I am of the firm belief, at least for our family, that decorating once and decorating well is the right choice. When I look at the spaces that had the greatest impact on my developing taste when I was small, what they all had in common is the way the house truly reflected the inhabitants and their needs–like the space pictured here, in the apartment of a dear family friend. These spaces were decorated slowly, with great care, and weren’t rushed. While some things changed, over the years–artwork, or a piece of furniture being reupholstered–the shape of the space, its character, remained the same. That’s what I strive for.

But that takes time–especially during this period of year-long delays for furniture. I don’t want to order something new, wait months or a year, and then realize it’s not right after all. I also finally need to sort through the furniture I have in storage and see what’s usable and what’s not. Then, hopefully, I’ll be able to make up my mind.

Admittedly, I am also finding it difficult to decide what to prioritize–private spaces or public ones? One room at a time or changing several things in different rooms, each “unfinished”? Picking a color scheme for the walls and hoping the rest falls into place, or deciding on fabric for upholstery and working from there?

I’m not an interior designer, though I hope that my relatives who were and are have given me some of their talent through genetics! I find it difficult at times to envision a space clearly with the furniture already present and furniture that could be added. But I finally feel like I found the right arrangement for a room in the house that has been perplexing me forever, so I’m very excited that a breakthrough is in store! Now, of course, many other things need to be decided–curtains or Roman blinds? Reupholstering the sofa? Which rug should we use? and so on. But I’m already feeling very inspired!