happyretro's Profile

I've have to be a slow decorator, like many others, due to finance. But now, after 10 years of living on my own in various apartments, I have an awesome collection of items gathered over time. Each piece makes me smile and reminds me of a different time in my life. My favourite items are hand me downs from relatives, and the items remind me of fun times as a kid spent at their homes. That's something you can't buy in a weekend at Freedom (Australia).

I've learnt perfection doesn't exist. I focus on completing one task at a time (prioritized based on either what annoys me the most, or what I happen to acquire). While I'm busy, I slowly gather the items I need, and do small prep jobs. Then when I have a free weekend, I get in and get the task done. And I make sure I clean up afterwards, so I can sit back and admire the job done. This weekend it was hanging the lounge room curtains - gorgeous hand me downs from my grandmother. Sunday night I was so happy seeing them hung in my space. The rest of the room isn't perfect, but I can sit back and admire the awesome stuff I have finished.

I also used Gumtree (Australia)/ Craigslist/ebay/IKEA to find temporary bookshelves, drawers, bedside tables, TV stand, filing cabinet etc to organise my space. Yes, they're not exactly what I want in the space, but they were super cheap, and keep my space free of boxes and junk piles so my home feels organised and comfortable. Now I can feel calm and relaxed while I slowly search/save up for the just-right items to replace them.

I use the same method as Rocket Scientist just with my skirts. Works a charm, and also helps me avoid getting in a rut of always reaching for the same skirt.

So true. My favourite decluttering guru is Marla Dee. Decluttering to bring back your life force. It really does work.

I agree with Lily_L that I can't wear rich red because of my complexion, but love it in my decor. I think I'm drawn to include these favourite colours in my interiors more so because I can't include them in my wardrobe.
My Mum can't wear white and so all her walls are Antique White.

I tried sheets to make slip covers for an unsightly armchair, and it always just looked like a sheet. I think the problem is that sheets have a very smooth, flat texture, while most curtains have more texture to them. So I agree with the previous comments that I'm going to try tablecloths for my windows that need sprucing up.