I’m realizing over time, the pieces you collect naturally shape your design style.

I’m really curious to hear about your approach to designing a space. What design styles do you gravitate toward, places you shop (or don’t?), where you look for inspo, and your must-haves for a cozy living space? All of the things! I’d love for you to share.

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I always assume moving into your own space ignites a shift to curate your own aesthetic. It’s definitely not everyone’s thing, and not everyone can construct a design plan right away—that I’ve learned quickly. Something I’ve noticed about myself in this apartment design process is the time I take to contemplate. I research a certain item-say, placemats- for a couple of days until I find the best fit candidate. Thoughts might be: cute, cuter than most others I’m seeing, affordable, and let’s just narrow it down. The following week, a rug, the next week picture frames, and then a week or more to recalibrate those creative juices. I also notice that once I purchase these items, they’ve made it clear that they are now a permanent part of the space. I find returns to be a hassle, and I want to commit!

I’m still figuring out my design aesthetic. Many things I’ve collected from the past up to the present have given me a clue into what this space will shape up to be— especially the dining area. Sometimes my tablescapes feel maximalist mixed with retro, and that’s ok, we’re getting somewhere. I’m definitely leaning toward mid century modern, retro 70’s revival, eclectic, and antique, all mixed into my grandmother’s Lucille and Lilia’s vintage Italianness. As much as I love big, bold, gorgeous furniture, it’s currently about the mini pieces that make a space pop.

Turn A Vase Into A Utensil Crock

Shop: Monroe Vase at Lizzie Bee’s Flower Shop

I was searching high and low for a cute ceramic utensil crock and caved for a vase instead. It’s actually just what I want right now! I wish it were a little wider, but I don’t need the extra clutter from more utensils. The color is near Chartreuse or bright yellow-green, which I’m really into. It’s a change from all the pink pink pink I love.

Scalloped Retro Placemats

Shop: Eco Scallop Border Placemats at Birch Lane

I bought these after purchasing the utensil holder above, and thought it funny that I went for the same yellow green again. I’m digging scalloped patterns, and I love the white border on these. You can use them as is, large rectangle but you can also fold them in half for a smaller place setting— a quirky discovery.

Ratanback Dining Chairs

Shop: Art Leon Siasy White Faux Leather Accent at Home Depot

The number of people who heard me talk about the rattanback chairs, I’m sorry for my annoyance. I was stoked to purchase my first piece of mid century furniture. Rattan was never a material I recall being interested in, but you surprise yourself. The cushions on these are wide, comfy, and quite pretty.

I’m a Bathroom Towel Enthusiast

Shop: Gigi Hand Towel at Revolve or Anthropologie

I’ve talked more to people about my bathroom than my kitchen! You should want a bathroom that evokes surprise- “Oh, it’s so cute in here!” At least that’s what I’ve thought time and time again, entering a new powder room. This towel has been on my wishlist for a long while. Initially, I wanted to buy bath towels in this pattern, but for now, I’m starting with the hand towel. Seems to me the bathroom is retro themed based around this towel, the bathmat, and the curtain alone.

Vintage Yard Sale Nabs

Shop: Find your local yard sale (get the estatesales.net app)

I adore a sweet 50-cent yard sale find. Initially, I thought this would have been a dessert tray or piece for the kitchen, but as soon as I saw the dresser, I knew it would be a landing space for rings, hair ties, and perfume.

I Love Fresh Flowers But Dried Flowers

Shop: Feast And Floret or other boutique flower shops

I’ve never invested in dried flowers, but I think they serve a really timeless purpose. Especially if you’re into vintage charm. Low effort aside from cleaning up dried pieces from time to time. The pigment on some flowers really last too, like the billy balls and dried bunny tails below.

Save The $ And Buy A Slip Cover Instead

Shop: Amazon

I really wanted to buy a spunky little pink velvet chair or something mid-century cute but instead I decided to add a creamy slip cover over Dillon’s wingback chair. It was previously yellow and green stripped with a large tear on the seat. It makes a lovely light addition to the darker furniture we have in the space.