I lived in my home for 13 years before I started decorating. You read that right. Thirteen years. My husband bought our home four months prior to our engagement. We were a young 23, straight out of college. The house he selected was in decent shape, but cosmetically just didn’t do anything for me. I was grateful for the new digs when we married, but I had no idea how to decorate it.
So, for 13 years I did nothing. This is probably shocking to many of my friends and family who knew me as an over-the-top event decorator, marketing guru and graphic designer. You would think my house should be FULL of style; but OMG it was soooo not. We lived with white walls, builder-grade everything, and black leather bachelor pad furniture. When my son came along in 2009, his nursery got the works and I later created a big boy’s room. In fact, it’s the only room that has had two décor schemes. Pitiful.
In 2015 I finally got over my “what-am-I-going-to-do-with-this-house” funk and started turning my house into a real home. And friends, I had no idea where to start. Designing a room for an infant and 6-year-old is very different than putting together the living areas.
I devoured Pinterest, magazines, blogs and anything visual. I didn’t have a décor budget to work with so I tried to do everything on the cheap. As I learned more and more I began to see patterns in what I was doing and eventually found my stride. Decorating was overwhelming at first, but I started developing systems that helped me make better choices. I also caught the DIY bug.
Understand that designing your home takes time. This is a marathon and not a sprint.I’ve created the School is in Session Series to give you a foundation for decorating your home. Understand that designing your home takes time. This is a marathon and not a sprint. If you put in the effort, you’ll reach the finish line. We are going to dig into the systems I created so you can bypass a lot of the struggle I went through. I can’t wait to share them with you.
Our first School is in Session lesson will help you define your family’s Signature Design Style. I’ve got a plan and a helpful cheat sheet to aid you.
Now, I’m giving you some homework. Yes, homework! I promise it’s easy.
Homework:
Start pinning your favorite rooms on a Special Pinterest Board called: My Ideal Home. That’s it. Pin away lovelies. If you haven’t already sign up for access to my Free Decorating Libary.
Rhonesha Bontemps says
Great post. I’m looking to spruce up our master bedroom so I’ll definitely follow.
Kenyatta Harris says
I’m excited to give you some guidance, decorating is not as hard as you think.
Kerry Browne says
This is so awesome! I am so excited! Uuhmmm will you ever put out any vids? Certainly will love to see them and follow along ?❤
Kenyatta Harris says
Oh this video generation! LOL. It was NOT in my original plan, but I have learned it is a must. As I grow you’ll start to see some videos. Pinkie Promise!
Ola says
Great job on this Kenyatta! I loved the honesty of your story. It lets others know that design is within their reach as well. Well done. Well done.
Kenyatta Harris says
Hi Ola, thanks for stopping by. Glad you enjoyed this!
Chanel D Pridgen says
Hubby and I just bought our first home and I do not want to stick with Builder grade options. We have lived in small apartments so long I am thrilled to actually make a “House a Home”. Thank you for this entire website!