Do you find yourself looking at the big box furniture store catalogs and see that they all have a common theme?  Does it make you feel like your space is out of date?  If you like those styles but worry that when the next issue comes out you will want something different, if so…we need to talk.

I too get caught up in the “new designs” and love the freshness and current up to date looks.  The important thing is to not to over-do it, you don’t want to turn your living room into page 74 of the new fall catalog.  The best advice I can give you is to look at your room in layers.  When discussing furniture and accessories, the largest pieces; which are usually the more expensive items is the bottom layer.  These items should be more classic in style; still expressing your creative self.  For example if you are a traditional styled person, a rolled arm sofa, or a classic leg table are the ways to go.  If you fancy a more contemporary expression, steer toward the straight lined sofas with sleeker fabrics, or rugs that are not too wild and dictate the room.  There are many more layers that will allow you to “design”.

The next layer is the accent furniture like chairs and occasional tables. This is where can get more playful as these are a bit easier to replace in 10 years or so, or when the cycle may lend itself to updating.  A pattern on a fabric that is nice to the touch and has a color that unexplainably feels right or a coffee table made out of a material that is classic but goes with the times is a good choice.

Accessories such as lighting, mirrors, and “tchotchkes “are the place to have some fun. This is where the new crystal lamp would make sense or a zebra stripped pillow may fit in.  It adds the final touch to the space, and if you decide to replace it in a few years it will not break the bank and it doesn’t owe you anything.

So, like a long term relationship, make sure you can live with that sofa in good times and bad, but when it comes to the candle sticks on the fireplace; is just a few dates…