Great Design Doesn't Happen Overnight: It Takes Time

For years, I've enjoyed decorating my home and the homes of many of my friends and family members.  Several years ago, as my only child, Adelyn, was about to begin kindergarten, I received a call from one of my best friends, Carol Farley.  Carol and I had talked for years about decorating and our desire to have our own businesses.  Carol announced, "I'm opening a decorating consignment store.  Are you ready?"  The time was right.  I needed a new challenge in life so thus I jumped in feet first.  That seems to be how I approach everything in life so why not? 

Now, after being encouraged for a long time by Carol and others to start my own blog, I've decided again that I'm jumping feet first!  I am going to begin by describing my decorating philosophy.  In going into the decorating business, I decided my philosophy was key in how I decorate.  It's really pretty simple.  I believe that "Great Design Doesn't Happen Overnight:  It Takes Time."  I believe this is the most important thing for me to focus on and the most important information for my clients to know.  Let me explain.

Have you ever been in some one's home who just decorated?  Have you ever looked around and felt that everything in the room was brand new?  It was like they had purchased "decor in a box" and wahla!  Nothing was original, was it?  When I go into a home, I first look for items that:
          • are unique or original
          • say, "Wow!"
          • have a story behind them
          • are sentimental
          • show the client's personality or style
This is the building block of what I have to work with.  I NEVER want to start from scratch!  We all have a history and I don't want to erase that!  I want to work with it.

Next, I begin to look at the client's needs and begin putting a plan together of how to meet those needs with timeless accessories, wall art, lighting, rugs and furniture.  My focus is to not give them that "decor in a box" look, "this room was decorated in ____ year."  The only way to do that is to shop consignment.  I've shopped consignment most of my life.  In my earlier years, it was called, "antique stores."  Now they are called, "consignment stores."  This has been a passion of mine and has been instilled in me by my mother and even by both of my grandmothers.  Some of my best memories started with "junking" in antique stores.

I have found many treasures shopping consignment.  Not only that, but there are many benefits to shopping consignment.  In shopping consignment, you will find items that are:

  • unique, one of kind
  • from various periods of time
  • a fraction of retail prices
  • designer and that you may not see in just any store (and you may not be able to afford otherwise)
The most important thing about shopping consignment to me and many of my clients is that it paces you in your decorating!  You can take your time browsing and enjoying the experience of decorating.  It's fun and it proves to be easy on your budget too. 

If you haven't visited Carol's store yet.  Please visit it at www.classichomedecorconsignment.com.  It's a great place to start!

I look forward to sharing with you.  Please tell others about my blog and I want to hear from you so please feel free to leave comments.

With Love,

Lisa