Project Prettify! | Design The Life you Love
I can't get enough of home inspo on Instagram. I know I talk about Instagram waaaay too much, but it really is the place to go if you want to see what's in and what's trending in interior design - and not just the stuff found in magazines and other published media - in real homes with real people who just love designing and styling.
Instagram is like a black hole because I could literally get lost for days scrolling through people's feeds, so I usually have to control my urge. It just amazes me how many talented creatives there are on Instagram. That's why I'm so addicted - because it opens my eyes to so much diversity in ideas and creativity, which in turn, makes me a better creative and inspires me to try something different. I've discovered my love for so many interior design styles through it, which brings me to the point of this post.
I've always been into interior design, and looking back, I can see that from early-on, I've always gravitated toward it. One of the first careers that I wanted to pursue was in interior design, and growing up, I was always the one rearranging the house and trying to convince my mom to buy home decor or paint the walls. I'm the type of person that would rather spend money on a pretty piece of home decor first than anything else I love - and I do love my fair share of girly things like clothes, makeup, bags, and shoes, so that says a lot!
Lately, I've been feeling pulled toward simplifying my home and wanting to start from scratch. Over the years, my design tastes have drastically changed as well as what I value most in life and in my home. My husband and I have really figured out what's really important and what we want out of life in the short and long term. Quality over quantity has always been my motto, so I really want to create a space that represents that. I also want to get rid of the excess and create a cohesive design and style that I feel speaks for me and allows me to really look at my home and say, yeah, this is so me! I remember reading something to that effect in Emily Henderson's book, "Styled". If someone were to walk into your home, would they be able to gather about what type of person you are or would there be a disconnect? With a budget close to zero, starting from zilch seems like shooting myself in the foot, so here comes the why and how.
So, for my why, I really want to start applying the motto "design the life you love" to every area of my life. I also believe in adopting a minimalist lifestyle, which I plan to get into more in another post. I desire a home that matches my tastes and that I can be inspired by and inspire others with. For so many years I'd always say, maybe someday when I own my own home, I'll do this and that, but I've realized that someday rarely ever pulls through. The only time we have is now. I want my home to represent my family and me, so that is my goal. I want it to be an inspiring place that I can be proud of even if it is just a rental. Home is where the heart is, right!
As for my how, my plan is to sell the old stuff I do have (furniture, misc. items, AKA "junk", etc.) and liquidate it into cash. The money will be used toward projects around the house where I can create a space for less by doing DIY projects and purchasing staple pieces that will go a long way toward the function of my home. The remaining cash balance will go toward debt, which is one of the main reasons I came up with this idea. I mean, why not sell everything, get cash out of it, use it to create a brand new space I actually love - for less - and then have leftover cash to put toward bills? Sounds like a no-brainer to me!
Being that I'm going for a minimalist look, I think I can pull it off. It will be a fun challenge to take on, and I'm excited just talking about it. We will be downsizing greatly and deciding what's more important by restructuring our home, not only in a financial sense but a design sense. I still can't decide exactly what style I'm going for, but I do know that I've been loving modern Scandinavian/Nordic, mid-century modern, and bohemian design. Let's hope that I can make up my mind soon.
Here are some inspiring spaces I've been adoring lately!
via 100 Layer Cake
via Gimmii
via Binti Home Blog
via Fjeldborg
In summary, I feel that nothing in life should make you feel like you are stuck with it, so if there's anything you want to ever change, be it as small as the color of your nails or more drastic like revamping your home, always know that you can do it. Life is all about change, and change is necessary for growth. In my case, I feel like taking this step is one of those things. What you surround yourself with, there you are, so why not make it count! Create your best life and live it as authentically you as possible. This is the journey I'm on at this point, and I am excited to share the process with you so that you can gain inspiration from it. Stay tuned for more to come in this series: Project Prettify!
What do you think? Would you be up for selling all of your furniture to create an entirely new space? I'd love to hear what you think in the comments below!