Have you ever found yourself hesitating to make a purchase for your home, scared of making the wrong decision? Perhaps you've been burned by expensive mistakes in the past, leaving you feeling uncertain and stuck in your current situation. If so, you're not alone – many people struggle with indecision when it comes to home decor, afraid of wasting money on items that may not work as well as they hope they will. In fact, I find making decisions for my own home a real challenge - ironic huh! I am so much better at helping other people make good choices.
Whether you're considering a small investment or a significant one, it's essential to feel confident in your choices and avoid the dreaded buyer's remorse. To help you navigate the decision-making process, here are five questions to ask yourself before making a purchase for your home:
1. Do You Love It?
It may seem obvious, but it's crucial to consider whether you truly love the item you're considering. Don't be swayed by price or urgency – take the time to assess whether the piece resonates with you on a personal level. Visualise it in your space, both in isolation and alongside your existing decor, to ensure it fits well with your aesthetic and, really inspires you.
2. Does It Coordinate with Your Existing Decor?
While it's easy to fall in love with standalone pieces, it's essential to consider how they will work with your existing décor.
There is NO guarantee that an item will work well in your home just because you love it. So how do you determine (before purchase) whether something will work well with your current décor?
This is a really crucial step prior to purchase, as it will help you to avoid opening an expensive can of worms by needing to replace things that clash with your new purchase (oh no!)
Take the time to envision how the new addition will fit into your overall design scheme – Will the item complement your existing furnishings and accessories, or not? Consider your purchase carefully in combination with pieces you already own.
3. Is It High-Quality and Made to Last?
Quality matters when it comes to home furnishings. Investing in well-made, durable pieces not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your space but also contributes to your overall sense of well-being.
Surrounding yourself with quality will fill your home with a sense of timelessness and sophistication, elevating your everyday experience. Also, when you prioritise longevity and craftsmanship when making purchasing decisions, you will ensure your investments stand the test of time.
This means that, for example, you are not replacing cushions when seasons change, but can instead buy additional accessories that work with your current pieces - gradually layering texture over time, and infusing soulfulness into your space. That’s money well spent!
(Instead of changing cushions, try them in different rooms, or in different combinations to get the fresh new look you crave).
4. Will It Fit Within Your Space?
Another important consideration before committing to a purchase, is whether the item will fit comfortably within your home environment. Avoid the disappointment of purchasing something that feels either too-large or too-small by ensuring proper spatial planning and visualisation before finalising your decision. Remember to take stairwells and doorways into account for any large furniture destined for an upstairs space – I’ve encountered the “didn’t fit up the stairs” scenario more often than you might think! Please avoid this conundrum at all costs! 😊
5. Does It Align with Your Vision?
If you're in the process of updating your home's look and feel, it's essential to consider whether a potential purchase aligns with your overall vision. Will the item contribute to the cohesive aesthetic you're striving for, or will it detract from it? Stay true to your personal style preferences and overarching design goals to ensure each purchase moves you closer to creating a home you love.
Let me finish by saying, please don't let the fear of making a wrong decision hold you back – trust your instincts, prioritise quality and cohesion, and invest in items that bring you joy and enhance your home. If you feel more comfortable spending less initially, consider quality second hand pieces. I have picked up some great furniture second hand, and lets face it - the quality of new pieces is not always that good, especially at the lower end of the scale - so second hand can be a very good option, and if the pieces are good quality - you can still create a lovely soulful home interior but without spending nearly as much.
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