+ categories

home office

DECORATOR DILEMMA SOLVED.

I'm Erika Ward

Beyond the Blueprint is a curated journal where legacy, lifestyle, and intentional design converge.

Here, I share stories from the heart of my home and the homes I create—faith-filled reflections, family rhythms, wellness practices, and design inspiration rooted in grace and purpose.


welcome

Gimme that

Get valuable insights into your next renovation project.

CONNECT WITH US

Healthy Home

Live well, mind body, and spirit

See what inspires my mantra of sanctuary living.

See what's on my desk and what inspires our designs.

TOp categories

Early Saturday morning (2:00AM to be exact) I just couldn’t sleep. I was up rearranging furniture, pictures, etc. in my office and didn’t return to bed until 7:00AM. I spend 5 hours trying to figure out why the space doesn’t feel right to me.  My husband (God bless him) has the patience of a Saint. After breakfast I sat him down and explained the madness going on in my head. Our conversation went something like this:

Him: So what exactly is the problem? I thought everything looked great…Wait a minute, did you just remove the fabric from all the chairs.

Me: Yes, I did. I needed a clean slate. I like so many styles, I just can’t figure out what I really want.

Him: What did you have in mind when you got started? 

Me: Something like this. (I show him Exhibit A, below)


Him: Hmm, I like this. Well, looks like… (I interrupt him)

Me: And this too! (I show him Exhibit B from a previous post)

Him: I like this one even more. Well looks like you need to paint and get your sofa (my settee) recovered.

Me: (with gritted teeth) I know.

In an interview with House Beautiful Magazine Suzanne Kasler gives this advice regarding redecorating a room, “Be true to what you love. That’s really they key to creating a space that feels personal. Buy things that you like and don’t worry about whether or not they match…somehow, if these are all things you love, they will just naturally come together and complete a certain feeling. And that will express you and your style.”

Note to self:  Get what you want even if it means saving more money first or shopping a bit longer to get the look you desire.  

I knew all along that I needed to paint, but I didn’t want to deal with the high ceilings.  I knew the “new” settee needed to be reupholstered, but I didn’t want to pay the money to have it done. Well, I’m not spending another sleepless night on this office nor whining about it on this blog.  I’m calling my painter and gathering estimates for the settee in the morning. I’ll keep you all posted on the progress.

+ show Comments

- Hide Comments

add a comment

Reply...

DESIGN OBSESSED, ATLANTA GO-TO GIRL, STYLE CHAMELEON, BEACH LOVER. 

HI,
I'M ERIKA.

Beyond the Blueprint is a curated journal where legacy, lifestyle, and intentional design converge.

Here, I share stories from the heart of my home and the homes I create—faith-filled reflections, family rhythms, wellness practices, and design inspiration rooted in grace and purpose.

From motherhood and marriage to the sidelines of Friday night lights, each entry offers a glimpse into the layered life I live—and the brands, spaces, and values that support it.

Whether you're here to be inspired, encouraged, or aligned, welcome. This is life beyond the blueprint

Learn more