Curating Your Own “Collected” Look

You know those friend’s houses you frequent and can’t quite figure out why it feels so welcoming? One of my favorite cozy spaces is a dear friend’s mother’s home who, despite moving very often and typically living in the tiniest of spaces, she finds incredible ways to maximize her home in both function and aesthetic. It’s something I’ve admired her for since I was 13.

Thankfully (for my career), not everyone has her tremendous skillset of curating a perfectly collected look. I often hear “I wish we could just buy all our furniture all at once”, but truthfully, the key to creating a homey feel without hiring a professional, is by shopping strategically. Create intention AND function by only shopping intermittently and sticking to only pieces you truly love rather than any type of deign standard. This is how you stick to develop an authentically interesting space while still utilizing your own standard or basic foundational pieces. If you have an uninteresting sofa, pair it with a vintage coffee table. If you have a builder grade vanity, pair it with Art Deco hardware and an asymmetric mirror. The combinations are unlimited but holding on to the basics in your foundational pieces will not only help you avoid being “too trendy” or hindering your resale value, it’ll even save you a few bucks. With just a few swaps, your home can be the curated look you dream of.

Styling Tip: Take advantage of small sellers at Etsy for unique/customized styles without breaking the budget.