So you are out at this cool store and you see this fantastic chair, which makes its way to your car. Then you get home…and realize that the style is totally different in a not-good way, the color is two shades off, or it’s WAY bigger than it looked in that cavernous, badly lit store. What now? Well…hopefully your friendly shop takes returns…but most likely, especially if it’s local, it offers only store credit.
What just happened?!? My friends, it’s called The Plan. The Plan is your working list, diagrams, sketches, mood boards, pages torn from magazines or books, Pinterest board or however you keep track of your overall decor style, color palette and what you have – and what you still want. The Plan keeps you on track and helps you avoid the chair disaster (or worse). It gives you a framework for building a cohesive room and a home that works together. Are you an over-achiever? Include your paint colors, fabric swatches, wallpaper samples or other 3D elements. That way, if you are out at Home Goods and spot a fabulous pillow, you can check to see if it works. Haunting your local thrift store? Take The Plan and shop with intent.
Yes, it takes some discipline, but you will, in the end, save yourself time, money and heartache. And yes, The Plan works for staging too. You’re just on a short timeline rather than a long-term one. Pick a tight palette. Buy key things thoughtfully. Have a bit of fun with inexpensive accessories. Then enjoy!