This year, I’m letting a pillow guide me through every design choice I make in my home.

I was lucky to pick up this French Laundry pillow for a steal during a recent sale on One Kings Lane, and I think its message is a great sentiment to remember as we begin a new year.

I try to evaluate everything I bring into my home, as I have long thought any item needed to serve at least one of two purposes: 1) Function and 2) Happiness.  If an item can serve both purposes?  Even better.

“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.“

-William Morris, 19th c. textile designer and artist

I’m not always successful at following this advice, but I’m going to make a more concerted effort to keep it in the forefront of my mind this year.

Do you use this sort of thought process when you are looking/buying/creating things for your home?  What type of mantra are you using for 2012?