"...I don't really like it"

Your home should be filled with only the things you need and love or at least like. Otherwise, it's a waste of space and money!

There are two main reasons why you buy things-want and need. In decorating these two often converge which makes the decision making process easier. Price can narrow the field even more. Eventually you'll choose the item that appeals to you the most and fits your "needs", "wants" and "likes" requirements.

The problem is that many people get worn out or worn down when decorating. They want an attractive home and get off to a good start, then the decisions start to wear them down. They get to a point where they just want it to be finished. That's where costly mistakes are made-and can be avoided.

Here is where my Five Rules of Shopping can help:

Rule #1: Don't Settle
If you like it, but it's not the right color, size, price, etc, then it's not a good buy but a goodbye.

Rule # 2: The Three L's
This is the flip side of Rule #1. It may be the perfect color, size, price, etc, but do you Love, Like or Loathe it? "Love" is best and "like" is acceptable, but "sort of like" or obviously "dislike" or "loathe" is your signal to keep looking. So the Three L's could also be thought of as Love, Like or keep Looking".

Rule #3 Can it be Used in More Than One Way?
The more ways an item can be repurposed, the more likely it will be a good buy.

Rule #4 The S Factor

• Is it too similar to your other furnishings?
• Is it too safe and possibly bland?
• Is it seen and sold everywhere?
• Are you settling?

Mirrors are some of the most versatile wall decor choices. They can transition between different styles and decorate a wall without being yet another piece of framed art. They can call attention to themselves by their shape or framing, giving the room some architectural interest. They can be nearly invisible without a frame when visual space is at a premium.

A mirror's basic function, to reflect, can be employed to create the illusion of openness and help move light as needed into darkened areas. That reflective quality needs to be considered when choosing a location for a mirror.

A mirror over a fireplace is often so high that what it reflects is the ceiling, a blank area or the top of people's heads. This is can be countered by placing objects in front of it on the mantel such as a clock, a floral arrangement, wreath or sculpture. When choosing the accessories, be aware that a mirror can multiply those pieces, so limit the number to avoid a cluttered look.

Check the placement before you hang your mirror to see what it will reflect. Locating it across from a window will, of course, reflect the light but will also reflect what may be seen outside. Is it a lovely view or a seasonal eyesore? In a hallway, is it reflecting a blank wall? Sometimes moving it a few feet can make a difference, but if not, a mirror may not be the right choice for the space.

Rather than one large mirror, multiples of smaller mirrors can be used to create more interest and impact. The cost can be about the same as the cost of one large mirror, and sometimes less.

No matter how you use it, safety first when locating and hanging a mirror. It may sound obvious, but avoid walls directly over stairs where it can be bumped or fall on someone. (I've seen this on small landings, apparently trying to enlarge and lighten the space.) Avoid using them in narrow hallways for the same reason. Keep in mind how vibrations from exercise equipment, dryers, and even garage doors may cause the mirror to "creep" over time, possibly putting strain on the hanger. Finally, use the proper hardware for hanging. Know the weight of your mirror and select the best hanger for the job. ( Don't guess here-it's easy to be off by quite a bit.)

For more on the mirror shown, please click on the link below.

People are switching to flat screen TV's which leaves them with the old media cabinet, often still attractive and potentially useful, without a purpose.

An Entertainment Center becomes an Entertaining Center

The example shows how large the interior of some of these pieces can be. They are vented and some have outlets that could power blenders, ice machines, small microwave ovens and more.

The pieces can be adapted with various wine racks and shelves to hold bottles along with glasses and serving accessories. Smaller wine chilling units like the one featured above can be added or a mini fridge if space allows. Even small bar sinks can be retro-fitted in some cases.

Large furniture pieces can be substantial investments. Before you eliminate such a piece, consider the following:

• Do you like the design?
• Can it be changed to adapt to the decor in any areas of your home?
• Does it have enough useable space to store or showcase items?
• Would the cost or effort to restore/repurpose it outweigh the usefulness of the piece?

The illustration used with my Five Rules of Shopping is from a collection by Anne Taintor. I was introduced to the witty merchandise a few years ago when a friend gave me a set of the postcards. The vintage photos and their captions are clever, sassy and funny. The line includes notepads, totes postcards, magnets, luggage tags, coasters and more. You can even get iPhone wallpaper. A visit to the web site will have you smiling in minutes if not laughing out loud. Just click on the link below.

The inspiration: Textured glass plates that looked like bubbling water and a wedding near the sea were the inspirations for this ocean fantasy centerpiece. White shells, star fish, and faux branch coral in aquamarine and sea foam green are nestled into glass rocks. A white "pearl" tea light sits in an open shell and tall, glittering sea grass sways in the breeze.

The challenge: I needed to create eight centerpieces, disassemble them, package so that they could be reassembled by the groom's family in less than a half hour and survive a 6 hour trip!

The bad news is that a storm and heavy traffic drastically delayed the family's arrival and consequently, the set up.

The good news is that even though arriving guests were surprised to find a live demonstration of how to construct a traveling centerpiece unfolding in front of them, they apparently found it quite interesting and entertaining. (Just like being on an HGTV design show!)

Best wishes to the bride and groom and kudos to the mother of the groom for grace under pressure and keeping a sense of humor under the most trying conditions.

Have you been promising yourself that you are going to make decorating changes in your home but Planning Paralysis has stopped you? Did you know that even small redesign changes in your rooms can make an amazing difference quickly, easily and affordably?

Interior Redesigns aren't always about re-doing entire rooms and they aren't major upheavals in a household. Often during consultations I show how effective quick changes can be. The result is easy to live with changes that can jump-start your decorating projects.

Are you ready for a redesign? Contact me and we can talk about your ideas and needs.