Fast or Slow? Which Decorating Approach is Right For You? with Betsy Helmuth

My guest today is Betsy Helmuth. And the people she works with are usually different than the people I work with. They tend to want things done quickly so they can get on with other things. So they appreciate that Betsy gives them answers of what to do and what not to do. Like most people, they’re afraid of making mistakes, and to alleviate that anxiety, they’re looking for a set of no-fail design rules. And while it differs highly from the Slow Style approach we talk about here… is totally valid and exactly the right option for some people! Just like there’s no one size fits all way to design a room, there’s no one size fits all approach to how you go about creating your dream home, which is why I wanted to share this alternative perspective in today’s episode.

Watch this entire episode on YouTube HERE

KEY TAKEAWAYS

A Fast-Paced Approach

Betsy gears her work towards those who need results fast. Many of her clients are in transient living situations, particularly in dynamic settings like New York City, where the concept of a forever home isn't quite the same. They’re often dealing with the need to relocate due to factors out of their control—like rent hikes. This practicality means the hefty investment in something permanent, such as a pricey built-in unit, might not make sense. Instead, Betsy encourages using more affordable, sometimes temporary, options that adapt to their needs without a long-term financial commitment. It's a practical approach that provides comfort in what can often be a frantic life setup.

IKEA Choices and Personalization

Now, we all know IKEA offers affordable solutions, but Betsy pointed out an interesting aspect—the freedom to modify and personalize these pieces due to their lower cost. She shared how some of her clients choose IKEA because of the flexibility it offers. If it falls apart, it's no great loss, and because of this low investment, there's the liberty to hack and personal things to suit personal tastes without the fear of devaluation.

Investing and Understanding Needs

Betsy also stressed the importance of understanding where to invest in quality and where it’s okay to compromise—her rule of thumb is simple: anything with drawers is worth a splurge due to the wear and tear they endure. It’s this kind of practical advice that really helps navigate the sea of overwhelming choices in design.

While my slow style approach may differ, I’m in complete agreement with Betsy that loving your home and personalizing your space should be attainable for everyone. Where and how you invest reflects your lifestyle and personal needs, which is why such dynamic conversations enrich our design narratives. There's no one-size-fits-all in design, and that's where the beauty lies.

A Colorful Palette and Its Rules

Drawing on an inspiration piece—a rug or piece of art—Betsy advises on extracting three dominant colors to create a cohesive room design using her 60-30-10 rule. While I might prefer more flexibility with my slow style approach, I can appreciate the boundaries and the focus they can provide, especially if you're starting from scratch in a white box space. Betsy’s practical method helps those who might be struggling with the daunting task of creating a harmonious environment.

Betsy and I might come at design from different angles, but ultimately, our goal is the same: to help everyone create homes they adore, spaces they feel comfortable in, and environments tailored to their personalities and lifestyles. I hope today's episode inspires you to explore fashioning your living spaces, whether quickly or slowly, with intention and joy. Creating a home isn't about adhering strictly to rules, but about discovering which guidelines resonate with your personal style, allowing you the freedom to tweak them as you see fit.

Until Next Time!

-Zandra