Hi, my name is Anne and I am not a good shopper. When I go out with a purpose of finding something for the house I come home with the wrong something or nothing. More often than not I come across something I love and talk myself out of it because I don’t know if it will go, I don’t know if it will be the right color or if there is enough space to fit it or if it is the right style. I have zero confidence when it comes to picking things out for my own house. A similar thing happens when I try to buy clothes but that would be a far longer post. This is why large portions of the house are largely under-decorated. Well that and I don’t have as much drive to decorate a rental as I would my own house. In an effort to boost my confidence and make it harder to stop talking myself out of the right items I created a little binder for myself.
I limited myself to the 5 many rooms in the house that I want to decorate: kitchen, living room, hall bathroom, bedroom and craft room.
Supplies:
binder - the right size to fit in your purse this one is 9×7 and 1/2 inch thick
graph paper
dividers - I used Martha Stewart dividers from Avery
business card holder sleeves
sheet protectors - I like the Martha Stewart version with the flap at the top so things don’t fall out
zip pocket
In the business card holders I cut out paint chips to create the color scheme. These chips match my planned color scheme, things I have already painted and colors of fabrics in the room.
In the sheet protectors I have any inspirations pieces or fabrics. In the kitchen one I have some wrapping paper I love and in the craft room I have fabric from the curtains
On the graph paper I have drawn out each room with the measurements listed on each wall. Where I have already placed furniture I have sketched that in as well and it make it easy for me to figure out how much space I have left. I have also noted any heights of windows and ceilings I think I might come in handy for curtain shopping.
Carrying this book and a measuring tape is taking some of the guess work out of shopping. I also came up with some tips for myself to remember when I am shopping so I can increase my chances of coming home with the great find.
1. Know what you are looking for but let your eye wander
Go with a little bit of mission. Know what pieces you need in the house right now. It will help eliminated that overwhelming feeling in the larger stores. As you look for those pieces scan everything else and if you eye catches something go in for a closer look. It might turn out to be exactly the thing you need for another room. Limiting yourself might keep you from finding your perfect match.
2. You can paint just about anything
This is one I only recently learned from reading so many great blogs. I have passed up dozens of lamps and small side tables because they were the right shape but the wrong color. Hello spray paint! Where have you been my whole life? Realizing I could spray most materials to the color I want is one of the most liberating moments. It has me wanting to bring home all kinds of trash and paint it up to be my treasure!
3. Put it on hold
Just can’t decided if it is the right piece for you? Then don’t! Shop around, if you have to push it with so no one snags it while you look you or have them put a hold sticker on it. But make sure to sit with that big decision. Most likely you can’t return it. If you can return it go for it. Otherwise mull it over. If it seems right and you feel like you would regret not purchasing it then do it. If you just aren’t sure let it go something better will most likely come along.
4. Make sure you need it
Don’t buy it just to buy. Unless you want to make a small business out of refinishing and then reselling on craigslist. If that is the case buy as much as you have time to work on and money to spend. Since this is not my goal I am putting a lot of stuff down and saving money to get my very own house some day.
5. If it is a dream piece and you have room buy it
If you have lusted after, dreamed of, coveted or your grandma had one just like it and it was your favorite…buy it. Make sure you can afford it and it is in good condition but don’t walk away regretting the fact that you didn’t get that piece. I am still kicking myself over the sewing table that I didn’t buy last month.
Have any tips for the challenged shopper?
This post is linked at Liz Marie Blog and House of Hepworths
Those are some really great tips! I love to make little mood boards for my rooms. Sort of what you are doing with your binder. It’s a great tool for shopping!
Thanks. I have been watching your boys room come together and it is looking great.