Do You Ever Doubt Your Home Decor Decisions?

15 May
I'm feeling a little bit out of sorts today... I went to visit a friend today... I don't see her too often and we don't really have a lot in common. We met at work and gravitated toward one another I think because we were about the only two that were around the same age and also I believe because she was fairly new in town and didn't have many friends... and I don't have many friends... so... you get the idea.

When I say we don't have a lot in common I truly mean that. She has naturally dark hair that she bleaches to blond, artificial nails (both of these require lots of upkeep), and likes to wear name brand clothes. (Note... I'm also fairly certain that she won't ever see this post... I don't think she even knows I have a blog). I, on the other hand, wear jeans and t-shirts a lot of the time (and not usually name brand... unless I've found them at a garage sale or thrift shop), don't do anything to my hair... sometimes I curl it to try and tame the wild frizzies but that's about it, and a lot of the time I have paint on my fingernails instead of nail polish and broken, uneven nails. I don't really care for clothes shopping... I have to be in just the right mood to want to spend my time doing that... I'd rather be playing in my craft studio, working on projects around my house, or going to yard sales and thrift shops.

So anyway, I went to see her new house today... and I saw her old house once or twice and I feel the same way every time I go there... it's kind of hard to explain but I feel sort of depressed after visiting with her.
Her house is immaculate and totally not my style. It looks to me like a model home... staged... and like they went to the furniture store and saw a furniture grouping and said "we'll take that"... you don't see magazines lying around... mail on the counter, etc.


Now this is NOT her house but a furniture store picture of a living room set I found online. But it reminds me of her house... the couch and love seat match, the pillows are the pillows that came with the couch, the rug matches the pillows and the art on the walls matches too. The accessories were probably the same one's they staged with at the furniture store too.





These are MY living room... The couch is IKEA, I made the pillows on the couch, the rug is from Fred Meyer, the coffee table is from Goodwill, I made the wall hanging behind the couch, and most of the rest of the decor is yard sale and thrift shop finds.
This table was free and I painted it and added the bottom shelf, I made the wreath from old book pages, and made the chalkboard from a thrift shop picture frame...


And now I have an old crib mattress from the dump on my wall!


Again... these pictures are NOT my friends house... just some I found online by searching "model home interiors"... but she puts her furniture in one spot right after they purchase it... it never moves... neither do the accessories... until it's time to redecorate... then everything goes... and brand new stuff gets put into place and that's the end of that...






I am constantly moving my house around, redecorating by taking things from the bedroom and putting them in the living room, adding a thrift store statue, making something to go with said statue, etc.

When I see her house I think to myself... "this looks nice", "everything looks so good together", "it's so clean".

And I start to doubt myself... "am I weird?"... "Is HER house how I should have MY house look?". It doesn't help when the couple of times she has come to my house she makes little comments that kind of hurt my feelings... "why would anyone buy that?"... things like that... I don't think she means to hurt my feelings... she just doesn't get my style.

She made a comment once when I first met her... I mentioned a blog that I saw and she said "pfft... blogs... people who write those are SO weird, I don't understand why anyone would want to put all that out there"... so I have NEVER told her that I have a blog... I NEVER show her my art... NEVER talk about things I find at the thrift shops and yard sales that I love.

Maybe I'm just being to sensitive...

Do any of you ever feel that way though? Do you doubt yourself? Do you wonder if people think you're weird because you have chippy, rusty, or used items in your decor? Or are all of your friends like you and can appreciate your style?

So anyway... I'm sitting here in my living room with the bed springs hanging on the wall, the deer antlers poking out of the rusty tin bucket by the fireplace, and the thrifted, mismatched items creating little odd vignettes here and there feeling... kind of inadequate and weird I guess.

I'll get over it... I always do... I go and read some of my favorite blogs and I know there are other people out there who like to make things and repurpose things and create weird little displays all over their homes like me :o) I just wish some of you lived near me so we could be "in-person" friends!


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  1. Guess who has all the fun - YOU. Great rooms that YOU create. YOU find the good stuff and its like a hobby that works so well with your life. Blogs are a great creative outlet too so who is having the best time - YOU. I never tell anyone that I write a blog unless they also write blogs and love writing/junking/creating.

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  2. Reminds me of my mother-in-law. For 25 years she's been making the kinds of comments about my taste in home furnishings, my lack of housekeeping skills, my lawn, etc. that your friend makes about you. Gotta let it go! Find some new friends - take a class, volunteer with organizations where you might find your people - historical society, crafts guilds, Girl Scouts, etc.

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    1. Thank you for your comment, it means a lot to know that I'm not the only one who has felt this way or dealt with it. I don't understand the comments myself... if I don't like something she has I would never make a negative comment about it, I would just find something I did like and say something nice about that! Maybe it's a self-confidence thing on THEIR part :o)

      Tania

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  3. Dear one, I love your home pics, your sense of style, your home reflects your fun loving personality. It sounds as though this acquaintance (not friend) keeps her home as she keeps herself, always made up. Nothing wrong, it reflects who she is and her lifestyle. Embrace your home, enjoy it's quirky details, they reflect your joyful self! Each of us decorates or not as we see fit, sometimes monetary constraints dictate how much we spend. Sometimes all the money in the world won't affect what we like and embrace. Enjoy your space, it is your home, it's still ok to like other decor styles just know that they may not work for you at this time in your life. I myself like many different decor styles, obviously I can't have them all at once, nor would I necessarily want to live with them. Sometimes it's just fun to look at differing styles, that's why I love Pinterest, I can create virtual boards and pin things I like without necessarily changing my own surroundings. Once again, I love your pics!!! Your home is lovely!

