The Truth About “Fine” Living (As Seen In Magazines)

Did you know that architectural photographs lie?

Yep, they sell you a lifestyle, one you might crave, but is it one that is realistic?

When you find yourself drooling over a home in a design magazine, always take a closer look at the rooms you love. In this room, featured in the December 2014 edition of Elle Decor, this sweet bedroom looks complete and inviting - but notice that three or four of the six elements on the night stand are, in fact, temporary elements:

• The purple sweet peas will quickly fade.
• The decanter of water and glass would need to be collected and washed.
• Theoretically that book would be picked up to be read. 

The lamp and artwork will remain lovely, but without the other items, the nightstand would look a little sparse. 

Credit: Elle Decor

When you aspire to emulate a staged photo in a decor magazine, consider whether you are the kind of person who’s likely to keep fresh flowers on the nightstand. I know I’d love to, but the reality is that the flowers would stay there long after they’d faded, and dead flowers are much worse than no flowers at all. 

To recreate this look in a lower maintenance way, think of a way to complete the vignette with elements that can stay put. Maybe a potted plant in a lavender container, and a glass figurine instead of the decanter of water. In this case I would also have looked for a lamp with a larger base to more fully balance out the generous size of the nightstand. 

Never be intimidated by the images you see in the magazines. Let them inspire you, but take them with a grain of salt. They are carefully staged to sell you the idea of a home - it’s okay to adapt the ideas to your real life.

Have fun, and here’s to being happy at home!