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hey there! I'm monica 

I pride myself on making amazing style and design accessible for everyone, regardless of location, budget, or ability! My design philosophy is rooted in authenticity + attainability - If I can do it, you can too! My work has been featured in countless publications, but I take the most pride in homeowners that have been personally inspired by my DIY ideas and have tried something in their own homes!

learn more about ME + MY BIZ

So, I’m not a huge risk taker in most areas of my life.  I’m not into extreme sports, I don’t buy high risk stocks, don’t go wild with my clothing or my haircuts.  My husband is a bit more of a risk taker and his annual cliff-jumping trip at the Adirondacks proves that…

(I pray a lot during this annual trip!)
One area I am brave enough to take a risk in is my decorating.  I was inspired by The Nester to share my thoughts on being willing to take a little risk in your home.
She wrote, “We don’t risk because it’s easy or normal or natural, we risk because of hope.”  So often when I want to try something new or different, I find myself thinking, “I sure hope this works out!”  and sometimes it does, and sometimes it doesn’t.  It really isn’t about it always working out perfectly, but it is about being willing to try something that would make you happy if it works out! Now, don’t go knocking down walls right away, but maybe a new color paint (you’d only be out about $30 and two hours if you don’t like it) or rearranging the furniture in a room (you simply move it back if you’re just not feelin’ it), or maybe attempt a fun DIY project you’ve seen on a blog. Here are a few tips that The Nester shared:

TIPS FOR TAKING RISKS IN YOUR HOME:

  • start small and pick a project that won’t take much time
  • don’t invest too much money
  • don’t force perfection
  • be open to changes and new ideas during the process
  • don’t be afraid to put a nail hole in the wall (I added this one, but so many people are afraid of hanging art.  I promise, it’s no biggie! If it goes poorly I’ll buy you some quick dry spackle!)
Here are a few of my recent, minor risks…
Outdated bottom half of my hutch…
 Meet awesome orange paint
 Fingers crossed as I was painting (sorry for the non-glamorous painting scene).  I’ll share the end results soon and let you know if this risk worked or not.
 This was a little bigger risk because Eric really liked this mirror.  It was fairly expensive when I bought it for our old house, but I didn’t have any place for it in the new home.  I liked the size for this playroom, but I wanted it to have some color! I finally decided to take the plunge and paint it!
 Here’s a risk I actually wouldn’t recommend, wearing your favorite jeans and sneakers while painting. I’m not sure if I was just feeling really risky or lazy!
 (Thankfully no shoes or jeans were harmed in the making of the awesome mirror re-do)
 I chose a really cool mustard yellow paint and was just a wee bit disappointed when the paint wasn’t taking and it looked canary yellow at first!
 But, after 4 coats, I finally had a finished product that I really love.  I can’t wait to show it to you in the room. 
So, what risks have you taken?  What risks are you going to finally try?
Let us know, we’d love to see what Risky Business you’re up to!
 

The comments +

  1. Courtney Milbery says:

    Just wanted to let you know that I am really enjoying the blog. And I LOVE the orange paint!

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