Title: Building Base Structures—What If You Had To Start Over?
I get where you’re coming from, but sometimes those sentimental pieces actually inspire the whole design. I’ve seen folks build an entire room around a family heirloom or quirky old chair. It doesn’t always have to “fit” in the traditional sense—sometimes it’s the oddball stuff that makes a space feel real.
Title: Building Base Structures—What If You Had To Start Over?
I get the appeal of designing around a sentimental piece—sometimes those quirky items really do give a space its soul. But when you’re starting from scratch, I actually think it helps to keep the base structure a bit more neutral or flexible. That way, if your tastes change (or you inherit a different oddball chair down the line), you’re not boxed in by one statement piece dictating everything else.
I’ve worked with clients who regretted letting one bold item steer the whole ship. It’s like, suddenly every other choice is about making that one thing work, and it can get a little exhausting. Sometimes it’s easier to let the architecture and layout do the heavy lifting, then layer in those meaningful objects as accents. Just my two cents... I guess it depends on how attached you are to the piece and how much you want it to stand out.
TITLE: Building Base Structures—What If You Had To Start Over?
You’re spot on about the exhaustion factor when a single bold piece takes over the whole design. I’ve seen entire developments get stuck in a rut because someone insisted on a “statement” feature that just didn’t age well. Neutral, flexible bases give you room to adapt—whether it’s for resale value or just your own evolving taste. That said, I get the urge to make a space feel personal from the jump. There’s a balance, but I’d argue the foundation should always be adaptable. Otherwise, you’re locked in, and that can get expensive to undo down the line.
TITLE: BUILDING BASE STRUCTURES—WHAT IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?
Totally get what you’re saying about the “statement” piece dominating everything. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to gently talk someone out of a bright purple kitchen island or a spiral staircase right in the middle of the living room. Sure, it sounds fun at first, but five years down the line when trends shift—or you just get tired of explaining your design choices to every guest—it’s suddenly not so charming.
If I had to start over, here’s how I’d approach it step-by-step:
1. Keep the bones simple. Walls, floors, ceilings—go for classic materials and colors. Think whites, soft grays, natural woods. You can always jazz things up later with paint or wallpaper if you’re feeling bold.
2. Plan for flexibility. Leave room for future changes—like making sure electrical and plumbing are accessible if you ever want to reconfigure a space. It’s way easier (and cheaper) to add outlets or move a sink if you plan ahead.
3. Personalize with stuff that’s easy to swap out. Lighting fixtures, hardware, even doors—these are all things you can change without tearing the place apart. I once saw someone transform a totally neutral kitchen just by swapping out cabinet pulls and pendant lights...took an afternoon and made a huge difference.
4. Don’t be afraid of “boring.” Neutral doesn’t mean bland—it means timeless. You can always layer in personality with rugs, art, plants, or whatever wild thing you’re into this year.
I will say though, sometimes a bold choice pays off if it really speaks to you. Just maybe save the neon green tile for the powder room instead of the main entryway...unless you’re planning on loving it forever.
It’s all about making sure your base is solid and flexible enough to handle whatever life (or your next decorating phase) throws at it.
TITLE: BUILDING BASE STRUCTURES—WHAT IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?
Funny you mention the “bones”—I’ve seen so many projects where people regret not thinking through the basics. One client insisted on a sunken living room because it “looked cool,” but later realized it made furniture layout a nightmare and tripped up every guest. I always ask: will this layout still work if your needs change? Neutral finishes are great, but I’d add that even structural stuff like wall placement or ceiling heights can make or break future flexibility. Ever tried moving a load-bearing wall after the fact? Not fun...
