What's NOT Foolish in your Home!
- tianafordelight
- Apr 1, 2025
- 5 min read
Happy April Fool's Day Everyone! Even though I'm based in the U.S. and there is nothing to be foolish about right now, I'm still here to bring you your bi-monthly dose of Delight! We're going to deep dive into the world of design to ensure you bring the intentional delight into your home even in grim times. Let's talk design regarding what's not foolish to have in your home!
Identify What Sparks Delight for You
Before diving into decorating, take a moment to reflect on what truly makes you happy. For me, this means surrounding myself with items I love, pictures of family and cool calming favorite colors of mine like deep blues or sea blues. Being raised in San Diego truly brought a love for the ocean and I tend to bring that love of home wherever I live. Continue reading to learn some tips on decorating your home to create delight for you!
Create a Joy List:
Consider making a list of items that bring you delight or evoke positive memories. This can range from a favorite piece of art to cherished heirlooms or travel souvenirs. For example, a vibrant painting from a local artist can lift your spirits, while a vintage clock passed down from a grandparent can spark fond memories. Keep only what you truly love so your home doesn't get too cluttered. I love spring as "spring cleaning" is a true adage. Have no qualms about getting rid of what no longer serves you in your home.
Zones for Different Activities
After identifying what brings me joy, I focus on creating distinct zones in my home for different activities. This setup not only boosts focus but, as an interior designer who's big on function, zones create functionality and purpose. It creates a mood of everything being put together and organized. If you want peace in your home, an organized zoned home is an essential to-do.
Examples of Activity Zones:
Reading Nook: A cozy reading nook by a window, featuring a soft chair, a bookshelf, and a small table for tea. This space becomes a personal retreat, enhanced by warm lighting and plush textures. This can be in an odd corner of a living room, bedroom, or basement. For my readers and my nappers, this is for you.
Dining Area: Is your family more of a casual dinner family, or do you love formal dinner parties with guests? Well, designing that space with intentionality will give you that format. My family is definitely casual, and we have been blessed with a breakfast nook that is definitely our weekday dinner space. The furniture is durable for the kiddos, with family and friends' annual pictures surrounding us. It creates that warm, fun space where people can feel comfortable playing some spades, eating some soul food, or having some hilarious conversations. Don't tell my husband, but I have plans to do built-in seating for a cool modern vibe in the near future. The cards, games, and pizza are REALLY going down now! (Shhhhh! Keep that a secret! Wink)
These intentionally dedicated spaces allow your family to enjoy various activities while ensuring that each area reflects its purpose.
Embrace DIY Projects
One of the most rewarding aspects of home design is creating unique pieces that reflect my personality. DIY projects not only save money but result in one-of-a-kind items that you won’t find in stores.
Incorporate DIY projects in ways that showcase your interests. Whether it's through painting furniture, creating fabric art, or refinishing thrift store finds, your creativity can lead to meaningful additions to your home. Also, don't forget the kids! Incorporating them on a pottery studio family excursion can lead to some cool pieces that willl remind them of core memories.
Color and Texture Matter
Color plays a vital role in setting the mood of a space. As mentioned, I opted for a soothing palette of soft blues and warm greens, complemented by earthy neutrals. Research shows that certain colors can influence emotions—blues can promote calm while greens can bring a sense of renewal.
In addition to color, varying textures add depth and interest. I introduced a mix of materials: wooden furniture, soft fabrics, and sleek metal accents. This combination creates a cozy yet visually appealing environment that brings harmony to my home.
Don't hesitate to experiment with different combinations until you find what resonates in your space!
Invest in Quality Over Quantity
While it’s tempting to fill your space with numerous items, I've found that investing in a few quality pieces makes a more significant visual impact.
Example of Quality Investment:
I purchased a high-quality, enduring sofa that complements my energetic family yet provides comfort. That comfort comes in the form of our sectional always having a chaise lounge, as those TV naps or snuggles can become essentials. This means I can enjoy my surroundings without worrying about frequent replacements.
Remember, having fewer carefully chosen items creates a more serene environment than a cluttered space filled with insignificant objects.
Keep It Personal
The beauty of creating your home lies in making it personal. Include elements that tell your story and reflect your unique identity. I love showcasing photographs of my family and important milestones across life. Each picture or piece brings back joyful memories.
Integrating your hobbies can also make a space feel personal. If you love cooking, displaying antique kitchen tools or growing herbs on your kitchen windowsill adds character and beauty, while also being practical.
Maintenance is Key
After creating your dream space, maintaining it is crucial for keeping the joy alive. Regular cleaning and organizing not only keep things looking beautiful but also contribute to a positive mindset.
Monthly Maintenance Tips:
I dedicate a few hours each month to declutter and rearrange when necessary. Small acts of maintenance keep my home feeling vibrant and inviting.
Additionally, don't shy away from changing things up. A new furniture layout or a fresh coat of paint can revitalize your space, reigniting delight and excitement. If you have children, as your children grow through stages, have they aged out of their current bedroom? If so, hire a designer (like yours truly) to ensure their rooms and spaces fit their current needs and bring them joy too. Happy teens have happy dreams!
Final Thoughts
Creating and maintaining spaces that spark delight requires thought, effort, and a splash of personal flair. By identifying what resonates with you, creating dedicated zones, embracing DIY creativity, focusing on color and texture, investing in quality, adding personal touches, and committing to regular maintenance, you can cultivate a living environment that nourishes your soul. Remember, it’s all about what makes you happy in your home—so let your personality shine through!
Make Everyday Beautiful,
Tiana
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