Home fashion. Have you ever used your wardrobe as a jumping off point for designing your home? It’s a concept I’ve heard of before, and one that my blogging fave, Miss Mustard Seed, and the talented Kriste of Rosemary & Thyme recently discussed in one of their Design Ramblings.
As I watched them, I pondered whether I had ever used an item from my closet to spark an interior design.
And I’d have to say, the answer to that is “no”.
I do, however, believe that what is in my closet and the decor that fill my home are highly correlated. And I do think that maybe for someone who is a little perplexed by the world of interior design, looking to one’s closet may help you hone in on what it is you’re looking for in your living quarters.
In other words, it may be time to come out of the closet, bring some of your favorite duds with you, and figure out what it is about that old, comfy gray hoodie, or that sleek, silk, striped sheath dress that really makes you smile. These may be clues to how you should fashion your space.
If you think about it, things don’t sit right in our psyche when our surroundings don’t feel comfortable. Ask Caitlyn Jenner…years living in a body she couldn’t relate to take a toll. It’s good when we feel the outsides match our insides. Right?
For instance, if you’re attracted to minimalist design, it wouldn’t sit right with you to live in a place like this…
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| “Compulsive hoarding Apartment” by Grap – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons |
would it?
I’m getting older. No point in denying that. But with age, comes wisdom…and what I’ve learned most, in my time here is that I really can be certain of nothing.
Every time I think I know what’s going on, I’m proven wrong. Every time I say “I’ll never”, I end up eating humble pie. Like the time I said I would “never” drive a minivan.
So I’m learning to accept change. I’m learning to embrace my anything but static, eclectic taste. There are homes that you walk through, and everything matches and fits together. That is comfortable to a lot of people. I get that.
But it’s not me.
When I shop for clothing, its similar to the way I shop for my home. I go for bold. I go for eccentric. I go for color, timelessness…and above all
I go for SALES. Why? Because I know that what I like today, I may not necessarily like in ten years…or even TWO. So if I question the shelf life of a particular item for my closet, or my home, I make sure the price is right.
If I decide to splurge, it’s only for a “staple” item that I know will anchor a lot of different outfits…or in my home, a piece that is a focal point, or the highlight of a room.
Adhering to one particular style in my wardrobe bores me. If you peeked in there, you’d see everything from sequins to rompers to a grungy sleeveless t-shirt that reads “Run-D.M.C.” I like it all, and I shop it all.
Heck, I’ll shop anywhere that has stuff that appeals to me…from Nordstroms to Forever 21, from Saks (OFF) 5th Avenue to eBay. I don’t pay attention to brands or labels…those things just piss me off.
I was a child of the 80’s when you were only cool if you had a REAL pair of Jams, or a REAL pair of Guess jeans. Well, guess what?
You couldn’t PAY me to buy something now just because of a word on the butt cheeks of some pair of pants. It’s ludicrous if you ask me…the way fashion pits those who have money against those who don’t.
So I buy what I like…
It’s my FAVORITE when someone says “where’d you get your dress” and I reply “the consignment shop”. Or when someone says “where’d you get that settee” and I say “craigslist”.
Style doesn’t have to be pricey. Comfort doesn’t have to come at a high cost. But a home feels most comfortable when it speaks to you, and when you’ve filled it foremost with love. And beyond love, only buy items that you look at and think “yeah, this lamp is totally me”.
Embrace your eclectic self. Use all your 32 flavors and the some. Take a look at that wardrobe and see if it may hold some hints as to what should be adorning your walls.
As Miss Mustard Seed and Kriste concurred, your home doesn’t need to look like your closet. But I’ll tell you what, mine kind of does, and I think that’s one reason it really feels like home.
Pssst…before you go, I sure would love to hang out with you again really soon! Sign up now and get a FREE copy of “Builder-Grade To Beautiful: 10 Totally Transformative Home Decorating Solutions, All Under $100!” Click here to enter your email or on the image below. Your copy will be sent right away!
Gypsy Heart says
Love your home and your wardrobe! I agree that my clothes and decor are in similar colors. Since I'm older, I don't dress younger than I am but I do get funky with my jewelry, hair & accessories! 🙂 I don't subscribe to "designer homes" or trends. I like unusual decor, things that are colorful, bold and eclectic. I don't do matchy-matchy either.
I'm a new follower ~ my first visit here! I look forward to getting to know you and see more of your beautiful home.
Pat
Cristina Garay says
I love your style, your home totally reflects it! And I totally agree with you, Style doesn't have to be pricey!
Nikki Frank-Hamilton says
My home is mostly black, grey and white with pops of color all over. Kind of like my closet, mostly black and I love an accessory that is a statement piece, pop of color or piece of interest. Love your photos and your home, and the wardrobe! Thanks for sharing.