Families tend to have different New Year traditions. Some celebrate with a large party with family and friends, others have a nice meal featuring lentils, and some, especially in Colombia, even run around the block with an empty suitcase. Probably one of the most infamous traditions is to eat 12 grapes at midnight, one for each month of the new year. This forces you to reflect on the past twelve months and make the necessary changes in the upcoming twelve. In this article, I want to do something similar – except no grapes will be involved. 

Since I started working for Decocrated in August, I have learned so much about the world of home décor. Sure, it’s not 12, but in these last four months, I have become a Decocrator in my own right. So here I am today to share the top five values about decorating that I will carry with me until the end of time.  

1. Spaces are meant to be changed

Basically, nothing is final ever. Furniture can always be moved, decorations replaced, and walls painted. A bedroom can turn into an office, then a closet, and then back to a bedroom at any point. This is what makes a great decorator: utilizing a space in many different ways, and squeezing the versatility out of it. Reading blog posts and scouring social media allowed me to see that all of the greatest Decocrators look past what a space is like to begin with, and create something unique and beautiful in the end. 

2. A décor item is more than just that 

This value is similar to the prior one in that décor pieces are versatile just like spaces are. What might look like the Fall 2021 Box wooden mini ladder could be used as a jewelry/accessory holder, like how Becca Brodin styled it in the photo below. What might look like a picture frame could be transformed into a table tray or even a nightstand table if a base is added. The hashtag #DecoHacks (a Facebook group with fellow Decocrators who flip box items) has been influential in the making of this second value. Ultimately, always be open-minded and use your creativity to see the endless possibilities that décor pieces offer. 

Photo Credit: Becca Brodin 

3. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone 

This value makes it seem like this blog has suddenly transformed into a life-value blog! All jokes aside, decorating is honestly taking a lot of leaps of faith. You might not know what looks good without putting two polar opposite pieces side by side. You won’t understand what you like if you don’t try and take risks! Who knows, maybe that risk will open your eyes up to a new and innovative style! 

4. Not everything works well together 

This value is pretty self-explanatory, but not everyone likes to accept it as true. This can’t be forced; if it doesn’t work, then it doesn’t work. There will be something that does work, so don’t dwell on it. Decorating can be an overwhelming, frustrating feat. Trust me, I get it. It is all about trial and error and accepting that you definitely won’t get it right on the first try.  

5. Homes are your happy place, so decorate it with things that make you happy! 

Lastly, I wanted to end on a happy note! Like Marie Condo always says, “Keep things that spark joy!” Your home should be a space that does exactly that. Personalize your home to fit who you and your family are. Photos and mementos can make your home feel that much homier while bringing a smile to your face every time you see them. Your house should be a place you want to come home to after a long day, and décor pieces can help create that.

 All in all, decorating can be overwhelming. There are always so many options and possibilities, but you’ll ultimately find what works best for you and your home. By following these values, decorating your home will be easier. I know that they have helped me on my Decocrating journey this year. In 2022, I will strive to continue to live by these values every time I receive a new and beautiful Decocrated box on my doorstep.