It’s tempting to fall into trends that are easy (and inexpensive) to purchase, right? That look-for-less item that our favorite designer shares, the affordable wall art, the vase that is sold out everywhere but you found one in store and you just have to buy it. There’s also the problem of falling into thinking that we need to be periodically buying new to keep our homes feeling fresh and relevant. I challenged my own thinking around this last year and realized that there were a handful of items that I would buy – not necessarily because I absolutely loved them, but because my thinking had been influenced by images I had seen over and over or by what other designers or influencers were saying. Or it was at a deep discount I couldn’t resist! I just became very aware of what I was buying and why I was making purchases. I still allowed myself to invest in new items that spoke to me or that I had been eyeing for a long time. But I released myself from the idea that I was “missing out” on something if I didn’t buy an item – even if it was on trend or a crazy good deal. When I did buy something for our home, I was much more thoughtful about my purchases. It was a good lesson in further defining my personal style and what I view as valuable. There were a handful of things that I found I don’t miss – and am happy to do without! But these three categories made the biggest dent in my impulse-buying.
I’m not buying scented candles
I used to regularly buy candles whenever I would pop into HomeGoods, Target – even Walmart. I love my home smelling good and this was an easy way to be sure I always had a candle to burn (sometimes all day). The first time I decided these affordable candles might not be the best purchase was when I was cleaning our bathroom and there was a “shadow” on the walls and ceiling… it turned out that the walls and ceiling around the vanity were covered in residue from the candles I had been burning! Yikes. I’ve since switched to exclusively using Pura room diffusers and burning taper candles when I’m in the mood for it. It’s allowed me to spend less on candles that I don’t burn all the way through while investing in taper holders that are beautiful and meaningful all on their own.
what I’m buying instead
I’m not buying throw pillows
I had been buying throw pillows and covers so often that I had a stack of them I wasn’t using. I’m so drawn to textiles and fabric so it was an easy purchase for me every time. But honestly, these pretty pillows would always end up on the floor or need constant styling (because I had so many!). When I analyzed my Pinterest boards and the rooms I was most drawn to, there was the occasional throw pillow – but very rarely a room packed with them. I for some reason had fallen into this idea that I needed a textile of some kind on all of my furniture. Maybe because I felt the need to pull pattern into the room? In time, what I ended up doing instead was choosing furniture that felt interesting all on its own. A great room should feel interesting and beautiful before adding in all of the styling pieces. Styling doesn’t make the room, that should be the cherry on top! So now my focus is all on furniture silhouettes, artwork and lighting – with the occasional throw pillow.
what I’m buying instead
I’m not shopping every new Target release
The Studio McGee x Threshold line has been so popular the past few years that it’s even found its own niche of content creators! I always have fun popping in and checking out each seasons new releases, but I actually haven’t bought anything from Target for a long while now. I think these pieces are perfect if you’ve been eyeing a lamp or styling piece for awhile and the look-for-less version happens to be released with the new season (like these box pleat chairs… so good). Those prices are hard to resist! But I really can’t get on board with rolling out of the store with a cart overflowing with these items for every new drop. Guys, all of our houses will start to look the same! While I absolutely think it’s a-ok to occasionally shop these pieces, I’m personally much choosier about what I do buy. I want to make sure it’s something that I will cherish for years – not just 2025.
what I’m buying instead
