Find a Balance: Blend One-of-a-Kind Items Into Your Decor

While boutique shopping, you probably don’t think about where you’re going to put that great find or if that one-of-a-kind piece matches your existing decor. Instead, you probably think about how unique it is and how many compliments you’re going to get on it. But, this dream can be ruined when you realize you don’t have a place for that item. This problem is avoidable, however, if you change the way you shop.

Choose a Theme

The best way to not end up with a closet jam packed with cute but concealed items is to choose a theme and stick to it. Yes, you want to buy items that balance out your decor and make your home feel unique, but do so with purpose and attention to detail. Instead of buying that one-of-a-kind lamp and then finding out that it’s not the right color or is too small, choose a color or style, and make sure any item you buy fits within that theme. This way, you can avoid impulse buys and your house won’t turn into a smorgasbord of unmatched items.

Find Balance

Every room needs to be balanced, whether you’re decorating with handmade items or not. To help items complement each other instead of compete with each other, ask yourself these questions:

• Is there an odd number of colors and patterns in the room? (Stick to groups of three)
• Are there varying scales of the patterns? (Again, the rule of threes: One large, one medium and one small)
• Is the room top heavy or bottom heavy? (Avoid this by balancing patterned curtains with a bold rug)
• Is the color palette consistent? (If you’re decorating with pastels, don’t mix in heavy jewel tones)

Although these rules can guide your interior decor, don’t be afraid to break them to fit your personal style. Just remember the secret to balance is scale, proportion and attention to detail. For example, if you decorate a room with intricately made items, don’t neglect the theme when it comes to your blinds or window coverings. Instead, opt for an equally delicate and decorative option, such as hand-pressed grommet drapery.

Protect What’s Precious

Part of what makes handmade items appealing is also what makes them hard to live with. Because they are handmade, there often aren’t duplicates. That means if one of these items breaks, you’re probably out of luck.

This means you need to find the balance between being careful and still being comfortable in your own home. Instead of walking around on eggshells, find a way to compromise. Hang wall pieces high enough to be enjoyed but not easily bumped by children, pets or clumsy visitors. Consider placing figurines and breakables on high shelves or enclosing them in glass shadow boxes. Or, for hands-on items, like decorative pillows and handmade rugs, buy similar items from the same creator in bulk. This way, when your favorite piece is worn and tired, you can easily replace it.