For over four decades, I’ve had the immense pleasure of transforming every corner of the homes I’ve lived in into spaces that truly resonate with me. This journey, spanning 40 years, has been a rich tapestry of learning, woven through formal design education, countless hours of research, a fair share of trial and error, and a deep well of DIY resourcefulness. Each project, big or small, has contributed to my understanding of creating a home that feels authentic and lived-in.
Through all these experiences, one piece of decorating advice has remained a steadfast guide, a constant whisper in my ear from my mother, given to me many years ago. It’s a philosophy that has shaped my approach to home decor and saved me from countless potential regrets.
Her wisdom was simple yet profound: “Take your time when decorating your home. Cultivate patience. Don’t rush into buying the first thing that catches your eye, and never acquire something merely to fill an empty space or to prematurely declare a room ‘done.’ Instead, allow the room to evolve naturally, building upon it gradually with only those items that you genuinely love and that speak to your soul.” This isn’t just about avoiding buyer’s remorse; it’s about crafting a home that tells your story.
This timeless advice has been the guiding principle behind every decorating decision I’ve made, whether I’m embarking on a complete home makeover or simply refreshing a single corner. It encourages a slower, more deliberate process, fostering a deeper connection with the objects that ultimately furnish my living spaces.
In our modern world, where instant gratification is often expected and easily accessible, waiting for “just the right piece” can feel challenging, even for someone like me who champions patience. We live in an era of rapid consumption, where the desire to complete a project quickly can override the pursuit of true satisfaction. However, I’ve learned that the fleeting pleasure of an impulse purchase or an item bought simply to keep up with ephemeral decorating trends quickly dissipates. These quick fixes rarely contribute to a cohesive, deeply loved home environment.
Early in my decorating journey, I confess to being guilty of succumbing to this urge for instant results. I’d buy things on a whim, driven by a desire to “finish” a room. But through these early missteps, I learned firsthand the immense value of waiting. By exercising patience, I discovered I was able to achieve not just a decorated space, but a look and feel that I genuinely loved and that authentically reflected my personal style. This approach transformed decorating from a task into a treasure hunt.
The Art of the Decorating Waiting Game: Real-Life Examples
Let me illustrate with a few personal anecdotes that perfectly encapsulate the power of this “decorating waiting game.” Each experience reinforced the idea that sometimes, the best things truly do come to those who wait.
The Tale of the Kitchen Baskets: A Nine-Month Quest
In my previous home, the kitchen featured two open shelves that, while charming, weren’t particularly tall, limiting their functionality. At that time, a prevailing kitchen design trend involved neatly arranged square and rectangular baskets on open shelving, offering both storage and a touch of rustic elegance. I adored this look but wasn’t prepared for the cost and disruption of a full kitchen remodel just to achieve it.
I knew that baskets were a timeless and versatile decor item, and a good investment. Even if I eventually tired of their placement in the kitchen, I could easily repurpose them in other areas of my home, using them in myriad ways to organize and decorate with them. With this long-term vision in mind, I embarked on a mission to find a set of identical baskets that would fit perfectly into those specific shelves. This was no simple task. My initial stop at IKEA, a mecca for storage solutions, proved fruitless; none of their extensive basket collection met my precise size requirements.
Weeks turned into months of diligent searching. Then, at TJ Maxx, I stumbled upon a basket that seemed ideal. They had three in stock, which I immediately purchased, holding onto the hope that I would eventually locate three more to complete the set. I knew that sister stores like Marshalls and HomeGoods often carry similar inventory, so my quest continued with renewed optimism.
It took a painstaking nine months for me to finally find the remaining three baskets at TJ Maxx. There were moments of doubt, moments when I considered settling for something less than perfect. But by honoring my mother’s advice and waiting it out, I was rewarded beyond measure. When I finally placed all six identical baskets on the shelves, it felt as though they were destined to be there, creating the exact look I had envisioned for nearly a year.
Years later, when we moved into our current home, those cherished baskets were given a new lease on life. With a fresh coat of paint to complement their new surroundings, they found a perfect home in a wall cubby in my garage. They continue to serve a practical purpose while remaining visually appealing, solidifying their status as a truly excellent and enduring decor investment. This adaptability is another hallmark of thoughtful decorating.
The Side Table Transformation: From Wasted Money to Beloved Statement
More recently, I found myself in search of a side table for my living room, a piece that would not only be functional but also seamlessly integrate with my envisioned aesthetic. Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t find anything that truly matched the style I had in mind. In a moment of weakness, I impulsively bought a round metal table, convincing myself it could somehow fit my decor vision. It didn’t. It was a classic example of buying “just to fill a space,” and it quickly became a source of visual clutter and a reminder of money wasted.
