Eating My Words when it comes to Vision Boards

Remember back when Oprah was talking about those Vision Boards?  I love and respect Oprah, but I thought that idea was really dumb.  The whole thing was to cut out pictures from magazines depicting what you want to accomplish in your life.  Clip words or blurbs of ideas you want to achieve.  I remember seeing a girl contestant on the reality show the Bachelor (yes, I watch it) proudly showing her vision board to the confessional camera.  With words like "Husband" and "Forever" I remember thinking that she was pathetic.  Well, I am here to tell you, I was wrong and I have been putting together a Vision Book for years without even realizing it - for decorating.

When I look through magazines, I tear out decorating ideas and visions I want to recreate in my home.  I also clip words that correspond with the feeling I want to envelope my home or ideas I want to remember.  Words like "barefoot elegance," "easygoing style," "juicy pops of color," "make it yours," "this new old house," "the simple life," "rules of the remix," "come-hither softness on a sculptural silhouette." 

I also keep important things like sketches, room dimensions, flea market schedules, and a page of thrift shops from the Yellow Pages in this book.  It's a simple three ring binder with clear, plastic sleeves.  Nothing fancy, but everything is right where I need it.  I bring it with me everywhere.  I refer to it to be sure that the piece I am looking at is in keeping with my vision.  It helps with decisiveness and decision making.

The other benefit of this is when you want to begin a project with the help of a decorator or a designer, you might not know how to convey your style.  You just might not have the vocabulary to describe an Eames chair or a french sideboard.  But, if you clip pictures of things that make you happy, you can show these to the designer to bring the look to your home.  It puts you on the same page and off on a good communication track.

The Vision Book I am talking about is not to be confused with a design plan or a decorating board.  You've seen these on HGTV when the designer puts matching fabrics, paint colors and flooring together to show you the floor plan and finishes for your room.  These are the designer's way to show you they have been listening to your needs and these are the options they have chosen to pull your room together.  Bring them your Vision Book, they will give you a design plan in return that fits you perfectly.  Both should be in sync and reflective of each other.

It's assignment time!  Put your book together and tell me all about it!  I can't wait to hear what you clip pictures of and what words are in your vision book.