10 Steps to Foolproof Decorating - Step 6: Timeless Furnishings

Go for the classics when it comes to the design of your furnishings. Regardless of your taste for traditional contemporary, farmhouse, and on and on, great lines of furniture matter. Remember function matters. I love a well-designed chair, sofa or sectional, but it needs to work for you and your needs. 

Straight Lines

Although clean straight lines are often associated with contemporary design, they are also inherent in most furnishing styles. As my taste has changed (matured) over the years, I remember purchasing a very oversized “shabby chic” sofa in white. This was pre-children days and I loved it at the time, because it felt like I was sitting on a cloud. However, when we adopted my daughter Chloe, I soon realized that a white sofa was completely impractical, as was my iron grate coffee table with sharp edges. Think about the function today . . . and tomorrow. To save yourself funds and moving hassles! Today, you’ll see many of the same pieces in several of my properties. I prefer to buy it once and use it until it’s no longer functional. #standsthetestoftime.

Black

I love a room that has some black in it. I could be something small, like a vase or a larger piece of furniture like an older armoire. There’s something about black that elevates a room. When I had a condo on the Cape, I decided to paint the window panes black. I loved the look and will do it again in my next condo. That’s right. I’m sure there will be another. I just saw on Facebook Marketplace a black small coffee table. It would look great in a smaller room like a den.

Antiques

I love investing in new furniture pieces, but I also love to see an antique in a room. There’s something about the history of a piece that has lived longer than I have that brings character to a space. I’ve found some amazing things including, an old fashioned nut cracker to a set of matching mirrors (purchased at two different times from two different places) to a green hutch that has traveled with me to each and every place I’ve lived for the past 30 years. They tell a story and provide an eclectic, curated look for your home that takes time and thought to pull together.

Unique to You

Have you ever gone on a safari to Africa? Celebrated your 25th wedding anniversary in Paris? Or simply taken an annual vacation in the same spot with friends for the past few years? Chances are you made a purchase at these locations that would remind you of your past travels and adventures. If not, I’m sure you have photographs from them that would make a great gallery wall, or vignette on a bookcase or shelf. Do you collect things? Have you inherited items from your parents or grandparents that you’d like to display? All of these things are unique to you and therefore to your home. 

If none of these things apply to you, I’m sure you’ve found items you’d like to display in your home that you’ve found at thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace or Ebay? I’m thrilled with some of these pieces I found and I love to have them on display.

Any and all of the advice listed above brings you into your home in a classic and timeless way that will never go out of style. I believe in making purchases sparingly and using what you have. Replacing items happens for me (and what I recommend to clients) only when something is in ill repair or beyond it. Otherwise, reuse, repurpose and recycle!

And don’t worry if this is all too much for you. You can send me an email at nmichaels@nancymichaelsinteriors.com to book a consultation.