• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Meet the Girl ↡
    • About Abby
    • Contact
  • Projects ↡
    • Organization
      • All Organization
      • Printables Library
      • Productivity
    • Decorating
      • Our Home Tour
        • Current House Home Tour
        • Townhouse Home Tour
      • All Decorating
      • DIY
      • Furniture Makeovers
      • Crafts
      • Holidays
    • Blogging
      • All Blogging
      • Income Reports
    • Happy Thoughts
  • My Products ↡
    • Impactful Habits, Organized Home Organizing Course
    • Browser to Buyer
    • Blogging Binder Printables
    • Home Binder Printables
    • Student Binder Printables
    • Christmas / Holiday Planner
    • Fitness Journal
  • Free Resources ↡
    • ClarityList for Bloggers
    • How to Start a Blog in 2020
    • 100+ Blogging Tips, Tools, and Resources to Grow Your Business
    • My Favorite Organizing Items
  • Income Reports

Abby Lawson logo

June 13, 2019 By Abby Lawson 30 Comments

How to Buy Less Decor and Still Have a Beautiful Home

Pin318
Share4
Tweet
Email
322 Shares

Learn how to buy less decor and still have a beautiful home! Decorating seasonally doesn't have to break the bank or add a bunch of clutter to your house!

How to Buy Less Decor and Still Have a Beautiful Home

Welcome, welcome! So I'm delighted to be a part of the Seasonal Simplicity Home Tours, hosted by my dear friend Krista from The Happy Housie!

If you're popping over from Chelsea's place at Two Twenty One, welcome! Isn't her loft area so beautiful?

I thought I'd take you on a little tour of our kitchen, sunroom, and living room today-- c'mon in!

White Kitchen with Large Island in a Ryan Homes Palermo

My Struggle with Seasonal Decor

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.

I must confess: before I was a blogger, I actually didn't do a ton of seasonal decorating.

While I've always loved creating a beautiful, welcoming home, there is also a part of me that is intensely practical. (Also, cheap. 🙂 )

So I became torn.

White Kitchen with Clear Pendant Lights Over the Island in a Ryan Homes Palermo

I love, love, love to decorate. I love pretty things and pretty spaces.

But spending tons of money on new decor for each season didn't really line up with that practical streak, not to mention that I would then have to find a place to store all of my newly acquired items when they weren't in season, which didn't really seem like the best use of my space.

White Kitchen, Mother and Son
The boys are done with school for the summer, so when Caleb wandered in while I was taking pictures and offered his modeling services, how could I resist?! 😉

Now don't get me wrong-- there are people who LOVE to decorate for each season, buy new things, and switch out their decor often, and I think that is awesome. That is their passion and their gift and I think they should embrace it and use it to its fullest.

White Kitchen with Summer Decorating Ideas
See how we upgraded our kitchen island trim in this post.

But in my case, I went out searching for a balance. How do I create a beautiful, welcoming home that reflects the current season without having to buy (and store) a ton of new decor all the time?

Incorporating a Whole House Uniform

As I was wrestling with that question, I got to thinking about successful people like Mark Zuckerberg and Michael Kors and several others who have simplified their lives and their decision making by adopting a uniform.

They choose to wear the same thing each day in order to free up some brain space by having to make one less decision, while always guaranteeing that they feel comfortable and confident at the same time.

Aqua Demijohn on a Large Kitchen Island in a White Kitchen

And if a uniform could work for streamlining their clothing, could it work for streamlining my home as well?

Sunroom with View of Farm Land

So over the past year or so, I've started experimenting more and more with the "uniform" concept for our house. It worked out well timing-wise because we have been in our house for less than three years and are still making a lot of decorating decisions, so while I was at it anyway, it seemed like a good idea to streamline.

I took what I knew about my design style-- that I loved lots and lots of neutrals with pops of aqua and some hints of blush pink here and there-- and adopted that scheme in nearly every room of our house.

View of Living Room from Kitchen

After years of trying different colors and styles, I always seem to come back to this combination. To me it is calming, welcoming, and beautiful-- all things I want to experience when I spend time at home.

Benefits of Adopting a Whole House Uniform

I have been thrilled to find out that this strategy has had even more benefits than I had originally expected!

Neutral and Aqua Living Room with IKEA BESTA Entertainment Unit

Simplifying Decorating Decisions

First, it guarantees that each room in our house will match my preferred aesthetic. I don't have to guess at whether things will work well together-- I already know that they do because I've used that same combination before.

