We’ve all been there. You’re visiting a friend’s house, and your eyes land on the coffee table. It’s beautiful, functional, and exactly what you think your living room needs. You’re so inspired that you find the same one online and order it immediately.
But then it arrives, and…it’s just not working. It doesn’t fit your space, your style, or the vibe you were going for. What gives?
Why Your Friend’s Coffee Table Won’t Work in Your Home
Let’s draw a parallel with fashion. Imagine your friend buys this amazing coat. It fits them perfectly, matches their style, and they look incredible in it. You love it so much, you order the same one for yourself.
But when you try it on? It doesn’t hit the same way. It might feel awkward or out of place. Why?
- Your body type is different.
- Your personal style isn’t the same as theirs.
- Your skin tone, hair color, and overall vibe change how the coat looks on you.
And that’s okay! It doesn’t mean the coat is bad; it just means it wasn’t designed with you in mind.
So, why do we forget this when it comes to home decor?
The Trap of Copy-Paste Decorating
This same logic applies to furniture. Just because something looks amazing in your friend’s house doesn’t mean it’s going to work in yours.
Here’s why:
- Different Layouts: Your friend’s living room might be spacious and airy, while yours is cozy and compact. A piece that shines in their space might overwhelm yours.
- Unique Styles: Your personal style might lean minimalist, while your friend’s is more traditional. Even if you love their table, it might not blend with the rest of your decor.
- Existing Furniture: The current furniture, colors, and materials play a huge role in how new pieces look. If they don’t mesh, things can feel mismatched quickly.
It’s tempting to recreate a look you love, but your home deserves more than a copy-paste approach.
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The Pinterest Dilemma
Let’s talk about Pinterest for a moment. It’s an endless source of inspiration, but it can also set some unrealistic expectations.
How many times have you saved a picture of a perfectly styled living room and thought, “I’ll just buy everything in this photo and call it a day”?
But here’s the catch: those pictures don’t tell the whole story.
- The room in the photo was likely professionally staged and photographed.
- The lighting, layout, and overall vibe of your home are completely different.
- You’re working with your own furniture and decor, which might clash with those Pinterest-perfect pieces.
Pinterest should be a starting point for inspiration, not a step-by-step guide to decorating.
So, What Should You Do Instead?
Decorating your home is all about creating a space that works for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Start with Your Space: What’s already in your home? What do you love about it, and what isn’t working?
- Think About Scale: A table that works in a large open-plan living room might not fit a smaller, cozier space.
- Consider Your Style: Are you into modern, minimalist looks? Or do you prefer a more eclectic vibe? Knowing your style will help you make decisions that feel true to you.
- Work With What You Have: Your walls, flooring, and existing furniture all play a role in how new pieces will look.
The goal isn’t to recreate someone else’s home. It’s to design a space that feels authentic, comfortable, and uniquely yours.
Ready to Make Your Space Work for You?
If all of this feels overwhelming, don’t worry—you don’t have to figure it out alone. I specialize in helping people create homes they love, no matter their budget or the size of their space.
Whether you’re working with a small apartment, a tight budget, or a mix of existing furniture you can’t seem to make work, I can help you pull it all together.
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About me
Hi, it's me, Anaïs, the founder of Design by Anaïs.
I'm a French interior designer, based in Brooklyn, NY, and designing all over the US.
I'm on a mission to make interior design accessible to everyone!
Want to chat about your project? Contact me today!