5 Steps That Simplify How to Make a House Your Home
With everyone spending more time in their homes, there is a lot we are finding out about the places we live in and how they make us feel. Maybe we are discovering that there is a space or room that serves no purpose at all in our everyday lives.
I have the wonderful opportunity to work with so many homeowners who don't know exactly what they want, they just know they need something. Whether it is a difference in paint, décor, furniture, or a full redesign, it's hard to know where to start or what to do ! For many it is hard because it is their own home and it’s hard for us to see past our day to day living and picture something new. It is easy to push it off or ignore it because you are busy! Taking the time out of your busy schedule is simply not convenient or ideal.
Here are 5 different ways that I’ve found make the whole process a little easier!
1. Determine Your Personal Style
How do you want the space to feel overall? Here’s a trick to help you figure out your style: take a look in your closet. What’s your go-to? Are you more on the business, professional side of life? Or do you gravitate more towards the loose fitting, comfy look? Do you prefer certain colors? Patterns? Just take note of who you are and what you appreciate in everyday life.
2. Figure Out What You Don’t Like
I’ve noticed when I’m talking with a client and I ask what they would like to see in their room, they normally have very vague thoughts. But when I ask them what they think of certain paintings, furniture, rugs etc, they’re normally pretty quick to tell me what they don’t like. For example, a bold large-scale print might remind you of something in your childhood that you do not want to see in your own space. Or a wingback chair might bring back memories of being sent to time-outs for pulling your little sister’s hair. These memories and reactions are very personal and individual, but also define our tastes.
“Home isn’t a place,
it’s a feeling.”
3. Build Around Your Space
Space planning, which impacts scale is so important! I see so many houses that have furniture that is simply too big for their room. I know. You go into a furniture store and everything looks the same as far as size goes. It looks beautiful in the store, but why doesn’t it look as good in your home? Well, your house and your living room are not the size of that furniture store. Getting a feel for the actual space you have is essential, and proportion and scale are the key to any design!
4. Sample Your Paint
Paint selection is one of the most important and cost-effective decisions you can make. The right paint choices seamlessly connect rooms. Consider the house as a whole. You risk creating disjointed rooms if you paint only one room at a time. And think about how colors affect your mood. One color will make us happy while another will cause us to feel more agitated. Try sampling different paint options on your walls. Observe them in natural light, morning and at night!
5. Mix High and Low Price Points
Name and pedigree doesn’t always mean better (whether it be art, furniture or dogs) Consider a piece for your room based on how it makes you feel, and works in your room instead of looking at the $ sign. The most simple, humble objects might have the most value to you and be the most beautiful thing in the room! Do not be afraid to mix high and low price points.
Working with a professional can help you to overcome some challenges you might face and offer ideas and options you didn’t know were possible all while making it fun, stress free and affordable.
Your home is your haven and should complement you and your family and what best fits your needs and your style. We offer several different design packages and can customize something to fit your needs. Sometimes it just takes someone else seeing your space to make it a reality and help the vision come true!
“Your home is your haven and should complement you and your family and what best fits your needs and your style.”