I Always Use the "3-Room" Rule to Buy Decor (It's Saved Me Thousands)

"If there's only one thing I've learned about home decorating that's stayed true over many years, it's that my home is constantly evolving. I've found that for nearly all homeowners, the space you design when you first move in versus years (or even months) later is very different. After all, you may be on the hunt for a comfortable mattress for a guest bedroom this year - only to make way for a sturdy pull-out couch in the living room as a family expands,"

"I stopped designing as though one day I might actually be done, and I started designing the home I needed now (or then, as it was). I accepted that changes would invariably come - lots of changes! I started moving things around - and often! It started with floor lamps and picture frames, then I swapped area rugs and console tables. I realized that you often don't need more stuff to make a space feel fresh - you just need flexibility!"

Homes change over time, and initial room designs often become outdated as needs evolve. Excessive planning and perfectionism can lead to under-decorated, underutilized spaces. Designing for current needs and accepting frequent changes encourages experimentation with existing pieces. Moving lamps, frames, rugs, and tables refreshes rooms without buying more. Prioritizing flexible decor that works across multiple areas reduces purchases and saves money. The 3-Room Rule directs purchases toward items that can be styled in at least three different rooms, maximizing versatility, enabling regular re-styling, and making spaces feel fresh while minimizing expense. The rule also prompts rethinking shopping choices and maximizing unused spaces.

Read at Apartment Therapy