The one thing you will hear over and over again on home improvement shows is, “This is great for resale value.” People are purchasing houses or redoing their homes presumably for their own satisfaction, but so often one of the foremost thoughts is: How can this make me money down the road?

But what if you never sell that home? Who are you making decisions for if not yourself? Interior design is one area where it’s better to plan for the present and not the hypothetical future.

Too many homeowners drag their feet when it comes to making moves with their digs, big or small. They love orange, but they wouldn’t dare paint a wall that color because it won’t stay popular. They desperately want a room where they can make a mess and indulge their love of painting or pottery, but that wouldn’t be good for resale value. They have always wanted a claw-footed tub, but so-and-so would think it indulgent. They’d rather have a playroom than a dining room but that’s not “proper.”

Who’s living in this home? You are! So you should use the toile wallpaper if it makes you happy (even if it makes the next owner of the home hate you), get the purpleheart flooring rather than the trendy travertine, paint your front door teal or paint it black. Interior design doesn’t have to be flashy – some of the best design is subtle. You intuitively know what you want, it’s just a matter of allowing yourself to have it.

You’re not staging your house right now. You’re creating a space to live in and love living in. Go crazy in your own way. All we’re saying is: Be you. Create a space you love. Love the space you’re in.

Give Yourself Permission to Live in Your Space

Keep in mind that there are some design elements that are easy enough to change – paint, especially, furniture arrangement, accessories. And if you’ve closed yourself off to interior design creativity completely, here are some ideas to kickstart your imagination:

Wallpaper the ceiling

Add mosaic or tile in unexpected places

Put color where it’s least expected

Never underestimate the power of stripes

Let your kids hang stuff on the walls

Buy that one-of-a-kind piece of furniture

Go crazy with wall decals

Color code your books

Get the shag rug

Above all, resist restraint. Acquire the things you love. Make decisions based on what makes you happy. Consult with Decor & You and allow us to help you fulfill your personalized DecorPlan.