My 3-Step Process for Shopping Your Own Home

Okay, real talk: before you start scrolling through online stores or planning another Target run, can we talk about the treasure trove of décor you already own?

I'm obsessed with "shopping your own home," and honestly, it's become my favorite Saturday morning activity (yes, I'm that person now). There's something so satisfying about rediscovering pieces you forgot you had and making a room feel completely fresh without spending a dime.

So grab your coffee, and let me walk you through my foolproof 3-step process for shopping your own home!

Step 1: The Great Gathering

First things first – we're going on a scavenger hunt through your entire house. And I mean entire.

Start pulling items from every room, closet, and that one drawer where random stuff goes to hide. I'm talking:

• Vases collecting dust in the linen closet

• Books stacked in the bedroom

• That cute tray from the guest bathroom

• Picture frames from your office

• Throws and pillows from literally everywhere

• Candles, plants, decorative bowls – all of it!

Pile everything on your dining table or living room floor. Yes, it's going to look chaotic. Yes, your partner might give you that look. But trust me on this one.

The goal here is to see everything you own in one place. You'll be amazed at what you've been hiding away or overlooking. That ceramic bowl you got as a wedding gift three years ago? Suddenly it's perfect for your coffee table.

Step 2: The Fresh Eyes Approach

Now comes the fun part – looking at your stuff like you've never seen it before.

Here's what I do: I take photos of each room I want to refresh, then look at them on my phone. Something about seeing your space through a camera lens gives you major perspective. You'll notice things that work, things that don't, and empty spots just begging for something special.

Ask yourself:

• What's this room missing? A pop of color? More texture? Height variation?

• What's cluttering it up that could move somewhere else?

• Where does my eye naturally go, and is that where I want it to go?

Now look back at your pile of treasures with these questions in mind. That stack of coffee table books? Maybe they're better styled on a bedroom nightstand. Those candlesticks from the mantle? Hello, gorgeous bathroom counter styling.

The magic happens when you stop thinking "this goes here because it always has" and start thinking "where would this look amazing?"

Step 3: The Style and Swap

Time to play interior designer with your own stuff!

Start moving things around without overthinking it. I like to work room by room, but honestly, there's no wrong way to do this. Just start putting pieces where they feel right.

Some of my favorite tricks:

• Create odd-numbered groupings – Three candlesticks look better than two, always

• Vary heights – Stack books under a vase, use cake stands to elevate objects, whatever works

• Layer textures – Put a plant next to a ceramic piece next to something metal or wood

• Shop the seasons – Move summery stuff (light colors, beachy vibes) to storage and bring out cozier pieces

Don't be afraid to leave some surfaces empty, either. Negative space is your friend, and sometimes less really is more. And here's the best part: if you hate it after a day or two, just swap again! Nothing's permanent when you're shopping your own home.

The Payoff

After a couple of hours of moving things around, you'll have rooms that feel completely refreshed. Your guests will probably ask "what's new?" and you can smugly say "nothing actually, just rearranged!"

Plus, this little exercise usually helps me figure out what I actually need versus what I just want in the moment. Turns out I didn't need another decorative bowl – I just needed to move the three I already own to better spots.

So before you add to cart, shop your own home first. Your wallet (and your space) will thank you.

Happy styling!