To be completely honest, I'm scared to even talk about this. But, I want to be real; to be authentic; to be transparent. So, this is me striving to do just that. Let's talk about The Struggle Between DIY and High-Quality, or how I feel about it in regards to DECOR.
When Luke and I bought this house, we were overwhelmed by how much we wanted to change. From the carpeted bathrooms to having rooms with no overhead lights... nothing was how we wanted it to be. Slowly, over the last few years, we have tackled a lot of those things. We aren't close to being done, but the house, as a whole, no longer feels like there's something to be changed everywhere you look. When we first bought the house those needs needed to be addressed first. Because of that, DIY projects that focused on decor and crafts just evolved. We didn't have the money to spend on decor, side tables, etc., because we were spending it on house renovations (tile, electrical, overhead lights, working lights, etc.).
So, to make our house feel more like us at that moment, I started getting into DIY decor projects. Once I started doing those projects I quickly found out that you could make things for a fraction of the price of what you can buy them for.
Take, for example, this Anthropologie Inspired Lotus Mirror DIY.
The inspiration for that DIY was over $400, yet my DIY cost around $13. Crazy difference right?!
Would I have ever spent $400 on a mirror? When I did that DIY the answer would have been, no. Heck, no. Now, the answer has changed a bit. Let's talk about why and how it changes my perspective on DIY decor projects/crafts.
About a year ago, I came across something somewhere that was talking about clothing. It talked about how this person would rather have 25 high-quality pieces of clothing that they just loved rather than 150 items that they had to sift through to find something that they felt good in. That sparked something in me. I used to be that person that would buy clothing just because it was a good deal (the clearance section was my best friend). But, all the pieces of clothing just piled in my closet and I had "lots of stuff" but nothing that really spoke to me (or hardly any pieces that were pieces that I loved). So, over the past two years, I've gotten rid of probably ¾ of my closet. Nothing stays unless I love it or I look great in it, etc. This has freed me to switch my mindset. When I do go shopping, I want to buy something that I love. I no longer just go through the clearance because, with my new guidelines, I hardly ever find something that I just love (on clearance or regular priced).This seems like it would be annoying; and it can be when you go shopping and don't bring anything home. BUT, when I actually bring something home, I want to wear it all the time because it feels perfect for me. Because I no longer buy things all the time, I end up splurging on most pieces I do buy. Splurging, to me, is probably different than splurging, to you, and so on. But, the base line is, when you cut the extras out, you can pay a bit more for one item or two because you've saved it by not buying all the other items that were just ok.
I know I was talking about clothing there, but that philosophy has morphed to our home. Over the past year, I feel like I have, un-naturally, pushed myself to DIY decor projects. Somehow, I just got in the mindset that I wanted to do them. The thing is, DIY decor projects don't come naturally to me. You will probably think I'm crazy when I say this, but I'm not crafty. I don't enjoy craft projects. I can do them, yes, but that doesn't mean I enjoy them. When I do complete them, half the time, I compare them to the original and find them lacking. I don't always do this, but I do it some.
For example, this DIY medallion that I did for knock out knock offs:
In all honesty, I think it turned out really well. It looks really similar to the original and it was really inexpensive to make. BUT, I really, really, really, wanted the original. I loved it. So, I tried to recreate something that I loved in the first place. When I compare the DIY to something I absolutely love... it just doesn't hit the same note. I still like it, but I love the original piece.
There have been a few DIY decor pieces that I feel like I did really well and I love them just as much as the originals (mid-century hanging planter, painted umbrella and bullet planter). So, where does this take me? Well, I'm going to try not to get sucked into DIY decor as much - especially if I could afford the original pieces that I love. That's not to say that I won't create decor projects, but I want to be much more choosey. Sometimes, it's just better to pay for the item that you love - and really love it - than it is to try to recreate something similar.
I hope all of this makes sense. Basically, I want to implement my closet philosophy with our house. Less is more. Love what I have. If that means saving for items that I could probably DIY,when I love the originals, then that's what it means. If it means doing a DIY decor project because I'm truly interested in it and think I could do it well, then that's what it means. Ultimately, I want to be choosier on the things I create and the things that get brought into our house.
Thoughts? What's your take? Seriously, I'd love to know!
cassie @ primitive & proper
i agree on all fronts and feel very much the same. i shop for pieces i love both in home and clothes now as well (although home is a gray area for me because i shop for sweet clover so much that if i like something ok but get sick of it i can bring it there.) there are so many times i come home from shopping with nothing, and it's ok because i would rather spend good money on something i love than a little money on things that were ok and filled my bag. i am totally with you here! and i also feel less project oriented lately- i don't need to create projects for the sake of a project.
Ashley Mayes
It can get annoying to not find anything that you love after awhile! But, my wardrobe has been like that for quite awhile and I love it so I'm hoping the same goes for the house going forward.
