Home decor blogs and interior decoration inspiration accounts have increased exponentially. With Instagram influencers multiplying like mosquitoes in a summer swamp, there is no shortage of the ‘top ten tips’ on how to decorate your tiny apartment and the ‘dos and don’ts of green living’. These blogs are inspirational and push the boundaries of creativity.
While I enjoy looking through posts of gorgeous homes, I need to remind myself that all that is advertised is not easily attainable. Before we feel bad about our living space, we have to remember that either there is a steep cost attached, or it is a facade that is just not possible to replicate. Additionally, most Instagram accounts are there to sell you something, so comparing yourself to what is shown in the picture is just setting yourself up for failure. Here are a few points I keep in mind when scrolling through home decor blogs.
1. The sun is always shining
Very rarely are the living spaces in magazines or home decor posts ever shown in dim yellow lamp light. The pictures always have large sources of natural white light which is not possible for a lot of homes. Bathrooms might be lit by daylight softbox just to be aesthetically appealing for the pictures. Therefore, focus on the items in the picture instead of the brightness of the picture. It is very possible that your home looks just as lovely given the right lighting.
2. There is no clutter
One of the ways to keep a clean space is to remove all the clutter. In inspiration blogs, all the clutter and knick knacks are out of view. This is hard to replicate without constant upkeep. Where is the tissue box for morning allergies? Or the coaster for the cup of chamomile you need before going to bed? The pristine home decor pictures are styled to look un-lived in and cannot be replicated day to day. It may just be that your favorite influencer has clutter hidden right behind the lens.
3. Money was spent
Keeping up with the latest trends does not come cheap. No matter how much you buy from second hand shops, you will need to spend money to spruce things up. There are many times when I want to change the decor and have to remind myself of its effect on my budget. It will take time to find the perfect items at the perfect reasonable price. There is no shortage of recommendations of things to buy in these home decor blogs. In fact, many of the articles on websites, such as Apartment Therapy, are about life changing items that will solve all your home needs. It’s money for more clutter.
4. There are return receipts
The perfect reading nook doesn’t come together after one trip to IKEA. If you follow home decor blogs in real time, you will see them return items that do not serve the purpose of their vision. Some vases and sculptures make a debut and then are never seen again. They might have looked great on the ‘gram’ but felt awkward in a home. Therefore, you need to adjust your buys based on the layout of your space and allow yourself multiple failures before finalizing the look.
5. Tastes and needs vary
Just like every fashion fad is not to your taste, neither is the newest poppin’ home decor trend. It is possible that your favorite instagrammer lives a lifestyle that is not compatible with yours. Your nephews and nieces are a constant presence in your apartment and you can’t endanger them by placing delicate items at reachable levels. Maybe you aren’t home enough to water the plants which are promised to improve your home air quality (they won’t). It’s a common sense clause that your living space needs to be practical in terms of your lifestyle.
Influencers advertise themselves as normal, relatable individuals while selling a very filtered, scripted, and staged lifestyle. There is nothing wrong with drawing inspiration from them, but don’t feel bad if you can’t copy-paste their vision into your life. Notice what it is about this immaculate kitchen that you love. Is it really the new marble counter-tops or is it just that it is a well-lit, clutter-free, open space?
See how parties can also be a massive black hole for money when you try to create a perfect picture, in my article here. Therefore, so,
