Have you ever wondered if you have a vanilla home? Just think about it, how much does style does it really have? How much does it lack? What about it makes it look common rather than what you see in home decor magazines? Yeah, sure, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of “I need this room finished now.” One big shopping trip later, every corner is filled, the shelves are stacked, and the walls aren’t bare anymore. A lot of people do this when moving into their new home. And yeah, job done, right? Well, no, not quite. Actually, filling a house with random bits and bobs might make it look “complete” in the short term, but it rarely feels right. Again, it goes back to the vanilla bit that was mentioned earlier because it can end up feeling more like a showroom than somewhere you actually live. But curating a home, on the other hand, is slower. It’s intentional. It’s about choosing pieces that mean something, stand the test of time, and make you feel something when you walk through the door. Okay, so that’s the premise, but there’s a lot more details that go into this all too.
Why Does Curating Feel Different?
There’s a clear difference between a house that’s just “filled” and a home that’s been curated. For one, filling space is about ticking boxes. For example, Sofa? Check. Coffee table? Check. Generic wall art that doesn’t say much about you? Sure, the basics are there, and sure, the house is technically “done,” but it feels flat. Actually, a great example is IKEA; go to the store and see their little room layouts, or look at their website. It’s the perfect example of how rooms have stuff, but lack depth and personality (and a story overall). Okay, but when it comes to curating, well, it’s about layering. Maybe it takes a little longer, but the pieces have stories. That rug might remind you of a trip. The armchair is one you saved for and will pass down. The art on the wall is something you genuinely love, not just something that matches the cushions. Those choices give your space personality, warmth, and a sense of belonging that mass-produced décor never really delivers.
Investment Pieces is a Part of Curation
So, here’s something else to think about: curating isn’t about spending big on everything, but it does mean thinking about what deserves an investment. For example, a dining table that can handle years of family dinners, a sofa that still looks good after a decade, or even something structural, like fireplace installations to add to your home, but something that anchors the room and never loses its appeal. These are basically the foundations you build around. These especially need to have thoughtful curation. They set the tone. Of course, you can curate anything you want, be it lamps, throw pillow covers, or small pieces of art; the more intention, the better. The beauty of investing in the right anchors is that they make all the small, inexpensive touches feel elevated. Each story of each piece ties together.
Letting Your Style Evolve
If you think about it, curating also gives you room to breathe. When you’re not trying to finish a room in one afternoon, your style has time to evolve. That means your home grows with you. Like, your taste can shift, you can collect vintage finds, and you can do a lot more, and it’s because you invested in pieces with staying power; they adapt to whatever style shift comes next.
