How to redecorate using items in your own house:
- Invite friends with good taste, who’s homes you like, over for drinks.
- Give them drinks
- Complain about your furniture arrangement
- Get out of their way
A few months ago, I did just this. My living room furniture has literally not been moved in 15 years. I am afraid to try this sort of thing because I have a decorating disorder. Our living room is the first room you see when you walk in our front door and we haven’t exactly been creating a great first impression. For fifteen years.
My friend Mary’s furniture is in a different configuration just about every time I go there. Her house has been described as a hug. It’s warm, inviting, comfortable, with just a few touches of whimsy and some bold color choices. Sarah’s house gives off that same vibe. Every time I visit, there seems to be some new touch. A vase, new throw pillows – it’s always fresh. (Plus it smells good thanks to her essential oil diffuser.)
I created some sort of decorating machine when I got the two of them, and a couple of bottles of wine, together. They tried one configuration after another. They got the dining room involved. They moved the couch to a different wall. They moved it into the center of the room, eventually deciding on a diagonal placement that transformed the place. They moved the carpet from the dining room into the living room. They moved a mis-matched wing chair to the basement. They sent one chair to the curb.
When they were finished, we sat in the new room and admired their work. (and drank some more wine) The room had a completely different feel to it. It's like they both left a hug in the room and I absolutely love it!