You Said It: ‘Change Is Good’ and Other Houzz Quotables

It was due — a You Said It column rounding up quotes, tips and advice grabbed from the Comments sections of stories. Taking several hours to read through those sections was a refreshing way to get my creative juices flowing — a topic readers explored this week. We writers get a lot of ideas from your comments, so thank you for taking the time to leave them, and please keep them coming! Without further ado, here’s what your fellow Houzzers had to say this week.

“Since I have the opportunity to redecorate our whole house, I didn’t want it to be a lateral move. So I am thinking outside my comfort level. I literally have to program my brain not to migrate towards warm colors while looking for furniture and accessories. This has been a fun process, since I love to decorate. Change is good. I believe in do-overs in every avenue in life.” — Houzz user matteosmom

There are such great sentiments in this comment: thinking of doing the same old comfortable thing as “a lateral move” and believing in do-overs. A new-to-you color, fabric or piece of art can give you a whole new outlook and bring fresh energy to your home.

Full story: Time to Step Out of Your Color Comfort Zone?


“You can feel the love that was poured into this home.” — Houzz user Sue K

This is the kind of comment that makes a homeowner and a writer so glad they shared the story. Only a truly special home can transmit this feeling through a photo. This unique home, barn and yard belonging to an artist and a blacksmith are overflowing with beloved items and art, and have a very personal style.

Full story: Layers of Patina and an Artist’s Touch in a New York Colonial


“I haven’t used a bathtub in over 30 years, but I’d probably change my habits if I had a tub with a view like this.” — Houzz user midmodfan

You and me both, midmodfan. I thoroughly enjoyed touring this home in the Hollywood Hills. While this bathroom’s corner window gives the room a very contemporary feel, the entire home mixes in plenty of rustic style, creating a pleasing balance.

Full story: A Classic Ranch House Rises to the Location


“I have so many fond memories of this sofa that belonged to my grandparents. It’s the only thing I asked for when they passed. The original upholstery was a cream damask that was in very bad condition. I think my grandmother would be proud.” — Houzz user jcrom36

I love it when Houzz users respond to a story by showing off what they have going on at home. The combination of this traditional piece’s curved wood frame and its floral print is exuberant. The fact that the sofa has sentimental value makes it priceless.

Full story: Second-Life Sofas Show First-Rate Style


“Would like to see more home office space ideas!” — Houzz user vsanderson

We Houzz contributors are actively on the hunt for practical, useful home office ideas.

For those who have gone paperless, those pretty, perfectly appointed offices we love to look at — the ones with clean, drawerless tables and no piles or cabinets — do work. But for the bulk of us pilers and filers, we need spaces that function the way we need them to.

There will be more functional, realistic home offices to check out in the near future, vsanderson, I promise.

And Houzzers, if you have any home office solutions and photos to share, please post them in the Comments section.

Full story: Room of the Day: Home Office Makes the Most of Awkward Dimensions


“Living alone in a small space is a great excuse to get outside, meet people and make the city your living room.” — Houzz user Kristi Wall

If your small space is getting you down, turn your attitude around with Wall’s advice. Whether a thriving metropolis or fields and woods are right outside your door, count them as part of your home, and get out and enjoy them more.

Full story: 6 Mental Tricks to Outsmart Your Small Space


“Whether it’s painting or writing, I find that tidying up my studio leads me to discover things I’ve set aside to create with, and that leads to dabbling around, which leads to new inspiration. Sometimes, the most difficult steps of the day are the ones that lead into the studio in the morning … once there, things will happen almost of their own accord if I make the space and time for them.” — Houzz user Jackie Bregman

So true. While cleaning up and organizing before getting down to business can seem like a procrastination technique, clearing the literal cobwebs helps clear the mental ones.

It’s especially true when you unearth inspiring treasures along the way — a postcard, doodle or clipping you’ve saved, or a ticket stub or photograph that conjures up fond memories.

Full story: Design Practice: 11 Ways Architects Can Overcome Creative Blocks


“We tend to have strong emotions about our homes … maybe enough to hang around long after we are supposed to have ‘vacated’ the premises, if you get my drift. Happy Halloween!” — Houzz user risastacy

This is such a fun quiz to take, because the results are hilarious. It seems I have pink poodles haunting my house — what’s haunting yours?

Full story: Houzz Quiz: What’s Haunting Your House?

URL: You Said It: ‘Change Is Good’ and Other Houzz Quotables http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-24845.html