Not everyone feels like they’re born with “the design gene.” You may deeply enjoy interiors, follow designers and home influencers on Instagram, and dream of creating a home that feels both polished and personal. But when it comes to actually making choices for your space, it begins to feel overwhelming. If this sounds familiar, you are far from alone!
At Christopher Collection, we've worked with so many people who feel unequipped to design their homes, yet they’re just a couple steps away from creating a space they love. The truth is, it isn’t about following a strict formula or recklessly spending on the newest trends. Instead, we encourage you to start small, pay attention to what catches your eye, and lean on experts when you need them.
Here are a few tips we share with our clients who want to design with confidence, no matter their experience.
1. Start with One Anchor Piece
Instead of trying to furnish an entire room at once, choose one piece to be your starting point. It could be a favorite piece of artwork, bold seating, or an heirloom. Our best advice: choose something you already own and love as your springboard. Typically those items we've clung to give us the best window into our true taste. Alternatively, this might be the perfect time to purchase that statement piece you've been eyeing for several months, or several years! If it's still on the wish list, there's a good chance it will be a piece you will love for years to come.
Tip: At Christopher Collection, we often encourage clients to choose an antique as their anchor. Pieces with age and history ground a room and instantly make it feel intentional
3. Take a Longer Look at Your Mood Board
Too often we create a mood board based on what we think we should like. In order to create a home that feels truly personal and put together, you have to collect and lean on inspiration that actually speaks to you. Our best trick is an old one but a good one: take your favorite interior and home catalogs and circle what catches your eye. That's right--old-school Christmas list style. Our Antiques catalog, available for free in store, just might be the perfect place to start!
3. Don't Be Afraid to Mix and Match
In order to build a home that feels like it genuinely reflects you, it's important to choose items that align with and reflect your taste. This may melt together multiple styles or aesthetics, and that's okay! You can never go wrong with a more neutral foundation, stylish accents and a nod to your roots. Incorporate personal memorabilia, balance with classic silhouettes, and use your mood board as a guide for the general feel you are going for. You'll be surprised at how seamlessly it will come together! And when you hit a hurdle, we'll be ready to jump in.
4. Ask for Help (That’s What We’re Here For)
Here’s the secret most people don’t realize: even professional designers seek collaboration. Great design rarely a solo endeavor and is often enhanced by teamwork. If you feel unequipped, that doesn’t mean you’re failing—it just means you need to expand your team.
At Christopher Collection, we love helping clients discover their personal style and curate spaces that feel true to them. No matter where you are in the design process, and no matter how far along you are in your design journey, we are excited to bring our expertise and care to the table.
Bringing It All Together
Designing your home doesn’t have to feel intimidating. By focusing on a few thoughtful choices—an anchor piece, leaning on personal inspiration, and ultimately trusting the process—you’ll be surprised how naturally your home starts to reflect your personal style. The best part: you are in no rush. As inspiration pops up, you'll slowly but surely add layers of personality into your space.
And when you need a hand, know that Christopher Collection is here to be both your resource and your partner.
At the end of the day, a well-designed home isn’t about perfection. It’s about living beautifully, in spaces that feel collected, timeless, and uniquely yours.
