Even if it "goes", if you don't love it, don't buy it.

And if you love it.....find a way to make it "go"....

I try to coordinate ("go") more than match. Something that looks good with other things rather than from a set or too alike.
I'd prefer that a room look evolved and not bought from an entire display or even the same month/year.... A real room in a real house has elements that preexisted some of the others. Some pieces should have memories or sentimental value or it won't feel like your own home.

Great point, Dianalo. I was thinking of that today, things that have memories associated with them always belong. They are what makes it your home.

I would also say something I have learned --- when it comes to matching, scale might be the most important thing. Not color or material or even size. Scale is the one rule I think you just cannot break.

"Nothing" is so much better than the wrong thing, because the wrong thing can then go on to become someone else's treasure. Don't even buy it to begin with.

Rachel Ashwell (on not compromising and practicing patience when searching for that perfect ____.)

I interviewed her this past Monday for Atticm@g. (article goes up later today)

Maya Angelou has a saying that goes something like this: "Copying someone else's style is like a rooster hastily sticking on a peacock feather." While there are so many different styles that I appreciate, I have to always keep in mind what works best for me and the style I am developing.

Very interesting thread!~

I'll add my own words of wisdom....
"A beautifully decorated home is nothing if it's not also a well organized home."

And to add to that~~'if there is no love, you can't make a house a home'. ;o)

"If you build it they will come"...

oh wait..sorry that was from the movie Fields of Dreams..never mind me! Hahaha

Shut the front door, Allison!!! You interviewed Rachel Ashwell? Goes up later today? D@mn that's awesome. I'm Tweeting this right now. . .

Thanks for the Tweet, and comment. You are too kind.

Here is a link that might be useful: article

I will wait for years to buy curtain fabric, pick a paint, choose a piece of furniture, etc. I'll do without.

It's amazing when something strikes me. It's like lightening and I KNOW I've found IT.

But don't settle.
I settled for years with "good enough for now." "I'll get it later."

Even if it's doing without, it's better than settling.

Christine

My husband doesn't get the idea that a room looks more individual and personal if pieces harmonize and are not necessarily identical, a "set" that some retailer put together. (And of course no offense is meant if a matching set of furniture is right for you; it just isn't what I prefer.) Anyway, we've been shopping for weeks for a TV console and chairside tables for our downstairs TV room, and finally found a console we both thought was okay. Guess I was just tired of shopping; I agreed to get the matching end tables. One won't be very visible, between the sofa and the wall. I'm hoping I can individualize it all with accessories. Any ideas from you guys about what to do with this situation would be appreciated. I think DH is not educable on the subject. And I'm not a person who has much "stuff" sitting around; no layered looks for me, so I'm not sure what I can do.

Susanka, return them. You sound so unenthused. But you spent your hard earned money for these things and are likely to be seeing them every day for 10+ years!

Keep the console, maybe .... but march back an return the side tables.

My 2 cents.

Ditto mtnrdredux. Not sure how long you've been married, but they, the hubby's, sometimes do realize that you have a better idea of what works than they do. My hubby has learned so much over the years that there are times HE actually has a better idea about something that I do.
Oh and guys need visuals. When we bought living room furniture for our last home, which he found the sofa of my dreams when stopping one time when I wasn't with him, I had him and the salesman carry over end tables and coffee table from across the showroom to prove my vision actually worked. They both were amazed since they thought knotty pine wouldn't work with the oak trim on the sofas.

Thanks, you guys. Well, we've been married 28 years, and we usually agree on furnishings. Sigh. Another trip to town probably. I'm leaving for a week to go to a wedding, so it will all be a surprise when I get home; I'll decide then. I'm a great little returner, though; I have a reputation!

Well I'll pray for you then Susan. LOL Just kidding, though a little prayer never hurts when it comes to getting our hubby's to see our vision. My hubby started understanding mine just fifteen years into our marriage. We're pushing 32 years now and I've got him eating out of my hands. Actually I have a pretty awesome hubby. We spoil each other all the time.

Years ago, walking down the street behind two twenty-somethings, I overheard...

"You don't need more stuff. You need better stuff."

Don't buy mass market. Or at the very least little of it. Shop grandma's attic, flea markets and antique stores along with online sources like etsy

Also have lamps made from items you find or have. It's often much less than buying a lamp at Target and you have a one of a kind.

Don't skimp on lamp shades.

@ mcclark's comment....
Great wisdom from such a young lady.

Susanka - a great compromise would be keeping just one matching end table (assuming you can return one and they aren't sold as a pair).