Decorate with Intention: Create a Vision for Your Home

nanaanne says:

Thanks for these great ideas Laura. I cut out photos and put them on my bulletin board. I'm not a designer and usually do best when I change 1 or 2 things in a room, see how it looks, then add or subtract 1 more, and so on.

Amy Cuker, MBA, LEED AP says:

As a professional designer, this is the type of process I use for my clients - not everyone has the time/desire to do this on their own, but they may still want their unique personality to shine through in their home- hiring a professional who "gets" you is a great shortcut to a cozy house that reflects you.

Traci Rolz says:

I get the inspiration borad, but not sure how "Make room for your passions" could be used to create an intention.

furpants says:

I love this ideabook! I have only one tip to add: save up and buy the thing you really want. Every time I settle for a budget substitute, I'm sorry I didn't just wait until I could afford my first choice.

Angela Conley says:

After many attempts at decorating in different styles & colors, it's best to only buy and use something that really wows you. Something you just have to have. Otherwise, you'll be settling & likely to want to change your selection later on.

Laura Gaskill says:

@ nanaanne - I do the same thing! Tackling things a bit at a time is a great approach. :)

@ Traci Rolz - I see creating an intentional home as being part of creating an intentional life, and there are lots of great ways our home can support our interests. In other words, this is a way to be sure that your home is set up in a way that helps you do what you love to do there.

@ furpants & Angela Conley - I totally agree! It can be hard to be patient, but I know I always regret it when I pass up something I really love for a budget alternative. Of course, budget finds are great at times, but when you see something that really makes your heart go boom, I say, go for it! :)

@ cathk - Ooh, this is such a good question! I suggest saving money by shopping for "holding place" pieces - ones that you may not love forever, but that fit the bill and mesh well enough with your personal style for now, and saving up one at a time for those special pieces you have your heart set on. Vintage furniture on Criagslist or in your local shops is a great place to start - if you are willing to put on a fresh coat of paint, there are plenty of bargains to be found with lots of character. Otherwise, stores like Ikea and West Elm are great for affordable basics with a bit of style.

heypam says:

Great idea book! Thanks so much. I have a binder full of magazine pages, a Houzz idea book, and Pinterest, but never thought about placing everything on a board together (cork board), and I'm such a visual person! And I, too, have experienced too many times, the regret of the "bargain" purchase. If you could see my garage..... :))

Vintage Renewal says:

Love this!

sillysquidget says:

This ideabook is great - finally a sense of order I can follow to curb my creative chaos :)

Kirby Carespodi says:

I use Pinterest as well; I like that I can 'store' things there, as well as in Houzz. I also have an accordion file folder with tear sheets. When I need to redecorate a room, I do create a storyboard, but I find that EVERYTHING goes onto it. I have to learn to edit!

emjfla says:

Love the step back and look/photo idea!

Laura Gaskill says:

@ heypam - I spend a lot of time online, but I also love to create mood boards on the wall because like you, I am a visual person. I'm always glad when I take the time to make one, because I can enjoy it whenever I walk by. :)

ethnicitidesignonline says:

Great ideas about a inspiration process. Here are some shots of my studio i use to help me kick of projects
Thanx,
Bill

A & D Glass says:

I love my "Hawaii house" ideabook. It is my dream to move to Hawaii, and when I'm tired or stressed I can look at that ideabook and imagine where my life will hopefully take me!

Anna_Katrin Strauss says:

I love using tools like Houzz and Pinterest to organize my ispirations. I just wish they could work together so I could keep everything in one place!

littledeb50 says:

I love all these ideas. My only problem is... How do you deal with a husband or partner that has a totally different opinion of what your space should look like. My husband and I have gone round and round about a sofa for a greatroom for eight years. He wants the big fluffy leather mancave recliner style and I want comfortable but stylish. How do we solve this delimna?
I'd love to give him his own room but that's not an option.

jasmineaubert says:

Littledeb50 - perhaps you could buy the 2 sofas for an eclectic style that could be decorated around and still complement each other like same color ?

Kathy Ryckman says:

@ littledeb50 - girl I hear you. But being married (26+ yrs) is all about compromising! I suggest letting him find a big leather recliner and pair it with a stylish sofa. Pottery Barn is a good place to find just the look/ideas. Pretty sure he'll end up on your sofa ;) Good luck!

William & Mary says:

Great tip about taking a photo of your own space to gain objectivity. I have done that in the past and it is so true that it gives a different and fresh eye to how you see the room.

dseaman says:

Hi Thanks for the tips! I am not a professional! But I love this site!! HAve always decorated with an inspiration piece. My mother gave me a teal blue hand-made wooden lighthouse that you put a tea light in the bottom. Well that has become an inspiration color in my home. I usually decorate based on color schemes.