Discipline In Design, Life And Blogging

I have successfully been disciplined in things like running or time management but when it comes to artistic discipline like decorating my house or even writing articles for my blog, discipline is very challenging. I have to remind myself that there is a connection between discipline and art. Discipline applies to everything! So, when I go shopping for things to decorate my home (think Home Goods), I have to really hold back from buying a super modern large piece of art or vase. It looks gorgeous in the store display and I love it there but when it comes into my fundamentally traditionally decorated home, it’s a bust and I’m disappointed.  I LOVE my traditional looking home. It grounds me and reminds me of my grandparents’ home. Fortunately, ANYTHING from Pottery Barn is going to look right but I don’t always want that big price tag so I’ve gotta put some work in.

The red tree skirt above is the one I chose. Here is one I was contemplating:

They both would go in my home but I wanted to stick to my red/nostalgia theme. The neutral one was soooo tempting.OK, confession, I bought both and the neutral one is getting returned. 🙂 You can find these at TJ Maxx and Home Goods. 

This was a roundabout way to say that when creating your blog, brand or home decor, it is important to stay focused so your audience feels right when you bring in a new article, tweet or chachka. Find your balance: a repetitively decorated house many look completely coordinated but lacks personality. People enjoy predictability with slight variations. I read a blog (Penelope Trunk) where the author really writes about the same things in a million different ways. I still enjoy the message, each time I read a new variation. It validates how I think about some things.

I will always be a sucker for a white t-shirt. I want super thin, soft cotton in: carrying sleeve lengths, v-neck, crew neck, little collars etc. I probably buy 10 a year. It never gets old. We watch the SAME movie over and over with different actors and scenery. I love every 007. 

So for bloggers, keep in mind that people coming to your site will be consistent if you are consistent. Some people may seem to be all over the place but if you look closely, you will find a common thread and voice. As for decor, anchor your spaces with a theme and pickle with different aspects of yourself and family.