, you often seek out information from, well sites like this, youtube, television etc. The problem is, more often than not you're deluged with a ton of suggestions that just don't work with your lifestyle, nor your budget. This can leave you feeling like the time and effort you invest in your space is a complete waste. Don't fret, we all have to start somewhere and sometimes interior designers forget about the budget friendly middle America point of view. Here's a few things on when you should absolutely ignore the pros and their advice:
1. Design Pros- "Never buy all your furniture from one place and/or in a set..."
Many interior designers espouse this as some sort of cardinal rule of thumb as it pertains to their viewers. Seldom do they realize that most people buy these sets because it is economical and regardless of what they think, assures a look that is in fact cohesive and easier for the average homeowner to design around. When you're just starting out, have yet to fully understand your own tastes and how to pull a room together with mismatched pieces, buying sets of furniture make sense.
2.Design Pros- " Only purchase all natural fibers in textiles.."
Yes, on first glance this may seem like wonderful advice, as all natural fibers in textiles are often softer and are usually handwoven pieces and can be very sustainable over time. They look better and create visual texture and interest while offering optimal comfort. However, many textiles, like toss pillows, throws, area rugs, drapes etc that are natural fibers can be expensive, and even if you find a good sale you absolutely must factor in your lifestyle. You have to determine if its a practical choice for your family. Families with children or pets may find making these investments can backfire as not all natural handwoven pieces can be easily cleaned, aren't always stain resistant, child or pet friendly. Proceed with caution when making this investment and factor in these things.
3. Design Pros- "Feel free to mix metals and different wood tones"
If done right mixing various metal fixtures and wood finishes can be a really cool design in your space. Contrast always creates interest. However, many designers fail to educate on how to do this correctly, or they give a brief explanation with little context. Mixing different finishes so that it looks cohesive is not an easy task if you are a new homeowner and are still figuring out your design style. It is better to stick with the tried and true until you have time to establish the right way to blend woods and metals. If you aren't sure how to do this, take your time, avoid major investments and wait until you have had time to live in a space. Rome wasn't built in a day.
5. Do" this not that" advice
Again this boils down to the expert making assumptions that may not be in line with what their viewers or readers need. Many of the suggestions pros give are not factoring in personal tastes, affordability, or long standing design value. Trends are going to come and go and you can spend a lot of time and money trying to keep up. Think practicality vs affordability and do what will work for you at this time in your life. Choices that make sense for you at 30 with three kids may demand you look for things that are durable and affordable. Design options tend to expand with time and you may be able to go high end or develop a broader sense of what your design aesthetic later on as your lifestyle and family needs change. Until then, get the basics, and don't worry about following designer advice to the utmost. Do what works for you!
