5 Decorating Mantras to Live By

I found this list, 5 Decorating Mantras to Live By, in Fresh Home magazine.  I didn't know I needed mantras to decorate by, but I've decided I definitely do.

1. The closer something is to your body, the better it should be. This argues for fine sheets and cheap drapes.

I'll be honest, I can't tell the difference between high thread count sheets and low thread count sheets.  I've felt 600 thread count sheets and then have turned around and felt 300 thread count sheets and the 300 thread count felt softer to me.  Go figure.  However, I park my bum on the most gorgeous furniture we could just barely afford while the rest of our living room is thrifty Target and Christmas Tree Shoppes.

2. Surround yourself with quality, not clutter. Buy it once, buy it right.
Some people might say I have a bit of a problem with this one because, well, I'm a bit disorganized and cluttered.  I think those people are missing the point of this particular mantra.  I suppose this one could also be a direct opposite of the point I made in number one, but once again, missing the point.  When it comes to decorating, I try my best to get the best of what I want for what I can afford.  When it came to our new deck we bought the best materials that we could afford.  Stonewall also got the advice of a professional rather than just winging it after reading a few deck building articles on the web.  The final result: a deck that will last.

3. Every room needs something living: flowers, goldfish, a pet.
One day I want to be able to keep hydrangeas in every room of my house.  I love hydrangeas because they are so elegant whether they are in a simple or over the top arrangement.


Uploaded by optische_taeuschung on & Pie Uploaded by Jos Dielis Taken in Eindhoven, North Brabant

 4. Honor the acts of daily living. If it's a habit, make it beautiful.
If I have to make my bed every day, I want it to look like this:


Homes-Designing.com

If I have to fill my garage with a car, I want to fill it with these:

If I have to cook dinner every night, I want to cook on this:

1955 Flamingo Pink Northstar Range at Elmira Stoveworks

5. Life should sparkle. Every house needs bling.
Like jewelry, houses can never have too much bling...

Lambent Sphere Chandelier at Anthropologie

Actually, I take that back...

Custom made Hans Van Bentem Chandelier

Head on over to the Pink Park Bench to see how these mantras fit into my everyday life as well.