AN interior designer has urged homeowners to reign back on their design ambitions.
Despite their best intentions, they will never make your home look like a Pinterest house.
Intead, come back down to earth, plant your feet firmly on the ground, and follow her design tips that are actually usable.
Holly Kalisher has 35 years of fashion and interior design experience and expertly naviages paint palettes and textile swatches.
She knows many people hanker after a Pinterest-style home design.
But do places like that really exist? Or are they too good to be true.
The glossy images are certainly seductive and we’ve all been guilty of fantasizing about the perfect home.
“Stop right there,” said Holly and get a reality check on your design ambitions.
“Before you set the bar so high that it will take the rest of your life to reach, come back down to earth and realize that your home will never look exactly like what you see online,” said Holly.
Online platforms are often one-dimensional. How often do you see homes that are messy, washing-up piled up, cushions and papers strewn across the room?
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These scenarios do not make great photo opportunties.
Holly demystifies the beautiful images of homes on Pinterest.
They are, she said, often staged, and she proves her point with a fun game.
What, she challenges viewers, is missing from pictures of exquisite homes?
She can help you out, but you might want to think of a few more of your own.
- Air dryers
- Recyling
- Trash cans
- Remote controls
- Phone chargers
- Tissue boxes
- Food
- Television cords and wires
- Washing-up
- Muddy shoes and boots
- Unmade beds
- Peeling wall paper
AIM FOR THE ACHIEVABLE
Holly said you have to look beyond the allure of Pinterest homes and aim for something far more achieveable.
“The key to success is to be realistic in your expectations,” she said.
“You have to be careful that the sofa you are eyeing will go with that end table and chair from another ‘pin.’”
Budget interior design tips
Interior designer Judy Hoang shared her furniture tips with The U.S. Sun.
- Thrift furniture and paint it to match your decor.
- Test if an item is fit for its purpose before thrifting.
- Shop at Target or HomeGoods for rugs, lamps, desks, and pillows.
- Invest in classic timeless pieces.
- Set up smart home lighting to save money.
Ask yourself, ‘will the elements of the room mesh well together?’
Take stock of your desired decor likes. Do they really suit your lifestyle and needs.
If you have children, dogs, and guinea pigs, then a minimalist, white aesthetic is probably not going to suit your needs.
Ditch aiming for perfection, she advised, and instead aim for good vibes.
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“Start small with a simple idea and go from there,” she said.
“Avoid trends and stick with ideas and items that are ‘timeless.’ Make your life simple and create beautiful but lived-in surroundings that add comfort,” she said in conclusion.