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  4. I had to LOL at our crib mattress on the wall comment.

    NO, you are NOT weird and if we lived closer I bet we'd be great friends, because you and your style are so much like mine. Personally, I don't care what people think about me or the way I decorate. Do what makes you happy and stop worrying about what people think about you. At the end of the day do you want to look at a perfect house and boring life, or do you want to look at an artistic house and whirlwind life? I'll take whirlwind life any day of the week. xo

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  5. Tania, I'm sorry you are feeling the way you are, but I know exactly what you mean. I have felt that way many times. I have a few...very few close friends that I know would do anything for me and appreciate me and my love of vintage, used, etc. One of my very best friends hasa really nice house filled with nice things and carries expensive purses and such, but she also appreciates me for who I am. I used to feel inadequate because I didn't have more money to buy the big name brands and really expensive things, but I no longer feel that way. I had to come to a place in my life where I was grateful for what God had blessed "me" with and be thankful for it. That was the best thing I ever did. I found peace within and no longer feel like the wierd one. I am a unique individual and so are you. Everyone I know who buys name brand everything and expensive items seems pretty unhappy to me or are just trying to be like "everyone" else. They are not unique individuals who are happy in their own skin. They don't have the creativity to think outside the box, nor do they want to because it might set them apart and then they wouldn't be like "everyone" else. You keep being you and don't doubt yourself and your decisions . You are beautiful, creative, and unique and definitely someone I would enjoy hanging out with....if we lived closer! I love blogging because of people like you, real people who share their hearts and talents and are a lot like me. Your "friend" sounds like a lot of people I know. Not someone I would want to hang out with much. I pray you will meet a new friend...someone like yourself. I hope your weekend is blessed and beautiful!

    Hugs, Vicky

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  6. I agree! I don't have many close friends, but I don't care what anyone thinks about the way I decorate. I do what I like because it is MY house! :) Wish you lived in N.GA. We'd get along fine!!

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  7. I also wish I lived near you instead of in TX. I love your style, & I also live in t-shirts & jeans ---- I'm happiest when in thrift stores & flea mkts & looking at vintage goodies like your bed springs. I look forward to reading vintage-decorating bloggers daily. My mother always told me to avoid people who made me feel bad or mad, because I was so sensitive. I am happier because of that advice. I have few good friends, but they like me for me. My 1959 ranch house is saturated with vintage collections & hand me downs. Don't doubt yourself for a second! .

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    1. Thank you Mary! I think I'll take your mother's advice too! :o)

      Tania

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  8. Hi Tania, My Mother and I are very close.....she (almost) detests my decor(ating)! well...she does! Your decor is a lot like mine.....the hunt makes it FUN...the passed down treasures are priceless! I use to "decorate" the normal, pretty but boring way.......Your style is too sweet and very charming....don't change a thing! Blessings~~~Roxie

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  9. You and I are cut from the same cloth. I also live in jeans and t's, love thrifting and decorating with my second hand finds. I much prefer seeing a home that reflects the personality of the homeowner and not a "show home". Unfortunately family and friends who aren't into the vintage, eclectic, thrifted etc decor, say things that can be hurtful but it's your home and you fill it with things that make you happy (as it should be). Try and let the bad comments slide.

    And "yes", every time I see a neutral space I second guess my choices in my own home. But then I'll see a fun, colourful artistic home and find that much more interesting and more my style.

    I really enjoy your blog and seeing your finds and DIY projects. Don't ever doubt yourself, you're home is great!

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  10. Hi Tania :) Sorry I haven't commented for a while. No, you are not weird. I appreciate your style as I have finally, at age 52, decided on my forever style and that is my unique mix of, new, antique, vintage, second hand and thrifted. I have so much fun mixing it all up. I just know in my bones that this is the style I will be happy with and enjoy from here on in You only have to look at real estate web sites to see that a lot of people tend to go into a store and buy the same style of furniture basics as their next door neighbour and that is great as it must be what they like, but I am happy that my home shows my personality. It shows that I love history and the potential stories behind the items I find for my home. It shows that I love a variety of styles, so I just put them together and they work. Much like you really :) Love to see the goodies you find and how you incorporate them into your home, so please keep right on with your choices and style so we can continue to be inspired. I think I will start showing some of my own finds on Instagram, so when I do, I will let you know if you would like to take a peep. Have a lovely week and happy thrifting. xo

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    1. Thanks Deidre, your comments mean a lot to me. I feel like I'm figuring out my forever style too but every now and then I get derailed by people like my "friend". :o)

      Tania

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    2. You keep right on with what you love Tania and that makes your heart sing :)

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    3. Thanks Deidre... I think I will ;o)

      Tania

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  11. You have a beautiful home and style. Embrace your uniqueness!!

