DIY interior design:
You really can DIY your interior design and decorating (and a lot of the work along the way).
But first, what’s the difference between interior design and interior decorating?
I love the way Rocky Mountain College of Art put it:
While there is some overlap in interior design and interior decorating, they are fundamentally different. Interior design is the art and science of understanding people’s behavior to create functional spaces within a building, while interior decorating is the furnishing or adorning of a space with decorative elements to achieve a certain aesthetic. In short, interior designers may decorate, but decorators do not design.
With a little self-education, and a lot of practice, you can do both in your own home and hopefully this blog can help you gain some education, some confidence and inspire you to practice.
So why is the blog called Little Victorian?
Little Victorian started way back in 2011 (pretty old in blog years). We had just purchased our first house after 5 rentals in 4 states. And it was…a little Victorian (take a tour here). The blog was updated on our renovations and DIY projects all along the way, but in 2016, we sold the little Victorian to start another adventure of moving to the midwest from the wonderful east coast.
We had a pretty cool MCM home that we got to work on a little during our rocky time out there.
Then we got to move “home” to the east coast again, this time to New England. We bought and DIYed a mid-century cape cod, and now we’re moving on to our next adventure: an off-grid cabin in the woods.
More personally, I’m Christina:
Being a homemaker allowed me to start and run my web development business years ago, so while that’s my full-time job now (from home of course).
I’ve always loved home design. I’ve been studying it and collecting books on it since my teens. (Vintage ones are the best, that’s where the real design foundations are, instead of just pretty pictures and “tips” like most modern ones have.)
Libby
I’ve been looking all over your blog to see just where you are…and now see in Maryland! Your house is wonderful and what a great job you’re doing with it!! I saw your comment over on the BYW FB page so came over here. Just signed up for weekly emails, and will follow on Instagram (love love Instagram!!!). Nice to meet you!
Libby
Christina
Thank you, Libby!
Lissa
You have a fantastic eye for interior design, Christina, and a really unique point of view. I just stumbled upon this blog while searching for some home decorating tips and was so impressed looking through your posts… now reading this, it makes me happy to know that you’ve spent years studying interior design! I’m feeling a bit hopeless as I try to design my first real place and make mistakes left and right, but I am now more than ever determined to learn how to get better at this. Thank you!
Christina
Thank you so much, Lissa. That’s so great to hear. It does take some studying and practice, but it’s totally worth it. Feel free to come back and give us updates!
sue
Hi Christina, we are working on a 50s bungalow on the cheap. We bought it in2009 and have re-done the kitchen and bathroom in what we think they would have looked like back then. Lots of fun, a ton of work.
Currently working on the stairs/stairwell leading to the basement. Hate basements and will not be finishing this one; just storage. But since the stairwell is visible from the kitchen, I want it to look beautiful (in a cottagey sort of way). Does your house have a basement?
I just found your blog; love it.
Sue
Christina
How fun! Can’t wait to check out your house.
Yes, we do have a basement. It was dirt-floor and stone wall when we moved in. We did do a mini makeover on it. You can see it here if you’re interested.
Melissa Nelson
Thank you, Christina for your answer. I didn’t have help applying the cheesecloth, so I used a very few small sprays from canned adhesive to tack it up before starting my “adventure.” It’s not an easy task but it looks lovely on the wall I’ve completed. I have several small walls to go and I’m sure once it’s done, it’s going to be fantastic. I’ve already gotten rave reviews on the finished part, and my shoulder should be sore from my patting myself on the back.
Christina
Yay! I’d love to see it! If you’d like, you can share a photo in the comments. There’s a button right under the “post comment” button below to add an image.
Either way, I’m so excited that you are doing it and are happy with it! 🙂