You did a good job with your space when people walk in and say: "This is "so you":) and you know in your heart that this is true.
Paint is cheap and color transforms any space but do give it some thought before you swing the paint brush.
Cohesion and a hint of style:
If you are saddled with a bunch of less than wonderful pieces but cannot replace them right now - then, by all means, paint them all in shades of ivory for an airy look - choose shades of Caribbean blues if you live in Florida and love color or glossy black/espresso for a more dramatic look.
Flea market chic is easy enough to pull off, you might even go for a distressed grey possibly with milky white or black streaks in a minimalist modern space.
However, if like you mentioned, you have lovely pieces that you collected during your travels I wouldn't recommend cohesion through paint.
If they are unique pieces, let one or two pieces "hold court" and plan your decor/style/color scheme around them.
If they are strong and large enough to dominate the room - let one or two of them shine and you have your "inspiration".
Think about painting one wall a different color for drama or because your most prized possession would look awesome against a backdrop of Chinese red, black or ocean blue.
If you have several small objects that play well together - display them on their own special table or buffet unless they are fragile and need protection, like a glass cabinet with interior lighting. If it really is special to you, treat it as such and display it to the best advantage.
But don't automatically just line them all up - elevate some, be creative - could you work them into your bookshelf, give them LED lights or a spot light...
I have a carved wooden Buddha which looks important on its own pedestal shelf. If I lived by myself I'd opt for a low, round table or a tall console table and surround my Buddha with incense burners, green plants and candles. Not really an option in a very small house with cats who like to investigate and a Mr. R. who prefers function and comfort:)
Sometimes we need to compromise to suit the reality of our circumstances:)
A lot depends on whether you have a mish-mash of flea market finds or true antiques or modern art of some sort. Maybe you have a few fine Asian furniture pieces or a pretty collection of crystal or a chunk of cypress wood made into a cool table or six paintings from a street artist in Paris.
I find my tastes and preferences do change over time, so I either let go or put pieces away for a while to either be rediscovered and cheered over or gladly let go.
Eclectic isn't as easy to pull off successfully as it sounds - if well done it is beautiful and you feel like a traveler on a discovery tour as you walk through the house. If it is poorly done, it destroys the beauty and the special appeal of your most prized pieces.
Space appropriately, pair with a classic or contemporary or oriental rug, the right wall color, lighting that is not just functional, but works with your decor or adds to the vibe or flair you are going for.
Do consider the style of your home and compliment your own lifestyle. We all know what we like and need as far as function, comfort and style.
Forget those 24 hour or weekend warrior make-overs - live with what you have for two to three months, see what no longer works in this new house and what you really wished you had now.
Then slowly develop a plan - decorating magazines online or at the library are a good source of inspiration when you are ready for action.
Spend your money on a good mattress, a good sofa and a dining set that is perfect for your space - don't skimp on that, but if you must, spend your time hunting down the right pieces wherever you can - estate sales in affluent neighborhoods are not a bad place to start or install everyone of the facebook and private sale apps for your area.
Do think about how "you" use your space - do you spend hours on a full computer set up - do you need a decent chair and nice speakers? Do you need four chairs or six chairs for your dining table or are you happy to hang out at the kitchen counter Soda Shop style?
I happen to like good size dining chairs that can support some of our heavier visitors:) and at the same time are comfortable enough to sit, dine and talk or play or craft for say three to four hours.
Do you need a table to spread out your stuff on occasion, to sort or work on a project...? or do you already have an extra room for that purpose - now that you have such a room - how is it actually working for you? Is it convenient, does it tend to collect crap...?
I prefer plenty of good lighting for tasks, but for less than ten bucks you can buy a dimmer switch to save energy, be romantic or use it as a nightlight for overnight guests to keep them safe.
Anyone can have a beautiful, functional and comfortable space on a dime if they take the time and care enough to live in a space that suits them.
Think about what you can't live without, follow that list and you will have the perfect home for you:)
My can't live without list:
Books, Oriental Rug, Art, Plants, Color and a smattering of fine linen, china and crystal plus good lighting in the kitchen and daylight light bulbs in my reading lamp next to my favorite reading chair, a recliner.
No matter where I've lived and we moved about 24 times overall - those were the things I wanted in my home.
Your preferences may vary, but you will note - style actually has little to do with it. Style is simply something we create or are naturally drawn to.
Invest in the things you care about or as a mustachian, find a way to acquire them as cheap as possible - but - never settle, you'll regret it:)
How you live determines how you decorate and whatever your priorities are is where you spend your money. I can live without a dishwasher, but I can't live without a bookcase or rather several:) I'm thinking of using the dishwasher space for a dedicated wine refrigerator instead.
Have fun!:)
