How to Learn Almost Anything

Yes talking about interior decorating today, but really this concept applies to much more than decor. This is the process I used to teach myself photography, writing, interior decorating, and so much more. Does it work? Yes it does! This is my ‘how to learn anything’ approach.

Now I cannot guarantee that you can learn anything, but I will say this approach has worked well for me.

It all boils down to two pieces of information that you need.

1. You need to know when you are doing ‘IT’ wrong. 

2. You need to know how to fix ‘IT’ when you do it wrong. 

With those two pieces of information you can learn almost anything.

So let’s talk about ‘IT’ in this case I am referring to decorating. “IT” is subjective. So this is a tough one, but usually someone can look at a room or a grouping of things and say ‘I like it’ or ‘I don’t like it.’ You need to be able to see something and decide if you like it or not.

Then comes the harder part, how to fix it. You will need to do lots of experimentation here, but also talk to experts, read blogs, magazines, and decorating books. With your research, try different things. Then you will learn as you go. If you make a mistake, don’t get upset. You just learned that what you tried didn’t work. That’s progress!

Even if you don’t feel that decorating is something that comes naturally to you, you can still improve. Sometimes I know exactly what needs to be done to fix a room, while other times I’m a bit stumped. It’s okay to phone a friend, look on Pinterest, or hire an expert. These are all opportunities to learn. Try to think about why something works or doesn’t work. Each step along the way provides an opportunity to learn. Keep experimenting.  The only true failure is one in which you didn’t learn anything. Which brings me to my example for today, the bed at the farm. This is what I call a ‘bug-a-boo.’

Here are a few iterations the room has gone through previously.

New bedding with basket on the wall –

Tiles behind the bed –

I wanted to try the tiles, but they just weren’t working that well. But since I was busy with other things, I thought I would leave the tiles up and see if they grew on me.

They still seemed a bit ‘off.’

I tried them with a small focal point. I decided it was too small and too dark.

I tried a larger, lighter focal point. Meh… still not crazy about it.

Then I decided it was time to take the tiles down. Wow that felt so much better!! I loved the cleaner look.  I kept the mirror up there.

I actually liked the look of the little mirror, although the mirror wasn’t exactly right for my tastes. It was okay. And I wasn’t bothered by the small size of the mirror. I’ve seen many a room with nothing over the bed, and it looked fine. Still I knew the room wasn’t living up to it’s full potential. I analyzed the look, and realized that the mirror was a bit new and shiny looking for me.

This room just got a major face-lift that I can’t wait to show you, and I’ll be showing that to you soon….

But the point I want to make today is..

If you want to be a better decorator, you need to practice, practice, practice. Take chances and try new things. If they don’t work, then return the item or move it to another room. Try rearranging your home using what you already have. Even if you are unsure of yourself, try some new things any way. Some will work, and some won’t. Try to figure out, why certain things worked and others fell flat. This is how you learn. Ask friends what suggestions they have for your room. I think the more you try things, the more you will get a feel for works and what doesn’t. If you see something you like on a blog or in a magazine, think about how you can add that element to your home. Have fun!! (Personally I think that is the most important part.)

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CEDAR HILL FARMHOUSE - updated country French style

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