It also makes the decor pieces I own more versatile. Since the colors and style in each room is so similar, I can easily swap things out from space to space, and everything still works well together. When I'm feeling like a room could use a fresh look, I can shop my house and make some changes without having to buy anything new.

Pink Peonies on the Coffee Table in the Living Room

Providing Guidelines for Buying New Items

In that sense, it has saved me money as well! I still buy new pieces occasionally, but I make sure that they can fit in with the uniform and work in multiple spaces around the house.

When I buy something new, I have also been trying to go for one larger piece that can make an impact on its own for a cleaner, streamlined look, rather than a bunch of smaller items that could end up looking cluttered.

Flowers on Coffee Table, Couch with Pillows, White Kitchen

Minimizing Clutter

And speaking of which... My spaces are less cluttered, too, because I don't need to keep as much decor around.

Since I'm committed to our "uniform," I was able to donate or give away items that didn't fit that particular aesthetic. It freed up space in our home, and the people who received our items were happy to put them to work in their own houses-- win-win!

Living Room with IKEA EKTORP Couch, Love Seat, and Chair
See how we added high board and batten here.

Streamlining Seasonal Decor

And of course, employing the uniform also solves my original struggle with seasonal decor.

Rather than trying to work in traditional color schemes at different times of year-- like Christmas or Thanksgiving, for example-- I have just stuck with the palette that I know I love in our home and have added seasonal touches in those colors.

Living Room with Aqua Accents, High Board and Batten

This way, my same basic pieces work for most of the year. I add more flowers (real and faux) in the spring and summer, pop in a few pumpkins in the fall, and add some extra sparkle and a few trees for Christmas, but I can use many of my pillows, throws, and tchotchkes all year around.

Incorporating a Whole House Uniform in Your Own Home

I realize that the "whole house uniform" philosophy definitely won't be for everyone. If you love to go all out with traditional seasonal decor or are a color lover and it makes you happy to have all different colors throughout the house, go for it!

Enjoying the Summer Living Room, High Board and Batten

That's what I love so much about creating a home. There's no one "right" answer. Everyone will have styles and color schemes that make them happy, and they can incorporate those into the spaces they come home to each day!

But if you're looking to streamline a bit, maybe consider giving the uniform strategy a try. It definitely doesn't have to be done all at once. I've spent years working on our house, and I still have a long list of things I want to do! I've just moved in that direction slowly over time.

IKEA EKTORP Chair and a Side Table in the Living Room

And your "uniform" can look completely different than mine. Hone in on what you love, the colors and styles you seem to be using a lot of anyway, and use those as a starting point.

Then when you're adding new elements to your home, simply choose items that fit that aesthetic. It definitely doesn't have to be complicated!

Neutral Living Room with Aqua Accents and High Board and Batten in a Ryan Homes Palermo
Our entertainment unit was created with pieces from IKEA's BESTA system, and we added our own trim.

And if you're looking for some gorgeous home inspiration as you think about your own preferred style, be sure to visit the talented ladies on this week's tour! They have some beautiful spaces in store for you.

The incredible Summer Adams is up next, and you can catch the rest of the tours by clicking the links below!

Nearly 40 bloggers are sharing their summer home tours this week! Sharing with me today are...

Thursday

Kim Power Style // Maison de Pax // Jenna Kate at Home // Two Twenty One // Just a Girl and Her Blog

Summer Adams // tatertots and jello // The Tattered Pew // Aratari at Home // Crisp Collective

And sharing the rest of the week...

Monday

The Happy Housie // Rooms FOR Rent // Shabbyfufu // Maison de Cinq // My 100 Year Old Home

Southern State of Mind // All Things with Purpose // Grace in My Space // Love Create Celebrate

Tuesday

Town and Country Living // Taryn Whiteaker Designs // Designthusiasm // This is Our Bliss // My Sweet Savannah

Rambling Renovators // The Turquoise Home // Clean and Scentsible // She Gave it a Go //Lemon Thistle

Wednesday

Modern Glam // Craftberry Bush // Setting for Four // Inspiration for Moms // Zevy Joy

Life is a Party // Tauni Everett // Finding Silver Pennies // Sincerely, Marie Designs // Amber Tysl

Sources for Our Home

Click on any of the images below to be taken to the item's source.

Kitchen

Sunroom

Living Room

Do you use a similar color scheme throughout your house, or do you prefer to switch it up from room to room?

Thank you so much for stopping by! Have a wonderful day!

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.

Filed Under: Decorating Tagged With: summer home tour

Pin318
Share4
Tweet
Email
322 Shares
Free Printables Library at justagirlandherblog.com

Get 200+ pages of free printables!

