What If Our Overconsumption Was on Display?
“Overconsumption”, Created by author using Midjourney
I recently watched a video on social media with that exact tagline.
It showcased person after person going through their daily lives, dressed in a variety of different items. For instance, a woman steps into an elevator with 20 handbags trailing behind her. In another scene, there's a man with a stack of hats atop his head, and another shows a woman wearing 8 coats.
It's the first video that's really made me think more deeply about our consumption. For the past few months, I've been thinking about interior design and how I can help people buy quality pieces without "selling" them items they don't truly need.
Returning from a trip abroad, nothing makes you question America's design choices faster than walking the old cobblestone streets of Italy, observing the carved marble statues and columns, and seeing the intricate mosaics that have lasted centuries.
Pompei’s Mosaic Tile:
As an interior designer, it's becoming increasingly difficult to find quality products. Of course, there are many options out there when it comes to consumables. The cost of items is rising, and the quality is going down. Consumerism in America is at an all-time high— we want it, and we want it NOW. Thank you, Amazon Prime.
How do we fight the elephant in the room?
Baubles, Doodads & Knickknacks
We all have an affinity for nice things.
Admittedly, as a designer, yes, it's my job to sell nice things.
However, this is where I'd like to set myself apart.
You have items you're proud of like the brass bookends you found in an antique store, the watercolor painting from an artist in France, or perhaps a rug from Morocco.
You see where I'm going with this.
It's my job to make sure those items are highlighted in your home.
Why?
Because they tell a story
They're a conversation starter
They are special
Your space should reflect you— your passions, your travels, your unique personality.
If you had 15 rugs from Morocco, 90 watercolor paintings from France, or 23 brass bookends, those items would be considerably less important to you.
I assume.
Not to mention that you'd be just a little pigeon-holed with your design options.... just saying.
The Design World Won’t Tell You This
Now, it is possible to be selective with your design without living in a white box with 3 items.
Although, modernism is on the rise. 😉
Of course, for a room to look warm and layered, you do need items. However, we shouldn't be buying just to buy.
The design world won't tell you this, but many projects are phased.
Certainly, there are clients who can do it all at once, but most of the time, that's not the case. For example, you might buy your furniture now and paint or wallpaper your space, but perhaps in a month or so, you order the light fixture, and then the drapery, and then the accessories. Styling comes last. If you're buying a new home, it takes years to get it to where you want it. Each room evolves over time, just as you do.
Interior design is marketed as a luxury industry.
Read that again.
It's marketed that way. Yes, you can pay a premium for beautiful things... but not all beautiful things are expensive.
“Interior design can be for everyone.”
I truly believe that, and it's why I went out on my own.
Sure, someday I hope to have clients with large budgets, but I enjoy the challenge of working with people who have worked really hard to save up the money they do have— clients who are really passionate about making sure their space is what they want. Each time I'm invited into a client's home, it's a true honor.
Clients are letting me into their most personal spaces.
“Ignore the mess. I meant to clean before you got here.”
“Sorry I have kids. Watch out for that lego!”
“Can I get you a glass of water?”
I love seeing how people LIVE in their homes, and quite honestly you should be putting your house to work.
If you live in a perfect box all the time... well... let's just say I'd be impressed.
It's my job to help you LIVE in your spaces. If you're afraid to sit on your own sofa, that's a problem. And probably just one of many, if that's the case.
Mistakes Happen
You should be able to spill on your coffee table, drop crumbs on your rug, and have the kids jump on the sofa.
Living in your home means living on your furniture.
A designer can guide you in these choices to make the best selections for your space.
Perhaps we avoid a marble coffee table if you're worried about red wine or juice spills.
Instead of a silk rug, let's opt for an indoor/outdoor polypropylene or a wool option.
The sofa shouldn't be velvet if you're hosting Sunday football watch parties.
If you think you want wallpaper but have kids running along the walls with markers (it happens), let's avoid a delicate grasscloth and go with a wipeable vinyl. They've come a long way, I promise!
In a world full of overconsumption and thousands of material options, let me curate your space for you.
This is why I stay up to date on new products, maintain relationships with my vendors, and stand behind the design options I present to you. I'm trained to find the best products and items for you, and even offer a discount off of retail.
“Oohhhh Ahhhhh, a discount.”
Yes, you read that correctly, but before your sale-happy consumerist heart bursts, this isn't a BOGO option.
The Awkward Money Talk
Each designer bills differently, but generally your designer should be offering you some type of discount off of retail when they can. Many do overcharge, and they can even mark-up above retail if they don't think you will know where it's from.
It's up to you to choose a designer who you want to work with— one you can trust.
If you want to pay more for a designer who has access to certain vendors or an eye for a specific style you like, then hire them! Choosing a designer is a personal process. You'll be working closely with them and they need to have your best interest at heart.
Designers mark up their products.
Why?
Well because it's their intellectual property. You are paying us to curate a space, and that includes sourcing items. It's pretty likely that you wouldn't put that vase on that coffee table, pick that color rug, or even add trim to your drapery. These are all educated and informed decisions that come with experience, education, and understanding the materials and fabrics. You are paying for a service you wouldn't be able to do yourself.
Do you think that Amazon, Nordstrom, or even your local grocery store don't mark up their goods? Of course they do!
Your designer does the same.
All of this to say, it's time we start being mindful of the items we are putting in our homes.
As Marie Kondo would say, does it bring you joy? If not, it goes.
Curated interiors often look the way they do because, although they can be eclectic, they're still organized. To me, a beautiful room is one that means something to a client. Perhaps we've chosen to showcase their grandmother's vintage hutch in a new way or picked a fabric that makes them smile each time they see it. Maybe it's as simple as adding a few intentional coffee table books that they'll actually read.
Okay... maybe not read, but at least enjoy the content.
It's time that we start designing smarter, functional, well-designed closets, not bigger ones.
Pretty soon, primary bedroom suites will be 60% of everyone's home...
They continue to grow in size, often resulting in unused and wasted space. Everyone wants an escape from their daily lives, so their primary suite becomes their retreat.
What if your whole home could be just that?
Our homes in America keep getting bigger and bigger, and for what? Keeping up with the Jones'? Suburban developers are filling our country with cookie cutter, copy and paste homes. It’s depressing.
Walking around Italy for 10 days teaches you that good design IS possible, and you can build things to last.
What do we have for our grandchildren?
What will be in the museums in a century?
What's happening to our trades and craftsmen?
We can stand up for good design and stand up against consumerism.
Choose pieces with meaning.
Choose pieces that last.
Choose locally handmade.
Your bank account might even thank you in the long run.
Get Mindful, Friends!
You can make a difference.
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