Aniko
I hear ya, girl ! I had the exact the same thing with the clothing thing...I just kept buying the stuff for couple of dollars and I ended up having a zillion of pieces but of course I only put on the ones I really really liked. I stopped that! With the DIY thing...i had many projects that I hated but I had many that I would DIY again without a doubt. I try not to look at something I like in a store with me thinking "how could I possibly DIY that" .if I like it, if i can afford I buy it!
Ashley Mayes
I think that was my main problem with home decor. I would totally look at things and then wonder if I could DIY them. Now, I'm completely on board with buying them (if I love them and if I can afford them). It feels like a breath of fresh air now that I've just committed to it.
Pam S
I understand exactly what you're saying. I am not at all crafty and therefore don't enjoy it much. I look at it as more of a problem solver. First I see it in my head, then decide which is more financially do-able, DIY or purchase. I very seldom see something that I fall in love with and then try to DIY a copy. I'd rather save for something I love, than settle for a copy that will never be quite what I wanted. You do some very nice work and I hope you will continue. Most of all, I hope your home ends up exactly as you want it and that you are truly happy with each and every inch of it. After all, it is your castle!
Ashley Mayes
You are so sweet, thank you. I think the way you have looked at things is great. I think the bottom line for me is that if I fall in love with something (and it's something I can afford) then don't DIY it. Buy it and enjoy it. Because, you are so right that a copy will never be quite the same.
Charlotte
I think this is a great philosophy. I definitely feel like with our new house I'm much more hesitant on what I spend money on. Our old house was a mishmash of stuff and nothing was cohesive, and while I generally liked every room, when we completed the whole house it was very evident we had remodeled room by room. and I very much want to be deliberate in what I bring into our new house.
I think your transparency is refreshing in the blog world , but don't be too hard on yourself because your DIY projects have been really great. =)
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Charlotte. I get what you are saying with wanting a cohesive look and I think that's something always on my mind with this house. We've wanted new flooring for 2+ years and have had the money to do most of it yet not all of it (all the rooms that I want). I think the whole house needs to feel cohesive and this house needs that by having the same flooring (the flooring that I love yet can't afford). So in the meantime, I will keep pinning rooms with pretty floors and saving my pennies.=) I need you to start a blog about your house so I can keep up!!
Charlotte
That was probably the thing at our old house that bugged me the most, you could stand in the hallway and see three different floors to three different rooms - and while I loved all the floors "IN" the room, there was just something about them all being different that was kind of annoying. So keep saving for those floors!
Our new house is moving so slowly I'd need to collaborate with someone to keep things moving - hint, hint, in case you ever want to change things up 😉
Ashley Mayes
lol.
Anni
I totally agree with you, Ashley. If you are doing it within your means, there's nothing wrong with spending money on quality pieces. We bought a fixer upper and are DIYing most of the renovation labor so that we could afford to put nicer things in our house than if we bought a newer house or contracted someone else to do the reno. Sometimes I feel hesitant to post on my blog about the "splurges" but I think that's just me being insecure and silly. We save a ton on some things so we can splurge elsewhere. Nothing wrong with that!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Anni! We do the same thing with the renovation labor and that has allowed me to splurge on a few things (especially in the kitchen). I feel the same way about posting about the "splurges" but in general, readers have really just wanted to know what I think about them. I got some good feedback on our oven when I first posted about it.
erin
new reader here....i think i found you on instagram or vice versa. so i started clicking through to see what your blog was about. anyway, i totally agree with you on all fronts. for my wardrobe, i don't buy anything i don't love, and it must fit well in order for me to buy it. and it also kinda has to go with my work uniform, yes i have a work uniform. Ankle pants and a blouse! (both are in MULTIPLE colors) that way i can have fun with my shoes!
then on the home front, i used to just buy fabric and have my mom sew them for curtains, but last year, I found a pair that i liked, and normally i wouldn't just spend that much money on it, but I wasn't gonna find anything like that to recreate, and i hate sewing, and didn't want to ask my mom again.
I'm also finding, that we've lived in our condo for 8 years, and this past year, we've been revamping a couple rooms because our taste has changed, but it's also to the point where we know EXACTLY what we want and will take the time to find it. Like we're ready to upgrade our ikea media cabinet to another cabinet, and have been for the past 2 years, but there's never been anything just right, until we just found something yesterday. So we're probably gonna bite the bullet and spend the $$$ on it!
Ashley Mayes
Hi Erin! I'm glad to 'meet' you! I think you hit the nail on the head by saying that you know EXACTLY what you want. I think that was a big problem for me when we first moved here. I wasn't sure of my style. Now, I'm closer to understanding what I like and don't like and I think that really plays a huge part. I love that you are waiting for the perfect cabinet! The great thing about that is, when you finally find it you'll love it for quite some time.
Jessica
Amen! I have been feeling this way as well in regards to some of my projects...I have to remind myself to go for quality and not quantity. Thanks for sharing this post and your thoughts!
