The problem with "temporary"
At the bottom of the stairs in the lower level of my parents house, there is a piece of glass sitting on top of two plaster columns spray-painted faux-stone (the cutting edge of DIY in 1990). This was a cheap and temporary solution to the need for a console table some twenty-three years ago. The problem? It is still there.
I have a tendency to fill holes. Perhaps it is because I am impatient. Perhaps it is because I have a need to see things "finished." Whatever the reason, I have spent too much time and money on temporary or "good enough" rather than "just right" over the years. The biggest problem with temporary? Almost inevitably, it becomes permanent. Once you spend a small amount of money on something for the short term, you are less likely to invest in something you really like for the long term. And once a space is occupied, it can be very difficult to move the "almost" item to make way for something you truly love.
While the rise of blogs and access to all manner of affordable design has meant, in part, that many spaces look alike these days, there is a parallel celebration afoot of undecorated spaces, perhaps "unfinished" but also unique, quirky, and filled with meaningful items. It's a good time to be patient and wait for the right things!
I have recently been inspired by clients who moved from a tiny apartment in San Francisco to a large house here. Unlike me, they are not racing around to fill and finish. We created an overall design plan and style guide to keep them on track, and they are investing in one "right" piece at a time. When I went to check on the install of a runner the other day, there was no couch in the living room. Eventually there will be a lovely couch (and maybe someday a console table and lamps and so on), but for now, my client just shrugs and says, more space for the kids to run.
At this point, my house is pretty well "filled." But moving forward, I hope I will remember this, and resist the urge for the quick fix.
What about you: are you patient, living with less while you wait for the right things? Or are you more of a space-filler, like me?
I have a tendency to fill holes. Perhaps it is because I am impatient. Perhaps it is because I have a need to see things "finished." Whatever the reason, I have spent too much time and money on temporary or "good enough" rather than "just right" over the years. The biggest problem with temporary? Almost inevitably, it becomes permanent. Once you spend a small amount of money on something for the short term, you are less likely to invest in something you really like for the long term. And once a space is occupied, it can be very difficult to move the "almost" item to make way for something you truly love.
(an old chair stands in for new night tables, here. This is temporary done right!)
While the rise of blogs and access to all manner of affordable design has meant, in part, that many spaces look alike these days, there is a parallel celebration afoot of undecorated spaces, perhaps "unfinished" but also unique, quirky, and filled with meaningful items. It's a good time to be patient and wait for the right things!
(who needs a headboard or nightstands? This room comes to life with a unique afghan and original art.)
I have recently been inspired by clients who moved from a tiny apartment in San Francisco to a large house here. Unlike me, they are not racing around to fill and finish. We created an overall design plan and style guide to keep them on track, and they are investing in one "right" piece at a time. When I went to check on the install of a runner the other day, there was no couch in the living room. Eventually there will be a lovely couch (and maybe someday a console table and lamps and so on), but for now, my client just shrugs and says, more space for the kids to run.
At this point, my house is pretty well "filled." But moving forward, I hope I will remember this, and resist the urge for the quick fix.
What about you: are you patient, living with less while you wait for the right things? Or are you more of a space-filler, like me?