Where Do I start?
Two important first steps to take when starting your interior design project.
I hear people say, “If I could only get my house decorated the way I want, I would be so much happier, and I would feel complete.” There is a lot of truth to that statement. Coco Chanel said “Our homes are reflections of our hearts.”
When you walk through the door, is your home authentically you? Each home has a story to tell about its inhabitants. What is your home saying about you? Does it mirror who lives there? Does it show hints of your hobbies, hidden talents, what’s important to you? As an interior designer my desire is not to impose my vision but to help you realize yours! Not everyone can afford an interior designer, but thanks to all the hot design shows available on television today, a lot of people wish they could have one. Well, now you can and it’s YOU!
There is no greater satisfaction than seeing families sit down together for a meal in a dining room, they once never used. Or to hear that a couple now sits by the fire each night with a glass of wine discussing activities of the day, where there once was no comfortable place in which to settle. Is your home just a stopover that you try to leave as quickly as possible? Does your home have your individual imprint on it? Does your home give you a place to relax and gather strength?
Lives today are busier than ever and we must have a place to renew and reenergize. While a furniture display in a store may look nice, are all the pieces an exact fit for you? Will you be bored with it in a year because it is trendy and expresses nothing about you? One thing I know for sure is that your environment dictates your life. Are you and your family in need of a true reflection of your authentic selves? There are tricks in every trade and I want to share some of mine with you so you can make your home truly your home.
Where do I start?
Step One: Budget.
You will want to determine a budget for this project. You should spend only what you can afford to pay in a reasonable amount of time. Be mindful that a remodel and or furnishings are solid investments. If you are thinking of selling your home at some point, it may help to have a great color scheme, with a well-designed décor. When you invest in the best quality foundational pieces that you can afford, such as artwork and area rugs, you will not be compelled to upgrade later.
The words I hear most often from my clients are “I had no idea how many decisions that I would have to make…there are so many details, I didn’t realize what I was getting myself into!”
Step Two: Architecture
The architecture of your home needs to be your leader. You can’t make an Italian Villa out of a contemporary loft, it looks and feels foolish! Research the year in which your home was built. Is it a cottage craftsman or a Tudor? Is your home a mid-century modern ranch? Or is your home a bungalow? You can Google the year your home was built and you can read a wealth of information about the style of your home.
Example: Search: homes built in 1914.
When you respect the architecture of your home the furniture will fit like a well-tailored garment. What once was frumpy is now refreshing. My clients use these rooms constantly and are pleased they made the investment in their home.
Designer Secret: Make your starting point your home’s architecture; it will lead you where you want to go. But keep in mind, rules are made to be broken once in a while – ALL the furniture doesn’t need to be in keeping with the architecture. In small doses, fine-quality antiques or collectible modern pieces can be incorporated into any home.