This is a trick I’ve used a few times so far and figured if I found it handy, someone else out there in the process of [ s l o w l y ] updating their home might also find it helpful!
What I started doing was collecting samples of the main colours and fabrics in our home to keep in one place; a swatch from our Article sofa, sample strips of CIL’s Kitten White and Burgundy paint, some cardboard with Coal Black Fusion Mineral Paint and Pure Gold spray paint from Rust-Oleum and a sample of my faux marble contact paper. Then I neatly stashed them all in a black envelope. This way when I’m heading out to look at something for our home I grab my black envelope, toss it in my bag and I can easily see if whatever I’m looking at will match what I already have.
I especially find this handy when I’m looking at something burgundy. I’m so picky when it comes to burgundy and I really love the shade in our home, so if I find something that’s a shade of red that I’m unsure of, I can quickly see if it’s the good kind or bad kind of clashing. It’s a minor design hack, but one that I use a lot! More importantly, it makes me feel like I have my shit together for a few minutes each day. Worth it.
Love it. Of course your envelope would never be the standard white. It would be dark and moody and elegant. 🙂
Author
Hahaha! I placed an order with Staples a few months ago because I wanted black envelopes (because I am a very emotional person). I got black envelopes, black labels (not for the black envelopes – for labeling decanted food and spices) and gold Sharpies. I was hoping to find a grey highlighter, but such a thing doesn’t exist. But then I realised I could just buy a grey rendering marker! Sorted.
I really like this idea Alex! It’s so clever 🙂
Author
Thanks, Yolene! 😊
I’ve done something similar in the past – had scraps of the sofa fabric etc in my handbag for those moments when you need to check against a possible new purchase.
My things were just crammed in my bag, though, and I didn’t have samples of everything – I love this organised approach, and it’s so photogenic! That picture just sums you up, with the black, burgundy, gold and marble! As Pat said – how typical that your envelop is dark and moody and elegant!
If we end up moving, I will do something similar when we do up the new house – thank you for the inspiration! xxx
Author
Hahaha, I sat down and ordered black envelopes for myself because I just couldn’t resist! It’s one of those things where I know I can just get white envelopes down the road, but I want black ones, so I treated myself. Because I’m an adult.