collecting

my living room, much like my kitchen, is a hodge podge of collected things that weren't picked together, or planned out, but rather curated, in fits and starts of must-have moments and make-it-work compromises.

there's a new sofa on the way - finally, and i think once that's in, the little red living room that could will finally can.   until then, it's the little things i'm happy to surround myself with (and there's no shortage of them).  the room is chock-full of things i love: mementos from trips, gifts from friends, photos, books, tiny treat-myself treasures, and family heirlooms.  it makes the microfiber sofa a bit more bearable, for the time being.

the moral of the story is we can't always get a room just right.  the budget may not be there, mistakes will be made, and things get ruined.  but it doesn't need to be perfect if it's authentic.  i think that's why i'm a 'maximalist' decorator at heart.  it allows for mistakes.  it embraces them.  it never calls for perfection, but rather it's forgiving and has a sense of humor.  a great room to me is like a good friend.  it can inspire, but never intimidate.  it invites but doesn't judge.  and it's approachable, never too precious.

photos by anna barzin