Grandma's Coming to Stay! Where Is That Hideous Vase She Gave Us?

 

Anonymous UK Homemaker - If this is at all a familiar situation, then you're probably in the same boat as me with generous relatives who love to buy things for your home which are "just perfect" in their eyes, but totally not to your taste. It makes me feel guilty every time, but the hideous vase in question is just so massive and so ugly that it hides away in the loft (or attic for those of you in the U.S.) for most of the year and is only dusted off for state visits where it takes pride of place on the hall table.

It's not just the vase either; my kitchen cabinets have various odds and ends stashed at the back which are hastily pressed into service when their purchasers are headed our way. Some I have to admit are not that bad, but really I just wish people would let me get on with my own interior design ideas! On the flip side, when I buy something thoughtful for somebody else’s home, I'm always on the lookout for it when I visit, and would be most offended to think my choices haven’t made it into daylight. I know I can’t have it both ways, so I've been thinking of inventive ways to embrace my collection of monstrosities.

In the kitchen, I've found a permanent home for a great chunky glass vase by placing it in the windowsill where the refracted light makes the most of its slightly odd curves. Keeping it filled with beautiful flowers draws the eye upwards, and I've ticked that one off my list! A pair of not-very-me candlesticks is gracing the upper reaches of the bookcase in the dining room, as if placed to lift down for use on the table – clever display hinting at usage - which in reality is very unlikely. Another one sorted!

Ideas fail me for Grandma's vase, however, and I think it's destined to be the one thing which carries on with semi-permanent residence in the dark. Oh well, nobody’s perfect!

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT

Tell us what "treasure" someone has given you, putting you in the same bind - you can't rid yourself of the piece, but you certainly can't use or display it for fear of attracting attention from the style police.

For First-Timers: Decorating Do's and Don'ts

If you're planning on trying your hand at some interior design at home, maybe for the first time, then here are a few handy tips to help you out.

Consider your budget: always make sure you have a good idea of how much you want to spend and that you account for all the items you'll need before you start purchasing. You don’t want to run out of money and be left with a half-finished project on your hands. If you need to reduce the costs, then where can you cut new purchases out? Stick with your old mattresses for example, or repaint some of your existing furniture.

Know your capabilities: don’t decide to knock down walls and install custom furniture unless you have the skills to do the job. Getting professionals in to rectify a botched job could cost more than paying them to do the work in the first place.

Think about style: if this is your first go at home decorating, then pick out something easy in terms of colors and patterns. This probably isn't the time for making a great statement which could go horribly wrong! If you need some help, ask in a local décor, furniture, or home goods store about what goes together or enlist the help of a friend whose home décor you admire.

Practical versus Pretty: don’t forget about the

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