Disappointed but resolute, I vowed to learn from this misstep. I decided to temporarily use a simple TV tray table I already owned, committing to the “waiting game” until I discovered the perfect table for the room. This required patience and a willingness to live with a less-than-ideal solution for a while. The search continued, albeit passively, as I browsed stores and showrooms without the pressure to buy.
Then, one unexpected day, while leisurely browsing a furniture showroom with no intention of making a purchase, my eyes landed on a magnificent, oversized basket in the clearance section. It was an instant connection. I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that I had just found my side table. Its unique texture, generous size, and inherent charm were exactly what I hadn’t realized I was looking for.
Indeed, it took time, and a willingness to temporarily endure the utilitarian TV tray, but the wait was unequivocally worth it. This large basket not only serves as a beautiful and functional side table, but it also brings a unique character to the living room that no conventional table could. I loved it so much that a few years later, I found a slightly smaller companion basket to place beside it, perfect for holding throw blankets, keeping them accessible yet neatly tucked away. Seeing both the perfectly matched TJ Maxx baskets and this distinctive basket side table daily serves as a constant, comforting reminder that patience in decorating yields invaluable rewards—not just the desired aesthetic, but often a better price and pieces that truly embody my personal style.
Navigating Modern Decor Trends and Resisting FOMO
In today’s “influencer society,” where perfectly curated homes are endlessly showcased across social media and decorating magazines, it’s incredibly easy to covet what we see online and yearn for instant replication. The phenomenon of FOMO, or the “fear of missing out,” is a powerful driver, pushing us towards quick purchases that promise to deliver the latest trends. However, this fast-paced approach often leads to homes that feel generic, disconnected from their inhabitants, and quickly outdated.
To counteract this, I’ve personally challenged myself to become even more discerning, making a conscious decision to pause and reflect before buying anything, especially when an impulse strikes. This deliberate “waiting period” provides crucial time to consider if I genuinely want or need the item, and more importantly, if it truly aligns with my evolving style and the overall vision for my home. More often than not, after this period of contemplation, I find that the initial urge to buy subsides, revealing that the item wasn’t as essential as it first seemed.
The Recent Hunt for Candle Sconces: A Testament to Patience
I recently applied this “wait it out” principle when I spotted some beautiful candle sconces from Magnolia Home on Pinterest. My imagination immediately placed them on the stacked stone wallpapered wall in my kitchen, envisioning them as perfect accents to enhance the rustic yet refined ambiance.
However, to my disappointment, they were sold out. My initial reaction was a pang of sadness at having “missed out.” But then, I consciously reminded myself of my mother’s enduring advice: if I truly desired to add sconces to that wall for battery-operated candles, the right ones would eventually appear. There was no need for despair or hasty alternatives.
My search continued, both online and during my occasional outings. I soon discovered that Pottery Barn offered an almost identical sconce. But again, it proved to be a popular item that swiftly sold out. I also came across several candle sconces designed to hold pillar candles, which were attractive but didn’t quite capture the specific aesthetic I was aiming for. I liked them, but I didn’t *love* them, so I steadfastly continued my search, trusting that something better was out there.
After approximately two months of patiently looking, I found something truly exceptional, and in the most unexpected place. I was at Hobby Lobby, primarily to purchase fabric, and sconces were not even on my radar. As I made my way to the checkout, I passed through an aisle brimming with home decor. There, displayed beautifully, was a pair of taper candle sconces, elegantly crafted from black metal and wrapped with natural cord. I literally stopped in my tracks.
There was no hesitation this time. I immediately recognized that I had stumbled upon a set of sconces that were not only a better fit for my preferred decor style but also boasted a unique charm that the others lacked. An added bonus? They cost significantly less than the original Magnolia Home sconces I had first coveted. This discovery was a perfect illustration of how patience can lead to superior results, both aesthetically and financially.
Embracing the “Decorating Waiting Game” for a Truly Personal Home
These wonderfully inexpensive sconces served as yet another powerful reinforcement of my mother’s timeless decorating advice: always take your time. This deliberate approach creates space for essential reflection, prompting crucial questions: “Do I truly want or need this item?” and “Does it genuinely fit my personal style and the overall vision for my home?”
By simply waiting, I confirmed my desire for sconces and, ultimately, found something far better suited to my unique decor preferences than my initial “must-have” Pinterest find. This process has led me to affectionately call my mother’s wisdom “the decorating waiting game.” It’s a strategy that has consistently saved me from making regrettable purchases—items that often end up being given away or donated because they were never truly right for me or my personal decorating style.
Cultivating the discipline to pause and reflect before making any purchase is an invaluable skill in home decorating. It ensures that the decor in your home isn’t just a collection of fashionable items, but a true, authentic reflection of your overall vision, personal taste, and enduring style. When it comes to curating a space you truly love, waiting really does pay off, transforming a house into a cherished home, one thoughtful piece at a time.
More Decorating Inspiration for Your Home
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- Why Decorating Mistakes Can Be a Good Thing