The Curation: Compact Desk, the Right Decorating Process, and Beautiful Space
Hey Everyone! This week I've composed a reminder on why we shouldn't rush the decorating process. You can emerge into that memo and get more inspired by having a read at the “Beautiful Space” section where LA interior stylist Scott Horne put his compact home together where every decor has its own place. Happy reading!
Scandinavian Style Solid Oak Desk, A$549, Temple&Webster (AU)
Otto Desk, $1099, West Elm
Felton Writing Desk, from $1799, Arhaus
Wave Desk, $1749, Burke Decor
Springwood Caning Desk, $197, Walmart
Stash Desk, from $995, Bludot
Walnut Desk with Outlet, from $799, Crate&Barrel
Alex, $270, IKEA
RIDSPÖ, $500, IKEA
Workmate Home Office Desk, A$675, Kóala (AU)
Weekly Learnings & Findings
Don’t Rush The Decorating Process
When it comes to designing or decorating a home, many people seem to think that everything has to be completed all at once, but that is completely false.
In fact, when you try to rush the whole process and are in a hurry to get a room “done”, you’re bound to make not-so-good choices and mistakes. You’ll find yourself filling a room with furniture and accessories that you don’t really need or like. A substitute is put in place straight away if something else isn’t available although you’re not actually that keen on it.
Slowing down can actually help you save money in the long run, and more importantly, you’ll be happier with the outcome if you don’t rush your decisions.
So, here’s a few things to keep in mind:
1. Nobody furnishes their whole house in one go
Apart from the essentials like a bed, table, and chairs, you don’t really “have to” fill the space now. Trust me, it can wait. If you want a more systematic approach, break down your project into two distinct stages:
Stage One is the items that you need immediately for the space to function. This is usually key furniture pieces like a bed and perhaps lighting.
Stage Two is the items you want but don’t necessarily need right away, things like a mirror, artwork, sideboard, etc.
Remember that you don’t need to finish everything all at once. Sometimes it can take years and that’s okay. This is real life, not a reality TV show where you have hundreds of sponsors and hours of editing just to show the good bits and pieces. I can guarantee that you’ll be happier with the outcome if you don’t rush your decisions.
2. Never buy things just to check a box.
Have you ever desperately needed a piece of furniture like a sofa, and without really feeling inspired or considering your space, you bought the first okay-ish piece that you stumbled upon? This is what buying just to check the box means, and it almost always leads to buyer's remorse. I know this because I’ve made this mistake in the past myself.
It’s better to hold off the purchase for a bit when you’re desperate and use your money to buy something that you actually like and that actually matches your space. Not having a sofa for a few weeks or months is not the end of the world, but buying something subpar, regretting it a month later, and having to face that regret every day is definitely not a good feeling.
3. Don’t buy without having a place in Mind
Impulse buying is rarely a good thing, especially when it comes to large furniture pieces.
If you’re looking for an accent chair and come across a good deal, then sure, grab it without a second thought. But if you just come across something nice and hoard it without a plan for where it’s going, that isn’t a good idea.
Always have a place in mind before you buy a major piece of furniture, and even better, have the measurements in mind to make sure it’ll fit.
You can collect smaller pieces like art or accessories without much thought as to where they’ll go as they’re easier to mix in. But even then, I’d still suggest buying with a place in mind and not just hoarding anything nice that you come across.
Most beautiful spaces you see have “evolved” with the owner over time. They change or buy pieces slowly, and all these rooms look like they have been curated over time. The result is a space that would speak to the person we were, and the person we hope to become. Our space should always be evolving.
Beautiful Space
1941 Streamline Moderne home | Written by Kerstin Czarra, Photography by Kort Havens, Styling by Scott Horne
Struggling with decorating your home?
Check out my Practical Home Design course where I cover a step-by-step process so you, yourself, can confidently make your own choices and design a home that you’ll love. I'll also provide you with guides, handbooks, templates, and a bunch of resources to aid your learning.
See you in a fortnight!
Reynard Lowell