The Most Common Design Advice I Read, Why I Hate It, But Why It’s Important

There’s one piece of decor and design advice I hear often. It’s words written by real people who have decorated their own homes. Who have learned—sometimes the hard way—design lessons and their homes are better for it. This suggestion I read over and over again is true… but I not-so-secretly hate it! If, like me, you find this design recommendation frustrating and difficult to follow, you’re not alone. But perhaps reading the words of wisdom from so many different people will help persuade you that it’s intelligence worth following.

“Everyone always says this, but it’s because it’s true: Be patient and live in your space for a while before you make big purchases, so you know how you’re going to use the space first. And don’t be too rigid about what you think you want things to look like.” —Every DIY Idea in This Customized Rental Is Worth Stealing

“Follow your heart and be patient (I know sometimes it can be difficult!). I am very slow in decoration (Sophie). It can take me months, even years to complete the decor of a room. When I’m looking for specific pieces and decor objects, I never compromise until I find exactly what I want. It can take me a while before finding what I have in mind, but the pleasure is even greater when I finally find it!” —A Marvelous & Minimal Montreal Flat Full of Memories

“Don’t let a small space scare you off. I’ve been perfectly comfortable and happy for three years in my place, and the trade-off to live by so many awesome bars and restaurants is worth it. There are so many great ways to organize and find storage—you just have to get creative and be patient. It might take longer to undo the Tetris-like stack of objects to get to what you need, but at least it’s out of sight and well-organized.” — his Chic 406-Square-Foot Tiny Rental Feels Much Larger

“Be patient and wait until you can purchase what you really want.” —An Engineer’s Quirky Beach Bungalow on Balboa Island

“Step one: Be patient. If you want a house that is collected and curated, with items in it that hold meaning to you from your travels and give your space more personality, you have to allow yourself time to stumble across the right pieces. Step two: Don’t ever walk by an antique store without going in!” —An 1860s Philadelphia Row Home Aces the Retro Eclectic Look

“Be patient. You can do it yourself, trust me. Research on the internet, watch tons of videos, and ask a friend who you trust and knows what they’re doing anytime you need advice. My mindset has always been: I won’t break it any more than it already is, so I’ll try to fix it and if I can’t I’ll call a professional. I don’t think I’ve had to call a professional once yet after starting something.” —This Philadelphia Home Has Incredible Hand-Built Details

“As an interior designer, I get this question all the time and I believe that the secret to creating a home you love is to take your time acquiring pieces. You need time to understand how you really live in a space in order to determine what you need and don’t need. This approach cuts down on impulse purchases that are spurred by how you think you live as opposed to how you really live.” —This Harlem Home Has an IKEA Bed Hack—In the Living Room

“Take your time—the process of making your house a home is never truly finished! That’s the joy of owning a home, in my opinion.” —A “Southern Hipster” Home’s Great for Hosting an Adopted Roller Derby Family

“Take your time! You may be eager to have everything in place a week after moving in, but that can lead to shortcuts and unnecessary compromises. By taking smaller steps you’ll be gentler on your wallet in the short term, and make better decisions for your space in the long term.” —A Couple Compromises in a Small Clinton Hill Home

“Take your time! When we first moved in we rushed to fill all of the rooms with some not so great stuff. Over time we figured out how we wanted each room to feel and how we use the spaces. Take the time to find unique pieces you love so that your house feels unique.” —A Vintage-Filled Jersey City Victorian is a Boho Wonderland

“Take your time, wait for the right thing.” —A Brooklyn Apartment That’s Home to Art-Loving LA Transplants

Count me as one of those people who can’t wait to rush to get a home “ready” and “finished.” But, all the words above ring true, and like mentioned, can help you avoid expensive mistakes and purchases.