Ashley Mayes
The blogging world might suck us in a bit. Sometimes, just because we can recreate or DIY something doesn't mean we should. I've got to keep reminding myself of that.
Arielle
Oh, this hits home. When we moved from a one bedroom apartment to a 3 bedroom home, I did a lot of DIY projects out of necessity. We had a house to fill, a budget, and I wanted a certain look. I'm happy with some of the projects. I feel reasonably comfortable with simple upholstery projects, and the price difference is so worth it. My paintings, on the other hand, I just don't love. They're OK, and it's better than a blank wall or lackluster prints, but I'm no artist and it shows.
I will just add that I find I am MUCH tougher on my own projects than I am on others'. I can't help but see the work and individual elements I put into a DIY job, and it sometimes keeps me from seeing the piece as a whole. For what it's worth, I think your projects look great!
Ashley Mayes
Your story sounds eerily similar to mine! I think that I just need a step back to really realize what I can DIY versus what I should just buy because I love. I totally agree that we are much harder on our own projects, but in the end, if we aren't happy with them then it doesn't really matter. Arielle, thanks so much for your insight.
Julia@Cuckoo4Design
So feeling it too. This is exactly why I ended up splurging on my recent chandelier. I always feel like I owe it to my readers to DIY and find the cheapest way possible but that's not always what makes me happy.
Ashley Mayes
I think that's the key... 'what makes you happy' because if you aren't doing that then really there's no point in blogging. Right?!
Corinna - A Designer At Home
I fell out of love with crafting a long time ago. It's not a fun process so I absolutely understand and encourage your decision. Youre so talented and I love to read what you share. You should love what you're doing. I'm here regardless!
Ashley Mayes
Ah Corinna, thanks for the encouragement. I'm glad I'm not the only one to fall out of love with crafting (although to be honest, I've never really enjoyed it). We will definitely be sharing project still, but I think they will definitely fall into the home improvement category as opposed to the home decor. Thanks so much for your support.
Amanda
I so agree, and I've been going through a similar shift lately. I used to be so focused on making everything and doing it the cheapest possible way, but as I've gotten older (and wiser?) I've realized that sometimes it's better to save up and get the real thing. I've been doing the same with my wardrobe - I think that's kind of what sparked me to think more about my DIY decor too! I cleaned out a LOT of my wardrobe last year and don't miss it a bit, so I've been wanting to do the same around my house, and in the future I'm trying to have more patience to save up for things rather than make or buy a version that I don't love as much.
Ashley Mayes
Yes, older and wiser is key! I feel the same way. Can we encourage each other to have more patience to save? =) Happy Friday.
Alicia @ thrifty and chic
You have no idea how true this is for me too. When I started my blog it was all about DIY since I couldn't afford it, but now it's a real struggle between buying something that I love or DIYing all for the purpose of the blog. I've steadily started morphing my blog into design instead of just all DIY projects because of this. It's taken a load of my shoulders and has stopped making it feel like homework 🙂 I'm surprised you don't like crafting! You are so good at it and make amazing things. But I say, whatever makes you happy do that. And I should probably take your advice on the closet philosophy 🙂 you should the disaster I have hiding and nothing ever speaks to me cuz I'm too cheap lol
Ashley Mayes
Alicia, I'm shocked to hear that you feel the same way. I think as bloggers we feel the need to create for the sake of creating (although, I hate to admit that), but in reality... if we step back we realize that may not be what makes us happy. Oh, and I totally think you should morph this philosophy to your closet. I'm seriously so much happier in that area of my life.
Kyla @ House Of Hipsters
Amen sister! I gave up DIYs last January. They are time consuming, cost money and are rarely as good as the originals. Plus I'm not that creative. I too only bring pieces into the house that I like. Mostly because my basement was looking like a flea market. It's just gets so cluttered and by the time you spend all this money on trying to get something that looks like what you really want, you bought the real item like 3 times over. Can't wait to see what you do this year!
Ashley Mayes
I've never shown our basement and there's definitely a reason for that. I think the saving until I can afford it part is where I struggle with buying expensive things. Once I have them, I really enjoy them. But, I'm sticking with this and we will see what it brings forth this year for the blog. Thanks for your encouragement!
Brit | House Updated
Yes and yes, I totally get this. I'm not crafty and when I do a bigger knock-off DIY project I get so annoyed when it turns out lame after a ton of time spent on it. I've determined that at this point in my life, time can be more valuable than money, so I try to take that into consideration when deciding whether to buy or DIY. Now, that being said, I do love to do things like build built-ins and renovating-type-stuff, so I'll probably stick with DIYing those kinds of things (and the budget for labor is crazy!). Always a balance, right? 🙂
Ashley Mayes
I totally agree and am so with you on the home improvement DIYs. That's actually something my husband and I do pretty well, which actually is surprising. We are going to continue to do the home reno projects, but other stuff... I just have to say no.