Well, first we must talk about what I mean when I say decor “weak spot”. What are those items you are always drawn to? Somehow these items make their way into your cart whether you were shopping specifically for them or not. Let’s be honest, you’re always shopping for this particular item. You can easily pass up all the linens, but those darn candles are calling your name!
I have a few decor weak spots. There is a strong attraction between me and items representing the sea. To be specific, I can walk right by the nautical and beach-kitschy, but white and blue coastal decor is just “wrapped around my little finger”. It brings me to a time and a place that I really like. I also see so much opportunity in vintage frames. I’m not sure I should tell you this, but there are very few instances where one should get rid of a frame. I have other decor items that almost always catch my attention, but these two will be in my hands before I even know it if I am not careful.
I have defined 7 plans for attacking your (and my) decor weak spots. One is bound to help, right?
Buy/Give as a Gift – You find something you just cannot exit the store without. Buy it for someone else! Whose birthday is coming up?
Group Items – If you have gone back and forth or made a snap decision that you cannot live without an item, group it with the others you already have at home. This will give a bigger design impact and be a constant reminder of exactly how many of that item you have.
One Thing In, One Thing Out – You’ve heard this many times before. It really is that simple. If you bring in a new kitchen towel, you know the ones with the fun sayings on them (I love them!), one has to go.
Rotate with the Seasons – I am not a huge fan of season decor, but I do participate to some extent. I strive for items that work for more than one season or holiday. If it makes you feel better, designate items for a certain season and only display them at that time. Don’t forget what you have packed away!
Reinvent – See that green frame at the store? Remember when I told you about my relationship with frames? Take inventory of what you have at home that with a little creativity and some craft store supplies could resemble that which you want to snatch up at the store.
Have a Plan – Do not purchase the item unless you know exactly where it will go. You could even take a lap around the store and see if you happen to forget about it.
One More Time – Ok, ok! Buy that “weak spot” item one more time. You need to be the parent in this situation. Make it a good one and then don’t look back. This approach reminds me of wedding dress shopping. Don’t go to that store or down that aisle again. No ifs, ands, or buts!
I have used each one of these 7 methods; Buy/Give as a Gift, Group Items, One Thing In/One Thing Out, Rotate with the Seasons, Reinvent, Have a Plan, and One More Time on many occasions. Put them to work for you and let me know how it turns out!