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  12. Everyone has their own tastes, but I prefer your style.It feels more comfortable and relaxed and more like a home. It doesn't sound like your co-worker is a very creative person. I think those type of people will often go to the furniture store, and like you said, pick the matching set with all the matching accessories and call it a day.
    And I refer to this person as your co-worker, because she really doesn't sound like your friend. A friend is someone you can confide and trust and not worry about judgement. That doesn't seem to be the case here. You might want to try to get to know some of the other folks you work with. Don't let age or or other circumstances be a barrier. I have friends that are older and friends that are younger. It's all about what we have in common, and I cherish each one of them.

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    1. Thanks so much Kimberly! Unfortunately I don't have much in common with other people that I work with. I am looking for a new job though so maybe I'll make some new friends at that point. But you are absolutely right... a friend is someone you trust and feel like you can confide in and I feel like I'm hiding my true self from her so she won't judge... which is why I chose to share this blog post with all of you... my online, non-judgmental, trustworthy friends :o)

      Tania

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  13. I love what you do and you have recently inspired me in so many ways to take on projects around my house and get them done. For instance I painted all my ugly flower pots. And, as you may recall, I gave my boob lights a facelift. Last week I stopped at the thrift store and bought an ugly chair to make over and I bought, of all things, a vinyl tablecloth on sale to recover the seat. That is your fault too. So thanks a ton my dear for getting me to think outside my neat and tidy little box and add some quirky fun to my humble abode. Don't ever doubt yourself. And I do wish you lived closer so we could not go shopping for clothes and hit all the junk stores and yard sales instead. I absolutely hate to shop for clothes. :)

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    1. I'm so glad I can inspire you, that makes me feel so good :o)

      Tania

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  14. I'm a little late to the party, but thought I would chime in anyway. I am in the process of taking a personal inventory. I am assessing things — blogs, people, craft supplies, things — and deciding which should be a part of my life. There is a person I would like to be friends with, but judging by her lack of initiation in getting together, I am past making the effort. I can only try so many times. I find that certain blogs have become a source of irritation for many different reasons. Many people seem to want to show off what they have acquired, not their innovative ideas about what they do with them. I joined up with one blog because I loved how the woman decorated her rather large living room. After the fifth time of rearranging it because she couldn't help herself, I unsubscribed after about a month. Others used their blogs as money makers. I don't mind when a blogger reviews products occasionally, but when their blogs are pure advertisements, I leave. Gushing about religious beliefs? I'm gone. At the end of last year, I started going through my house to get rid of things I don't need or want and can't or won't use. I started with my art studio space, and it is almost done. We will be moving on to the next room and continue until I have touched every single thing and decided to either keep it or not. I have gone through the one room, and stuff is piled high across one living room wall. A yard sale is in my future! Somewhere along the line, recently, someone mentioned a certain book, and I can't remember the name or the author. The idea was to touch every single thing you own and if it brings you joy, you can keep it. If it doesn't, tell it what it has meant to you, thank it for its service and pass it on. Something like that. I was doing something like this before I found out about the book, so I will continue in my own way. We are also not accumulating much based on this principle. As it is with things, it is with people. If a person does not bring you joy, they aren't for you. The person who doesn't bring you joy will probably not even notice you aren't spending time together. She wasn't in tune to you. Think of her as a temporary place holder that is no longer needed, even though you have not found a friend — yet. You tried. It didn't work out. Move on. You have people who appreciate you and what you do and think — even if they are spread far and wide! Just look at all the comments. I don't know enough about you to know if we are a good fit, but I think I'll poke around for a little bit and find out.

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  15. I love your style... YOU love your style... Yes! I do feel this same way at times... I second guess myself and my decisions a lot. I'm just learning how to look at the situation and dismiss it and move on!
    You mentioned a couple of times...that you and your friend don't have anything in common. Well, that's one thing in common that you do have.... The Nothingness.
    You could do a couple of things with that.
    Chalk it up to the fact that some peoples priorities are different than yours, and continue to be friends with her.
    Chalk it up to the fact that some people just don't have an IMAGINATION... and continue to be friends with her.
    Let it go... and be her friend. You said she doesn't have friends. Maybe there is a reason for that. Not to make you feel guilty or responsible... but you might truly be her only friend.
    If you can't let the comments go... and her differences. Supposing it is too much effort-- then move on and find new friends.
    ... She'll most likely move along and find someone else to grill about their tastes, and ideas... because she quite possibly lacks imagination.
    Now, before you think my comment is too harsh... just know, I've been surrounded by people that don't like my tastes, don't like what I do with my free time, and make rude comments about it. It has taken some time, but I am finally getting to the point where I can let it go.
    I most definitely am learning not to judge... and show my insecurities... that leaves me open for me ridicule.
    Like I said... dismiss it and move on. That's not advice... I'm not telling you what to do... It's my opinion. ;)
    Ain't we ALL go one?!

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