I was going to title this post “Raid Your Decorating Stash”, but decided, “Simply ReStyled” better explains what this post is about.
Welcome, fellow home decor enthusiasts! If you’re reading this, chances are you share my passion for creating a beautiful and inviting home. But what if I told you that achieving a fresh, captivating look doesn’t always require a trip to the store or a hefty budget? This post isn’t just about decorating; it’s about transforming your living space using the decor you already own.
We all love the thrill of new decor, but the reality is that constantly buying new items can become expensive and lead to excessive clutter. While the occasional splurge is delightful, my decorating philosophy has evolved. I aim for a home that is visually appealing and functional for my family and me, without accumulating more “stuff” than we truly need. Everything beyond that, to me, often feels like clutter, taking up not only physical space but also mental energy.
This isn’t to say I’ll never acquire new pieces. I adore discovering treasures at stores like HomeGoods, Target, and charming independent boutiques, or unearthing unique finds at thrift stores. However, my approach has shifted from impulse buys to thoughtful selections that truly enhance my home. The challenge, then, becomes how to keep our decor feeling fresh and exciting without constant new purchases. The answer lies in the art of ReStyling.
ReStyling is a powerful and incredibly satisfying way to breathe new life into your home. It’s particularly easy and rewarding when you’ve accumulated decorating items over the years, whether they’re currently displayed in a room or patiently waiting in a storage closet. This entire post is dedicated to showing you how to ReStyle what you already own, giving it renewed appeal and transforming your living spaces with minimal effort and no new expense.
A few weeks ago, I shared that I was in no rush to get my living room decorated after taking down the holiday decor. Looking back, that was the best decision I could have made. Taking a break from decorating allowed my mind to clear. Ed and I took a couple of trips, and each time we returned home, my head was brimming with ideas on how to ReStyle items I already owned. My goal was to give not only my living room but also my kitchen a completely fresh look, all without buying anything new.
Around this time last year, I revealed where I store my decorating stash. When I open the door to that space, I feel like I’m entering the best shop ever. It’s filled with cherished items, each waiting for its moment to shine again. The key is to bring them out, hold each one, and ask myself a few questions about its potential. Can it be ReStyled by itself? Coordinated with another item? Or transformed in some unexpected way?
I began my ReStyling journey with my empty mantel. From my beloved stash, I gathered a window sash, a mirror, a stack of books, a few frames, and some vases. Some of these items have been with me for over 20 years! Then, the fun began. I started playing, arranging and rearranging them along the mantel, taking out what didn’t quite work until I was happy with the visual composition. Not a single item among them was new.
I even ventured outside and brought in a topiary ball that had been on the deck, somewhat overlooked during the winter months. Placed indoors on the mantel, resting on a low pedestal bowl, it instantly looked brand new and added a touch of fresh greenery to the arrangement.
I receive so many questions from readers eager to learn how to effectively use what they already have. To address this, I’m excited to announce a new series called, Simply ReStyled. It will complement my existing series: Budget Decorating: The Forgotten Secrets and Insta-Style, forming a comprehensive guide to smart, resourceful decorating.
- Simply ReStyled posts will be concise and impactful, offering practical decorating takeaways. The goal is to inspire you to effortlessly restyle your existing possessions, much like how I transformed my mantel in this very post. These are quick wins for immediate impact.
- Budget Decorating: The Forgotten Secrets delves deeper into fundamental decorating concepts and projects that can make a monumental difference in our homes. These are the timeless techniques we might have once employed regularly but perhaps overlooked when making recent changes to our rooms.
- Insta-Style focuses on quick transformations, showing you how to adapt a basic item for an entirely new purpose in mere seconds. It’s about seeing potential where you might not have before.
It’s a common tendency when decorating to reuse the same items in the same way, in the same room, for the same purpose. When we grow tired of them, or if they are seasonal, they often find their way into our decorating stash. Items stashed away in a closet, attic, or basement can easily be forgotten or only ever used for their original, intended purpose. It’s time to shift this mindset. Let’s actively seek out fresh, inventive ways to utilize every single item we own.
Consider my mantel as a prime example. After experimenting with various decorative items, I achieved a look I loved: the black painted window sash subtly offset from the centered mirror, with silver votives placed in front and the topiary adding balance. What makes this arrangement truly special is that none of these items had ever been used together before, giving the entire mantel a fresh, contemporary appeal.
Why Embrace ReStyling Your Home Decor?
The benefits of ReStyling extend far beyond simply saving money. It’s a holistic approach to home decoration that offers numerous advantages:
- It’s Incredibly Fun! There’s a distinct joy in reimagining your belongings and seeing them in a new light. It’s a creative puzzle waiting to be solved.
- Zero Cost Involved (Almost): Your only investment is your time and imagination. No need for new purchases, just a willingness to experiment.
- Deeply Rewarding: Discovering innovative ways to use and decorate with items you already cherish brings immense satisfaction. It fosters a deeper appreciation for your possessions.
- No Special Skills Required: ReStyling doesn’t demand complicated projects or advanced DIY expertise. While those skills can certainly elevate your efforts, simple rearrangement and new pairings are often all it takes to make a significant difference.
