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1 Simple Way To Shop That Will Transform Your Decorating

As a young home owner eager to decorate, I was always on the hunt for things to add to the house.  I’d pick up knick-knacks and things I liked because they were cute, colorful, or caught my eye.  Then I would get home and realize that it looked odd – even tho I liked the item.  It took me a long time but I finally realized I had been shopping wrong.  Did you know that our brains are hardwired to find symmetrical things more beautiful?  Scientists have actually found that there is a reoccurring ratio (called The Golden Mean/Ratio) throughout different parts of nature (human bodies follow it as well).  We so often see symmetry without realizing it, that when we create it in our homes it feels natural and creates a sense of balance.  So how can we achieve balance in our homes?  The solution is easy:  start buying in pairs.

Buffet with round mirror above it and a set of orange lamps. When you shop in pairs decorating becomes easy.

Once I realized the problem with all my knick knacks, I began purging so many of the ‘old maids’ I had bought over the years.  Now when I’m out and about I look for pairs and sets of things.  This is hard if you love to shop at antique and thrift stores like I do, but it makes the thrill of the hunt that much more exciting when you find them!

Pairs to pay attention to: Pillows, Lamps, Chairs, Nightstands, Mirrors and Art

Anytime I find a pair of something I try and think of where I can use it.  (A minimalist I am not.)  If I can’t think of a place in my own home I start texting it to people I know who are currently decorating too. Ha!  Once you begin to have pairs of items you will find that the job of decorating becomes SO much easier!

 

But wait, I like asymmetrical designs!

Yea – me too!  I’ve even created some in my own home over the years.  Of course you need accent pieces in decor. It’s not bad to have a single pillow, lamp, or chair (I certainly do!).  However. unless you have a base of items to work off of (base = pairs) or you are an experienced designer, decorating will be much harder if all you have to work with are singles.  And don’t be surprised if your entire house is going to feel like one big mis-matched accent.

Ranch house living room painted off white with a white mid century couch mid century gold coffee table sisal rug and a pair of white tufted chairs. When I began to shop in pairs this room was pulled together easily.
In this room there is a set of doors, wreaths and sconces, and chairs – all of which help bring balance to this room. The accent pieces are able to provide interest against the balance of symmetry.

I don’t have any pairs.  What do I do?

If you don’t own any sets of things start with what you have.  If you have 10 pillows pull them all together and group them by color.  Use all of the like color pillows together.  The next time you shop for pillows buy a set of solid pillows in a coordinating color.  I often see sets of 2 solid pillows at TJ Maxx, Home Goods or Burlington for $25 or less.  Ikea is also a great source for inexpensive pillow covers.

I have a set of chairs that aren’t exactly the same but that I group together to make a set because they have a similar feel.  Look around and see if you have similar furniture pieces that can be grouped together.  The next time you are looking for chairs buy a set.  Sets of chairs aren’t something you’ll come across everyday at a thrift or antique store but they also aren’t impossible to find either.  The white chairs in my living room came from the Brass Armadillo (at a steal too – $119 for the 2 chairs and ottoman!).

Some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links. That means if you purchase from the link I may receive a small commission. I only recommend products that I absolutely love and stand behind.

Here are a couple of pillow and lamp round ups to help you get started:

Last February I ran across a pair of green wing back chairs with an equestrian print.  2 chairs in a unique print – I had to have them!  (Especially since I had just painted our room emerald green.) My husband loves me so well he lovingly bought and carried them home for me.  The kicker?  They were less than $50 for the set!  The lesson there is if you see a set of something take a minute and process if it works in your home.  If you can make it work and it’s on your ‘list’ of things to add then snatch it up!

Who here is with me when it comes to shopping for pairs?

 

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11 responses to “1 Simple Way To Shop That Will Transform Your Decorating”

  1. Emily @ Pizza & Pull-Ups Avatar

    I am totally decorating challenged, this is super helpful for me!

    1. admin Avatar
      admin

      Good! 🙂

  2. Jen Avatar

    I love this tip and way of looking at shopping for decor! So smart!

    1. admin Avatar
      admin

      Thanks! 🙂

  3. Elke Avatar

    Thanks for the great suggestions. I’m more asymmetrical, but the balance created by pairs is truly appealing nonetheless.

    1. admin Avatar
      admin

      I love asymmetrical designs, they are definitely an art!

  4. Gabriella Avatar

    Your interior design skills are fantastic! I love the couch and the blue pillows!

    1. admin Avatar
      admin

      Oh thank you, that’s so nice! 🙂

  5. Katie | Hospitable Homemaker Avatar

    LOVE this! Literally never thought of this but I have done it some unconsciously I think. Thank you for the tip!

  6. Jessica Avatar

    I want a pair of accent chairs in our living room – but recently saw some people getting two different chairs in the same color. Trying to decide between choosing two same exact chairs or different chairs/same color?!

    1. admin Avatar
      admin

      I think it depends on the rest of the room. I think in the end you’ll have more versatility if you go with one color on both, but I’m sure that 2 would be fun too!

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