Don't buy it unless you love it

Happy 2013, friends! I wonder how many times I'll write 2012 before it really hits me that we've moved into a new year? Sometimes I find myself having total mom brain and completely forgetting what year it is all together. Please tell me I'm not the only one who does that! Maybe it's my early onset Alzheimer's setting in. (I'll save that confession for a Transparent Tuesday post. ha!)

Moving on...

Last week I shared a tight shot of my client's mantle but intentionally left out the art. I knew they were on the fence about the art so I was holding off for the full reveal. Well, it turns out they've decided to return the piece but I realized there's a very important lesson to be learned and passed on here.

Big design tip...Don't buy large art unless you LOVE, LOVE it.

My client and I went accessory shopping together and I shared with her that this piece would look great in her living room. It had all the colors we were planning to incorporate and the size was right on. Our choices in this size were very limited so she went ahead and purchased it.

There were definitely elements of the piece they liked, like the texture.

But, after living with it for a few weeks and seeing it styled, they've ultimately decided that they settled and don't love it. I'm so glad they've reached this decision before it's too late to return the piece. Art this size is expensive and you should never waste your money on something you don't love. Never settle!

While on a recent vacation, they ran across a local artist that they were really drawn to, Heather Brown.

Here's a sample of her work:

{Barrel View by Heather Brown}

{available here}

They connected with her art because it evokes memories and meaning. Perfect! That's exactly what will make their house a home, finding pieces that are special to them. 

They're a family with artistic talents so the they're going to tackle a DIY project and make their own masterpiece for above the mantle. They'll use Heather Brown's art as inspiration then create something that's truly unique to their family. I can't wait to see how it turns out!

My kiddos are out of school for the remainder of this week so we're off to Houston to check out NASA today. Expect spotty posting until next week, friends.