Comment from ashlina
Time February 19, 2010 at 5:51 pm

GREAT post. it is a wonder and i do think all of the answers make sense…so maybe its a little bit of everything!

??
happy weekend.

Comment from Brigitte
Time February 19, 2010 at 8:06 pm

I’m not convinced it’s an upsurge in people being interested in decorating but rather the democratization of platforms.

Comment from The Naked Redhead
Time February 20, 2010 at 1:32 pm

I think decorating just feels more accessible…because of shows like HGTV and different shows, people feel like they CAN churn out a respectable room, and for not very much money on top of that.

I do it so I can have control over my space.

Comment from Karyna
Time February 20, 2010 at 2:30 pm

I definitely think there’s more inspiration and help out there thanks to the internet & blogs which means there’s more exposure & inspiration. But I think even if this wasn’t the case many would still be DIY’ing and renovating all the time. I think we’re just more aware of it, (of course I could be wrong) I also think that we do this, (or at least the reason I do it) is that though we go out & work, we enjoy coming home to a place that is peaceful, organized and/or nice to look at and be in. Decorating itself sets a mood and it’s important to make a home inviting.

Comment from mpr
Time February 21, 2010 at 3:15 pm

i actually agree with that last comment, brigitte.
The democratization of platforms, and the surge towards participation and co-authorship…people very often want to play in the sandbox of expertise rather than just look at the castle someone else built. Its a great thing for making a more creative community, but, a tricky thing in that it requires some level of comfort and skill in the area of collaboration…not something everyone brings naturally to the table.

Comment from cris
Time February 22, 2010 at 11:42 am

I think that people have always done this but it just seems like there is more going on thanks to the expose via the Internet and cable TV.

Comment from Caitlin @ That House on The Corner
Time February 22, 2010 at 2:38 pm

I think it is a little combination of everything. I know that I too have been inspired by my DIY parent’s, but now, at 21, with my own home, I’ve gone hog wild at the opportunity to let my creative side take the reins. Thanks to the technology and media, I think people are becoming more and more aware of their homes and the potential within each. For example, we took advantage of the poor economy and purchased a home that was literally being used for growing A LOT of marijuana, but we saw through the abuse and have been turning it into exactly what we want even on a meek budget.

I think this is a good thing for everyone.

Comment from Sara
Time February 22, 2010 at 2:45 pm

For a feeling of personal accomlishment. It’s incredibly self-satisfying to know what you want to change and be able to do it yourself rather than relying on someone else.

Comment from Jen
Time March 1, 2010 at 8:49 pm

Hmmmm… This is a really good question. I can recall being a kid and watching my Mom and all her friends do their own homes and doing it beautifully. Once in awhile they would meet with a decorator on wallpaper or slipcovers but the rest they did themselves. Maybe the accessibility of Home Depots and online shopping thats NOT just to the trade anymore? For sure all the blogs and design sites and how-to’s in the mags. Also stores like Pottery Barn, etc. that pretty much give you the whole room right there. That doesn’t hurt I’m sure. I dunno! It’s an interesting discussion.

Comment from jen
Time March 3, 2010 at 11:49 am

It’s a way for people to be creative without having to admit that they ARE creative.