Creating a Stylish Yet Functional Home

Designing a home can be very time consuming and for me it's no different. We have been in our home two years and it's still a work in progress. Design boards have become my best friend and an absolute must when styling a space. Although, it's taking a while, my home is slowly starting to come together as a whole. I'm ok with the slow process because I know that every piece is hand picked and goes with the aesthetic of the home to bring it all together. I have done it all from getting on waiting lists to travelling out of state just to get that perfect piece. I have been on waiting lists sometimes as long as 6 months just waiting for an item I love to come back in stock. And, I'm still on some waiting lists now.

With a husband and two dogs, functionality is a must in my home. To have a stylish and beautiful home, you don't have to sacrifice the functionality aspect of it. While stylish, we still have to live in and be able to use it. I'm not one of those people who buys a table that people aren't allowed to sit at or chairs they cant sit in. That defeats the purpose of furniture. Why have something that you are not going to use? So as much as I would LOVE to have a white couch or rug, it is just not functional for my family. I tried a white rug in the past, and lets just say with 2 dogs after a month it wasn't white anymore. I love white because it gives such a clean and modern look. So to compromise, instead of having things white that have heavy usage (couches, rugs, seating) I substitute with having white accessories.

The biggest thing I have learned to give a home a designer look is having restraint. Simplicity is key. Clean lines and minimal clutter leads to more functionality in the home. This means less junk and more purpose. I have become very skilled in practicing restraint while styling. This is to avoid clutter and having overcrowded spaces. Focus on pieces you love. Everything in my home was hand picked by me to give that designer touch. I am very particular on what I choose. Every piece I choose is a true expression of myself. I am a minimalist and have a minimalist style to match. While choosing pieces, I also opt for things that can stand the test of time. For example, I'm still on the hunt for the perfect rug for my living room. Keeping the functionality aspect of it is what is taking so long. I don't want to settle on something I don't love just because it will do well with dogs. However, on the flip side it's hard to find something that I love that will also handle being trampled on by two dogs, shoes, and other factors. Hence this is why I'm still looking. I have grown found of indoor/outdoor rugs. These type of rugs hold up nicely and hide dirt easily. Now the task of finding one I love that fits the theme of my home.

While it is time consuming, I truly enjoy the process of making my house a home and a true expression of me. I hope you all have a great Sunday.