Todays piece

Collect and save any magazine articles or pictures that appeal to you.  Cut out pictures of accessories that you like out of catalogues or magazines. I like Ballard Designs Catalogue because it shows so many thing together.  Look for ideas on how things are placed that appeal to you, and cut those out.  I usually circle what I like and write on it what I liked.  I then file all these pieces in a large envelope.  that way, again I have a visual picture.  Cut out pictures of room arrangements, window treatments, furniture, flooring or any thing that you particularly like.  Again, write on it what you liked about it.  Pay attention to the details of a picture and you will be surprised at what you see that you like.  This is what I call my tear file, and it does away with a lot of magazine clutter.  You may also use a three ring binder with sheet protectors and divide it into sections so you can just flip to the section you are working on.  Use this also for future reference.  When you review what you have saved, you may be very surprised at what is there.  Many of the things you already have something similar to or something you can use instead.  You may even decide you really don't care for some of the things.  Immediately discard those.

If you like to visit model homes, or parade of homes, take notes on things, colors, furniture, accessories or window treatments that you like.  Again, visual contact shows you exactly what something looks like, even if it is just a tieback for curtains.  Keep a small notebook just for this purpose.  If there is an agent or designer there, and you want a picture on your smart phone, always ask first.  Write down a color scheme if it appeals to you.  It is your design journal.  I sometimes make a small sketch, because it is hard to remember all the details later on.  My phone now serves for a lot of this.  I take pictures all the time in stores, store windows even thrift shops.

Our tastes change when we get older.  Depends on your age reading this, it will depend on your needs.  We get tired of the style, sometimes it is the size of your family, hobbies and local.  A retirement home is total different than a family home.  In todays society, it can be both.  Older generations were more attached to good china, crystal, silver,( who wants to polish all that?).  The younger generations, known by some of the disposable society don' take the time to enjoy the formalness of past generations. I am not saying all younger people, however, paper plates, cups, etc, are sold everyday.  It is easier that doing dishes, AND I SO AGREE. I do love to do formal settings yet.  I do polish my silver, and use crystal goblets and wine glasses for small gatherings.

Whatever your reason , or whatever you choose, trust yourself because you have to live with your choices.

Look in your closet, you trusted yourself there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!