20 Easy Steps to Make 2020 Your Year for the Best Home Ever
After binge scrolling through Instagram and Pinterest do you ever wonder why your home does not look the way you want? Are you paralyzed with indecision when you think of tackling any of these projects yourself? Have you tried to get the look and just said… this doesn’t look at all like I wanted it to?
Well sometimes money helps and believe me even the most incredible designers across the world would never have enough resources to keep up with all of the ideas and finds. Sometimes there are not enough second and third homes from some of the wealthiest clients to fulfil their design dreams. There is however hope for us, and it starts with a plan.
STEP ONE:
Identify areas in your home that you would like to see change. If there is more than one room or space that’s OK. We are going to focus on One room at a time.
STEP TWO:
After this room has been identified, let’s take a look around. Get a camera to take a few pictures so that you can just look at the space without being in the space. Print the pictures if you can.
STEP THREE:
Go to a quiet place to analyze just what bothers you. Is it the color of the room? Does it feel the way you feel? Warm? Inviting? Comfortable? Livable? Write down how you want it to feel.
STEP FOUR:
See what you like best about any of the pictures you have seen from magazines or on-line photos that really get your attention. It does not help to compare your home to a villa in Italy unless you live in a villa in Italy.
STEP FIVE:
List what you like best in the photos. Are there architectural changes that need to be addressed or would a cosmetic fix do the trick?
STEP SIX:
Freeze and ask yourself if you have a budget for the space and if this budget seems realistic for what you want to do.
STEP SEVEN:
Line up your resources. Who do you need to help with this? Do you need an upholster, painter, someone to hang wall paper, someone to make window treatments? Do you know what colors work best in this space that will blend with adjoining rooms and style?
STEP EIGHT:
If the answers to any of the questions in step seven give you pause for thought you may want to hire someone for an opinion. We can look ahead to steps 18-20 if you are over whelmed here.
STEP NINE:
If your answer to step 8 is yes, then let’s move on. I am excited for you!
STEP TEN:
As crazy as it sounds remove what you can from the room in the way of accessories and set aside until you finalize your vision. It is much easier to see the room without the clutter.
STEP ELEVEN:
If the room is completely empty then you are already one step ahead.
STEP TWELVE:
Look it over and see what you don’t miss. Go with your first thought and don’t add back even if you don’t have anything to take it’s place. We will address that later.
STEP THIRTEEN:
Look at this as an opportunity! I bet that what you removed had gathered dust and possibly faded over all the time it was just there not really adding joy. Pack it up if that is the case for Goodwill. If the piece is of value, maybe we save it in a box until we tackle another room where it may be a better fit. Either way, resist the urge to put it back if you like your space better without it.
STEP FOURTEEN:
The devil is in the details. You may have heard that 1,000 times, but it holds true. This is your defining moment! Remember the budget? Keep on track by defining this and getting your steps in order.
If paining is required this is step one of the over all plan.
STEP FIFTEEN:
Please don’t get nervous here. If there are adjoining rooms all of the trim color should match. That’s why budget is important, so if you want to change to a new paint color, please make sure the trim is compatible with that or be prepared to paint eveeeeeeeeerything. Maybe you looked at wall paper. We love wall paper, but make sure before you apply it that you aren’t going to paint trim later.
STEP SIXTEEN:
Step back again and make sure you are being respectful to the overall scheme of your home. Go for a cohesive plan throughout, not a separate look for each area. It is confusing and busy to have too many looks or styles in one home and if you ever want to sell your home, this will most likely have to be addressed at a future cost for this decision.
STEP SEVENTEEN:
If you are looking at this blog and just completely overwhelmed or no budget do these steps. There are two things that will never fail you. Go back to steps 1-13. Clean spaces are the best and all that takes is your elbow grease. Once it is sparkling clean identify a fragrance you like and makes you feel good. Hop in the car if you don’t have a blooming garden, bring some fresh flowers and place on your tables or counter tops. You have really made a fresh start to your plan.
STEP EIGHTEEN:
Remember when “four eyes” were out? Well they are now in with design. Your eyes and that of a designer make for amazing changes. A designer is trained to see what you can’t.
STEP NINETEEN:
Choose a designer that will spend some time with you in your home, maybe give the ball over to them. Walk out and come back after they had a day to redesign your home with only what you have and see how that looks to you.
STEP TWENTY:
I bet you knew where this was going. Interior Design is our passion and if you need us for an extra pair of eyes, a full out design plan or anything in between we are here to help. Ami Austin Interior Design is the only National Award-winning interior design firm in the area that specializes in these areas. We offer several options right for you. Let’s get started!
XOXO
Ami