There are so many things to consider when thinking of designing a new space, redesigning an existing home you’ve just bought or when refurnishing, decluttering or downsizing to a smaller place.
1) What is not working?
You may have a great space, which is still fresh and even in vogue, but you’re not happy with it. It may be because you inherited the style or decor colour scheme from previous owners, or your vision of a specific colour didn’t quite work out as you’d hoped.
You may not even know what the issue is, until you break it all down:
- The ceiling, wall and window treatments are too dark, too bland, not the right scale, out of date, or are just not your style.
- The furnishings are too small, too large, not cohesive in the space. Maybe the room layout is all wrong and awkward to design it for your needs.
- Are there light fixtures that are too old, gaudy, brass or glass, when you like streamlined fixtures. Is there enough light, and are they giving you the right illumination where you need them? eg. in the kitchen, or above the dining room the lights are insufficient or too ‘cold’ looking (fluorescent etc). In the family room there are no inviting areas, nooks where you can curl up with a book on a lounge-inviting arm chair.
Possibilities and Solutions:
Paint – the quickest magic wand: It takes a couple of cans of paint to transform a space, either to lighten, brighten or bring a different ambiance to a space. Depending on which way the natural light comes in to the room/s you’re considering changing, test the paint chips, or samples on a white watercolour paper at least 12″x12″ (leaving a 1-1½” white border) by taping it to the wall and living with it for a day or two. Notice how the colour seems to react in the bright of morning, or midday or evening. Take these into consideration before making your final choice.
Soft Furnishings: Why not draw out the furniture layout to scale and play around with the room? Why not actually look around your home and see which other furniture, rugs, and lights will work in the room. This is sometimes the more refreshing and rewarding experiment, as you get a fresh outlook on the space and its cheap!
Lighting: Let’s shed a bright new light on things. In the kitchen the most common issues are that the overhead lights are not only insufficient but they cast the worst ‘cool’ glow on people and the surroundings. The simple solution is to see what fixtures are available that are flush to the ceiling (as this is a high traffic area)
A great and reasonable option that can make all the difference and add bling and instant style to the kitchen space is by choosing a chrome or brushed nickel finish track-lighting. They come as short as 3 lights, to as long as 10 lights. And they can be installed straight or in a curved way, depending on the kitchen’s layout and function needs.
For extra task lighting or adding even more sparkle, under cabinet lighting is the way to go, too. It doesn’t need to be costly. If for example, the back-splash and other finishes are in the way and you cannot install these cost-effectively, why not get small strip lights that you can easily install and use when needed?
2) What do you like, and want to keep or work around? eg. traditional wall and ceiling details that may not work with your new envisioned design plan.
3) What is your budget?
Keep it realistic. Do some research online, and by talking to others who may have done some similar projects, or are able to recommend help.
4) How much time and how much help have you got allocated to the new project?
5) What can you tackle yourself, and what can you delegate or outsource? eg. if the idea of repainting, decluttering or rethinking the space, even one room at a time overwhelm you, then seek help from handy and helpful friends, relatives or professionals. These industry professionals, who are passionate about what they do have years of experience that will help you more than you could imagine.
Time constraints: If you have a deadline, or are constricted by mobility or other health issues, there’s even more reason to invite recommended designers or organizers to help you whip your project into shape. They will tell you an approximate budget and time it may well take. You will then be in a much better position to decide how to proceed.
If you need any specific help and advice call the HID team and arrange for a consultation:
Contact @ TanyaFreedman.com (no spaces)
Please also visit Tanya here for more Tips and Tricks To Redesigning, Refurnishing, Decluttering To A Smaller Space.