Kitchen Cabinets: 6 Square; Backsplash tile: Chapter 15 3" x 6" Statuario jeffreycourt.com; Interior Designer and Photo Credit; Barbara Schmidt, studiobstyle.com

Your decor should say something about your lifestyle, your taste, your travels, your likes and your relationships. Décor is a collection of fabrics, furnishings and eclectic finds spelling out some of your past, some of your present and hint at some of your future.

There are simple steps to take to build or curate your spaces. Just follow these four simple steps:

Step One: Comfortable Seating

Every room needs a place to rest, even the entryway. Think about how you can build in a comfortable place to rest in each space in your home. Choose fabrics and furnishings that fit the space.

Scale of furniture is very important for the flow of the room, even the bathroom. Stools and ottomans are very useful for setting items down and to sit and put on shoes, socks and pants. . If you can, try a similar sized piece or take the floor sample out on approval to see if it feels right.

Kitchen Cabinets: cliqstudios.com; Backsplash Tile: Chapter 6 Crocker Gold jeffreycourt.com; Interior Designer: Barbara Schmidt, studiobstyle.com

Step Two: Everything Organized Within Reach

Make sure that you consider all the functionality and flow of each space. If you need room for the remote and a glass of water, make sure there is a solution for that in your space.

Keep baskets underneath benches or in closets to organize your lifestyle. Spaces only feel welcoming if they are not cluttered.

Seasonal wardrobe can go to another closet so that everyday items are kept within reach. Once a season take a few hours to clear out the old to make room for the new. Donate your left-overs to charity.

Step Three: Maximum Enjoyment

Ask yourself if there is one thing that would make this space perfect? An extra grounded outlet? A new window covering?  A new tile back splash? What is that one décor item that seems to be missing? Focus on getting that one upgrade done and it will feel more like home.

Little changes are very helpful in updating a lifestyle. By repositioning a chair into a clear space by a window, you might use it more. By tiling that laundry area or mudroom, you might be able to keep it cleaner.

Bath Fixtures: americanstandard-us.com; Tile: Jeffrey Court Chapter 11 Trax Mosaic;
Interior Designer and Photo Credit; Barbara Schmidt, studiobstyle.com

Step Four: Love Your Collection

You know that feeling you get when you see something that makes you feel good? Try to collect those home décor items. Some can come from family, some from flea markets or some from big box stores. The point is to collect these items over time and use them as reminders to help your home feel special everyday.

Even if something is new, it can remind you of that favorite summer picnic or first home you owned. Don’t be afraid to mix retro decades of décor together if that tells the story of your lifestyle well.