You may have heard me mention the cabinet we affectionately call our “decor store,” so here’s a clearer explanation of what it is and how it works. In short, it’s a dedicated place where I keep vases, shells, candles, vase filler, corks, starfish, decorative dishes and plates, and any other small accessories I might want to use when refreshing a tablescape or arranging fresh flowers. (Don’t mind the shrimp scampi in the photo below — I snapped it while John was making dinner.)
There’s something satisfying about “shopping” in your own home and using items you already own. Many people have extra vases, platters, corks, and decorative objects scattered around the house that can instantly become a mini decor shop when gathered together in a basket, drawer, or cabinet. Even a small collection of matchbooks looks stylish and personal when displayed in a clear cylinder vase — so toss those loose matchbooks into a zip-top bag so they’re easy to find the next time inspiration strikes.
A designated spot for these items gives you a range of options at your fingertips and prevents the frantic search through closets and drawers for something you knew you had. It also saves you from buying duplicates because you forgot what’s tucked away in storage. Keeping everything together makes styling quicker and more enjoyable.
Designers often recommend rotating decorative objects to keep a space feeling fresh. In real life, though, people are busy; it’s easy to leave a display in place for a season, then a year, and before you know it a mantel or console hasn’t changed in several years. A small decor store removes some of the friction: switching items becomes less of a chore and more of a simple creative exercise. That candlestick may look great now, but for spring a vintage glass vase filled with fresh leafy branches might be the perfect swap.
Do you keep a decor store at home? Or do you have another system for storing seasonal pieces, extra vases, and candles? I’d love to hear how you organize and rotate your decorative items.