You’ve conquered the challenges of building, renovating, or moving, which means you are now faced with a new space and a joyful world of possibilities.
Or, is it a terrifying blank canvas?!
On the other hand, perhaps you’re just looking at your existing space and feel like it needs to be updated & refreshed.
Whatever brought you here, welcome to the fun (and challenging) world of styling and decorating! Fear not because I’m here to offer a few easy and practical tips that will guide you through the process of making your space more personal and more functional.
Let’s take a stroll through the Do’s and Don’ts of transforming your space into a haven that speaks to who you are and embodies how you want to feel.
DO: PLAN, PLAN, PLAN
Embarking on your decorating journey is much like plotting a course for a trip – planning is essential! A well-structured plan is your compass, so start with a floorplan. Measure your rooms and create a hand-sketch or computer drawing that lays out your furniture pieces in the correct scale. You need to make sure that everything will fit!
Start this planning at the VERY beginning in your building or renovating process. Focusing solely on architectural changes may lead to an unfortunate shortage in the budget for your very necessary furniture and accessories. Nobody wants to sit in folding chairs looking at bare walls because they forgot to plan for the décor portion of the project. Remember, a well-furnished home is an investment that requires both time and financial planning.
If you haven’t yet, make room in your budget for those essential furniture and accessory items that will transform your house into a comfortable home. If you’ve read some of my previous blogs like the one from November 2022 & March 2023, you’ll see this theme repeated. Sorry for sounding like a broken record, but this happens ALL THE TIME, so please plan for your décor. It does make all the difference.
DO: THINK ABOUT HOW YOU REALLY LIVE
Consider the size and style of your furniture, ensuring they complement both each other and your living habits. Are you a cozy family of movie enthusiasts who like to flop onto a giant sectional or do you prefer a formal environment where everyone sits up straight and drinks tea? Take a moment to reflect on how you will truly use your space.
DO: GET PERSONAL
The essence of home lies in the personal touches that make it uniquely yours. Embrace your individuality and weave your stories into the tapestry of your space. Displaying personal items such as cherished photographs, travel souvenirs, or heirlooms isn’t just decorating… it’s storytelling! By blending the old with the new, you craft a space that narrates your journey; so when guests step into your home, they’re welcomed not just by a design, but by the warmth of your memories.
DON’T: LEAVE YOUR DÉCOR UNBALANCED
Ever heard the saying, “balance is key”? In the world of design, balance is your secret weapon. If you take home one key tip (besides budgeting) from this blog, THIS is it!
If something is happening on one side of a room, balance it on the other side of the room, thinking of it as a duet where elements complement one another. For instance, if you’re embracing a bold wall color on one side of a room, consider balancing it out with an accessory, fabric, or artwork on the opposite side of the room that harmonizes the overall visual experience.
DON’T: FOLLOW TRENDS JUST FOR THE SAKE OF IT
While it’s tempting to jump headfirst into every passing trend, it’s more important to stay true to styles that evoke the emotions that you want to feel. Your home is your personal sanctuary, and your décor choices should resonate with your personal style and preferences.
If beige is all the rage, but bold patterns and colours are your happy place, then do what resonates with you. If you’re unsure about what you like, look in your closet. The clothes you wear speak volumes about the amount of colour and pattern you’re comfortable with.
DO: CONSIDER HIRING A DESIGNER
Design professionals possess the uncanny ability to envision the complete picture and infuse your space with cohesiveness and personality (shameless plug). With our access to a world of design options and potential discounts, we become your partners in curating a home that reflects your unique taste. When you’re investing in the soul of your home, having a seasoned eye by your side is a worthwhile investment!
Go ahead, take the plunge! Let your home reflect your style, one beautifully balanced room at a time.
If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help, book a Discovery Consultation with us! We’d love to learn more about your project.