Become one of our VIP newsletter subscribers and gain access to our exclusive free printables vault!

I want in!
Previous Post: « The KonMari Method: Organizing Sentimental Items
Next Post: DIY Shelf Tutorial: How to Make an Easy, Inexpensive Wall-to-Wall Shelf »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lindsay Aratari says

    June 13, 2019 at 7:45 am

    I love the whole uniform idea! Your home flows so beautifully together!

    Reply
    • Abby Lawson says

      June 14, 2019 at 1:26 pm

      Aw, thanks so much, Lindsay! Hope you're having an awesome week! <3

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  2. Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says

    June 13, 2019 at 9:01 am

    You have such a beautiful home! I'm one of those who used to decorate differently each season - and wound up having to rent a storage unit to house all the stuff. Now I've changed my decorating approach and I'm getting rid of most of it.. LOL.

    Reply
    • Abby Lawson says

      June 14, 2019 at 1:28 pm

      I totally understand how it could get to that point when decorating for each season. It can get overwhelming quickly!

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  3. Bethany Crisp says

    June 13, 2019 at 9:18 am

    These are such great tips! I love your home!

    Reply
    • Abby Lawson says

      June 14, 2019 at 1:28 pm

      Aw, thanks so much, Bethany! Happy Friday! <3

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  4. Jenna Shaughnessy says

    June 13, 2019 at 9:20 am

    I always love your home, Abby! Your color palette is so soft, fun and summery! It always makes me smile 🙂

    So happy to be touring with you today, friend!

    xo Jenna

    Reply
    • Abby Lawson says

      June 14, 2019 at 1:28 pm

      You're too sweet! Thank you, Jenna! Have a great weekend! <3

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  5. Rachel K Paxton says

    June 13, 2019 at 11:02 am

    Love all of your minimalist decorating tips, Abby!

    Reply
    • Abby Lawson says

      June 14, 2019 at 1:28 pm

      Thanks so much, sweet friend! Happy weekend! <3

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  6. Kelly says

    June 13, 2019 at 3:20 pm

    I have found that I love to decorate for each season! However, you are right it causes a storage and budget issue which is not good. I have finally learned to pair down. I also swap a lot with my mom and sister. Then things feel new! Love your home and style!

    Reply
    • Abby Lawson says

      June 14, 2019 at 1:29 pm

      I love that idea of swapping with your mom and sister! I'm sure they love it, too! 🙂

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  7. Gail says

    June 15, 2019 at 7:04 am

    I “Zuckerberged” my home a few years ago. 4 times a year, I change candles, table runners & pillows, silk flowers - that’s it. Amazing the difference the rooms look as accent color goes from pastel spring, bright summer, earthy fall, red and white winter. Friends think I do major change up, but really only about 6-7 items are changed. I get to enjoy all the seasonal decor fun without the work (and off season storage issues)

    Reply
    • Abby Lawson says

      June 17, 2019 at 12:59 pm

      LOVE this! It really is easy to transform a room with just a few simple changes! Thanks so much for sharing, Gail. Have a wonderful week! <3

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  8. [email protected] says

    June 15, 2019 at 8:58 am

    Great approach Abby. Certainly makes for easier decor choices. I love aqua (even our sofa is aqua!) and pink too.

    Reply
    • Abby Lawson says

      June 17, 2019 at 12:58 pm

      An aqua couch... you're totally speaking my language! 🙂 Love it. Hope you're having a great week, Carol!

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  9. Dannyelle @ Life is a Party says

    June 15, 2019 at 9:25 am

    Your "uniform" is beautiful. The aqua is so welcoming. Love your airy, minimalist feel.

    Reply
    • Abby Lawson says

      June 17, 2019 at 12:57 pm

      Aw, thanks so much, Dannyelle! Hope you have a wonderful week! <3

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  10. Debbie says

    June 15, 2019 at 12:29 pm

    I am a big color person. I only use four favorite colors; golds, corals, Apple green, and cobalt, plus natural wood mostly oak. My wardrobe has all the same colors!. However, because I stay in the same color scheme things can still be moved from room to room. Seasonal decorating is mostly traditional, but blends with my walls and furniture.

    Reply
    • Abby Lawson says

      June 17, 2019 at 12:56 pm

      Yes! It makes it much simpler, doesn't it? Your color combinations sound beautiful... thanks so much for sharing, Debbie! <3

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  11. heather curle says

    June 24, 2019 at 7:11 pm

    less is always more! In the process of getting rid of a lot of small knickknacks! feels great! love the colors of your home!