- Reduces Clutter and Promotes Mindfulness: By actively engaging with your existing decor, you’re less likely to accumulate unnecessary items. This leads to a more organized home and a clearer mind.
- Sustainable and Eco-Friendly: Reusing and repurposing your decor is a wonderfully sustainable practice, reducing waste and your environmental footprint.
- Creates a Truly Personal Home: Your home will reflect your unique taste and history, filled with items that tell a story, rather than just being a showroom of current trends.
“I’m Not Creative Enough to ReStyle My Stuff” – A Myth Debunked
If you find yourself thinking you lack the creativity to ReStyle what you already own, it’s time to banish that thought from your mind. Creativity isn’t an innate talent reserved for a select few; it’s a muscle that can be developed and strengthened with practice.
When I first started blogging, I wrote a series of three posts titled, Creativity 1… 2… 3. These articles can help you unlock and realize your own creative potential, specifically when it comes to decorating.
Practical Steps to Boost Your Decorating Creativity:
- Just an Idea: Learn how to capture initial sparks of inspiration and let them evolve. Don’t dismiss any idea, no matter how small it seems.
- What If?: This encourages a playful, experimental mindset. Ask “what if I tried this?” or “what if I combined these?” It’s a powerful tool for innovation.
- Take a Chance: Overcome the fear of imperfection. Sometimes the most unexpected combinations lead to the most beautiful results. Be brave enough to try something new, even if it might not be “perfect” at first glance.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Kicking Off Your ReStyling Journey
To begin, simply hold each item you’re considering in your hand and ask yourself a series of guiding questions. Answering them will help shift your mindset into a creative, ReStyling mode:
1. How can I enhance this? What can I do to make this item better, more unique, or more visually attractive in a new setting? Think beyond its original purpose.
2. What if I altered its physical attributes? What if I enlarged or reduced a part of the object, changed its color, or modified the texture of its surface? A coat of paint, a new finish, or even adding a small embellishment can work wonders.
3. Can I simplify or reconfigure it? What if I rearranged or eliminated some of its existing parts? Sometimes, less is more, or a different arrangement can unlock new potential.
4. How can I combine or accessorize it? What if I add on to it or combine existing parts in new or unusual ways? Grouping similar items, using trays, or adding contrasting elements can create a powerful display.
5. Can I reverse its function or exchange components? What if I reverse its orientation or exchange some of its parts? Could a vase become a holder, or a basket be used for something other than storage?
6. What substitutions are possible? What if I substitute one part for something else, or replace something else for one of its parts? For instance, using a stack of books as a riser for a small sculpture, or placing an unexpected object inside a clear container.
7. Does its color belong elsewhere? Does the color of the item work in any other room in my home, perhaps in a space with a different color palette or lighting? A change of scenery can make an item pop.
8. How can I make it uniquely mine? What if I put my own signature twist on the object, reflecting my personal style or a playful whim? Don’t be afraid to infuse your personality.
Beyond Your Stash: Additional Avenues for ReStyling Inspiration
- Transform Shopping Trips into Idea Expeditions: Instead of focusing on buying new, use your shopping excursions to gather inspiration. Observe store displays, note how items are grouped, and analyze color schemes. See a beautiful new vase? Think about what you own that could be painted, embellished, or repurposed to achieve a similar aesthetic.
- The Power of Relocation: Move Furnishings Around: This is one of the most impactful yet overlooked ReStyling techniques. Shift furniture within a room, or even move pieces from one room to another. This applies to everything: large furniture, artwork on the walls, window treatments, and even the tiniest decorative details. When an item is placed in a different context, its appeal and perceived utility can dramatically change, offering a fresh perspective on its form and function.
- Scour Digital Platforms (Responsibly): Pinterest, Instagram, and design blogs are treasure troves of inspiration. Use them to gather ideas for arrangements, color palettes, and creative uses of everyday objects. The trick is to be inspired by concepts, not compelled to buy exact replicas. Focus on the *how* rather than the *what*.
I sincerely hope this post, and the upcoming Simply ReStyled series, will inspire you to delve into your own decorating stash. Discover new ways to reuse and ReStyle everything you already own, injecting fresh appeal into every corner of your home. It’s a journey of rediscovery, creativity, and sustainability that yields incredible results.
The colder winter months, when we naturally spend more time indoors, offer the perfect opportunity to embark on this creative adventure. Start playing and experimenting with a few items, moving them around, trying new combinations, and seeing what unexpected looks you can create for every item and room in your home. It’s a fantastic way to banish winter blues and enjoy the process of making your space truly your own.
Share Your ReStyling Ideas: Have you recently ReStyled anything in your home? I’d love to hear about it! Please share your ideas and experiences in the comments below. Your creative solutions will undoubtedly inspire other readers who are also looking for clever ways to ReStyle and use items they may already own.
You May Also Like:
- Home Staging or Decorating Tips and Tricks – Part 3
- Home Staging or Redecorating? – A Few Tricks
- Throw Blanket Holder for Living Room Wall