mlprecise's Profile

No regrets here, but plenty of lessons. I think design--like education, careers, family, fitness, or any great part of life--is a journey, not a destination. That's probably why (seemingly) all of us AT readers enjoy seeking fresh style and changing things up. My style hasn't "ended" anywhere. I'm still making good choices and bad, and I'm willing to laugh at myself in the process. It is possible to love design without taking yourself too seriously.

So here are my lessons:

Paint the bold color that you love. Don't be afraid. If you hate it (or have to sell your house) down the road, paint over it.

If you have a new dog/puppy in need of house training, mistakes will happen. It's probably best not to leave your fanciest rugs on the floor. Store it and use a cheap one temporarily if you must.

Donate unwanted/unneeded stuff to the thrift store. Frequently.

Be mindful of practicality. If you're not sure whether a design choice is practical in your home, watch your guests. If they move a chair, discard some throw pillows, or can't find a place to set their drink, your setup could probably use some adjustments.

It's OK to be weird.

Jessica,

This may seem a little over-the-top, but I bet you could get a craftsman to make one for you. The material (it looks like aluminum to me) is cheap, and a good metal worker can weld that up for you (and tap it for a screw attachment) in no time. (Yes, you can weld aluminum.) Where to find such a handy guy/gal? Your city likely has a metal gift shop somewhere selling decorative metal wares... those folks could hook you up. Or look for industrial welders, handymen, etc., who don't typically do small projects like that but would probably be happy to help. If you have a trade school nearby, that's another good place to look. Good luck!

I agree with a number of you who are thankful for the timing of this post! I am moving out of my house on Monday. Culling through items can be tough (sorry, Grandma, but I have to donate that Christmas present), but it is also very exciting. As my husband and I have purged our belongings to move to a new state (the first out-of-state move for both of us), we have been picturing what our life will look like in our next home. We hope to be more organized, to cook at home more, and to entertain new friends. Moving is a rare chance to tweak those habits and items that you aren't so proud of, and to embrace the things you already love about your life.