    Reply
    • Abby Lawson says

      June 26, 2019 at 1:34 pm

      Absolutely! Thanks so much, Heather! Hope you're having a great week! <3

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  12. Kata says

    June 27, 2019 at 10:21 am

    I always preferred simplicity but I was almost alone with this opinion. I like Scandinavian and Japanese decor as they are usually plainer. Thanks for showing me that I am not alone. 🙂

    Reply
    • Abby Lawson says

      July 02, 2019 at 2:13 pm

      So glad it was helpful for you, Kata! <3

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  13. Lee says

    June 30, 2019 at 10:14 am

    This is super helpful. We sold everything we own to travel full-time and now need to restart from scratch! In our case it's really less is more. Thanks so much.

    Reply
    • Abby Lawson says

      July 02, 2019 at 2:13 pm

      So glad it was helpful for you, Lee! What an awesome adventure... enjoy!

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  14. Jill says

    July 26, 2019 at 10:24 pm

    Abby,

    Love your look! Your home is so welcoming and bright. Many great and useful ideas that certainly prove the "wardrobe" concept and the versatility that is gained with a neutral/light/white background. Your accent pieces/accessories can be any color you gravitate towards and if used in the "whole house" manner, it gives continuity and the ability to "shop your home". A tip from a decorator years ago - she said "always buy in pairs", referring to such things as lamps, side tables, chairs, nightstands, vases/things to hold greenery or flowers, etc. You may not always use them together as pairs but you have that ability if you want to. I liked Gail's reply about doing just a 4 season accessory change If use faux greenery and flowers I always add some water in any clear glass container to give a look of "the real stuff", just add a drop or two of bleach and change weekly. I'm enjoying the tour and look forward to your future blog postings.

    Reply
    • Abby Lawson says

      July 29, 2019 at 10:16 pm

      Thanks so much for sharing, Jill! I love that tip... I will definitely tuck that one away! 🙂

      Hope you have a great week! <3

      ~Abby =)

      Reply
  15. Michelle says

    September 11, 2019 at 6:07 pm

    This whole idea of having a uniform for your home is a totally new concept for me - and I LOVE it! Such a great way to minimize purchases but make your house look like one cohesive unit. Thanks for the tip!

    Reply
    • Abby Lawson says

      September 12, 2019 at 11:51 am

      Aw so glad it was helpful! Thank you so much for your sweet words! Hope you're having a great week, Michelle!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You have to agree to the comment policy.

Primary Sidebar

Hey there, friend! I'm Abby, and I'm so thrilled you stopped by! I love working to create a beautiful, thriving home, life and business and helping others do the same.

Read my story→

Let's Connect!

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Let's Get Organized!

Impactful Habits, Organized Home organizing course | https://abbylawson.com/ihoh
Deluxe Home Binder Printables | https://www.abbylawson.com/deluxe-home-binder-printables

Stick to your fitness goals!

Deluxe Fitness Journal | https://www.abbylawson.com/deluxe-fitness-journal-printables

How to Start a Blog

How to Start a Blog: The Definitive Guide

Our Course for Bloggers

Blogging: Organized

Deluxe Blogging Binder Printables | https://www.abbylawson.com/deluxe-blogging-binder-printables

Favorite Posts

Free Printable Library | 50+ Free Organizing Printables

50+ Free Printables to Organize Every Area of Your Life

home- cozy office nook, feminine home office, organized home office, small office, decorating, farmhouse office

A Cozy Office Nook

Ryan Homes Palermo Before and After Home Tour 2.5 Years In

Before and After Home Tour: Two and a Half Year Update

Free Printable Budget Binder Cover

Budget Binder for 2021 (with FREE Printables!)

Home organization- How to Organize Every Space in Your House, declutter, organizing, small space organization

How to Organize Every Space in Your House

Student Binder Printable Organizing Pages

Printable Student Binder

Personal Posts

Breast Cancer Awareness Month My Story by Just a Girl and Her Blog

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: My Story

This girl started out knowing nothing about blogging or online business and made 6 figures last year. Time to start that blog I've been thinking about!

From Hobby Blog to Thriving Business: My Blogging Story

Archives

Post Categories

Copyright

I love it when you share! Please keep in mind that all images and text on this site are property of Just a Girl and Her Blog. Feel free to use one or two photos provided that a link back to my original post is included. Please do not remove any watermarks, crop, or edit any of my images without first obtaining written permission from me. All free printables offered are for personal use only. Pinning is always welcome and appreciated! Thank you!

Privacy Policy & Disclosures

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Read our privacy policy and disclosures →

© 2021 Twenty Three Publishing LLC