It’s the end of October and another Halloween is just around the corner. Yea right… as if 2020 could get much scarier. From worldwide pandemics to out-of-control forest fires, invading murder hornets to nasty elections, this year has been pretty doggone terrifying even without our favorite, bone-chilling holiday.
Speaking of masked holidays, working in a client’s home can be a lot like trick-or-treat. Sometimes we’re treated to spaces which aren’t all that frightening. Others are so hair-raising, the Bates Motel would be a welcomed alternative. Of course, the truth is most really aren’t that bad. The good bones are there. They’re only hidden behind an all-to-familiar disguise.
Recently, we helped style a Crystal Lake couple’s master bedroom & en suite bath. This extra-large bedroom offered plenty of possibilities. As often happens, too many choices can actually be more frightening, making confident decorating decisions more difficult. All of the “bones”, from wall color to furnishings were already good. The problem was less-than-optimal furniture placement and a simple lack of finishing touches.
After the consultation, we started sourcing the “treats” we needed to help finish the space. For sure, we needed greenery, artwork, window treatments, rug, ottoman and a few other finishing touches to fill out the large space. While we were hunting, our homeowners got busy, following our recommendations, re-arranging furniture to make better use of the space and to make it feel more cozy. Finally, we were back to finish treating our clients to the tricks of the trade.
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On one hand, it’s easy to think of bones as being scary. On the other, good bones are the foundation and building blocks for any improvements. Good decorating begins with good “bones”. Luckily for us, that’s just what our clients had.
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After a few hours layering and mixing the old with the new, the master bedroom space came alive with more personality, polish and pizazz. Fleshing out the “bones” was all it took to make this master bedroom more masterful and our owners “loved it”.
AFTER
As scary as 2020 has been, it’s always good to keep our fears and frustrations in perspective. For every negative, there’s a positive. That applies to decorating as well. So if the bones of your decorating project are giving you a fright, why not give us a call. It might just be a scary mask hiding the potential and good bones in your space.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN & HAPPY DECORATING FROM DECOR DESIGNS… 815-245-2433
They say, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” I’m not sure who they are, but they’re right! It’s definitely easier to assume things are better over there than they are over here. So, we drive ourselves crazy searching for perceived perfection whether it truly exists or not.
Interior design is an industry fraught with assumption, stigma and misinformation and it’s easy to see why. Homeowners are inundated with images of immaculate, perfectly-styled homes on tv and in print. Looking at those picture-perfect homes, one might be convinced the people living there have greener “grass” than most. One might also assume that “look” is only reserved for the rich & famous. One might even believe their stuff could never look as good as those peoples does. But, the worst assumption of all is that interior designers cost too much money for the “Average Joe”. Convincing everyday homeowners that they too can afford, benefit from and enjoy the services of an interior decorator is one of the biggest hurdles in the business.
The truth is, working with a decorator or designer can often save homeowners almost as much as they spend on design services. Whether it’s helping prevent costly mistakes or simply speeding up the process and affirming good choices, working with a decorating pro is no different than working with any other home improvement expert. If you don’t know how or simply don’t have the time, working with an interior designer is no different than hiring a painter, carpenter, electrician or any trade.
In an effort to demystify the process, we thought it might be fun to show you the behind the scenes of the interior design process and how it works for us at Decor Designs. Yes, every designer will do things a little differently. But, at the end of the day, we all get to the same finish line… the creation of a functional and beautifully-styled space our clients are proud to call home.
If you’ll indulge us for a few minutes more, we’ll show you what we call, “The Ugly Before It’s Pretty Of Interior Design.”
First and foremost, getting to know our clients helps insure success and satisfaction with our work. After all, we are decorating spaces for others, not ourselves. Understanding our client’s wants & needs helps create a strong foundation for everything that follows. We start that process with a FREE 15-Min phone consultation. While just the “tip of the iceberg” in many cases, we can quickly determine what services our potential clients are seeking and if we can provide them.
After the initial phone conversation, and if our clients feel comfortable moving forward, we dig a little deeper into the likes, dislikes, wants, needs and goals of the job. Sometimes, we email a Design Questionnaire to our clients. The survey not only gives us more detailed information but also inspires clients to give additional thought to their design choices and those we’ll eventually make together.
The last and most important step in our fact-finding mission is an on-site, face-to-face consultation with our clients. Pictures and floor plans are helpful. But nothing beats meeting our clients in their homes to get a true, first-hand sense of the family’s personality and lifestyle as well as a feel for the spaces we’ll be addressing.
Some people might be hesitant to work with a designer because of how intimate the process has to be. Having your home & decorating “probed”, in depth, can feeling a little violating for sure. But establishing a level of trust between us and our clients is important so honest opinions can be shared in both directions. In addition to the personal stuff, during the on-site consultation, we formulate a plan for the overall look of the space including our to-do list as well as homework for our clients. Finally, we discuss budget, contract details, a deposit for purchases if needed and an estimated completion date.
We often tell our clients, “It’s ugly before it’s pretty.” So begins the “ugly” part of the decorating process… planning. As tedious and boring as it can seem, good planning (like good tools) makes the job go faster, more smoothly and is a critical, albeit not-so-glamorous, part of the interior decorating process. A first step in planning is to draft floor plans, especially if we’re considering the addition of new furniture. Who hasn’t heard the horror stories of shoppers who’ve bought new furniture only to find it won’t fit in the space or sometimes even through the door? Good space planning helps us prevent this costly mistake.
As planning goes, story boards are the fun part. During this design phase of decorating, creating a story or mood board helps us and our clients clearly see how items in a space, whether old or new, will “play” together. As choices are made, samples of fabrics, rugs, flooring and other elements are pulled together to reinforce the story board vision and help finalize the plans.
Anyone who enjoys decorating or at least living vicariously through those who do, loves a good home improvement show. While the tv designers and their unseen minions make the transformations look easy-peasy, the “ugly” part of interior design goes on behind the scenes without much ado on screen.
Sourcing every little thing needed to create those stunning spaces you see at the end takes a lot of time and hunting. Truth be told, designers spend more time planning and sourcing than actually decorating. And while we have more experience and perhaps some different resources, the hunting game is still the same. We, like our clients, have to do the down and dirty part of decorating which is finding all the components. Without it, there’s simply no way to bring our vision to life.
One of the most frustrating parts for our homeowners (and us as well) is the “rush to wait.” Rome wasn’t built in a day and the same is true of most interior design projects. After weeks and weeks of planning and sourcing, orders are placed and the wait begins. It would certainly be wonderful if we could fast-forward through this step like they do on tv. But, the waiting game is an all-too-real, not so pretty part of the decorating process.
While we’re busy sourcing other details and homeowners are waiting for deliveries, however, it’s a perfect time to take care of projects. During the consultation, we may have decided it’s time for a fresh coat of paint, to update flooring, switch out a few light fixtures etc… With our input on colors, styles and more, our clients can then coordinate and schedule these improvements while we’re waiting for items to arrive. Making changes to the backdrop or canvas of the space now helps sets the stage for decorating once everything is available.
Anyone who decorates, whether homeowner or professional, knows just how much schlepping is involved. Multiple trips to the store hunting every detail for a space is time consuming, can be frustrating and requires a lot of patience. Most designers don’t have a warehouse of goodies just waiting to be shopped. We, too, are going door to door, store to store trying to find the perfect elements to really give a space personality and bring it to life. Embracing our inner “bag lady” is part of every designer’s journey to help their clients.
Finally, after all the behind-the scenes work is done, the next step is the actual decorating or styling. With the end in sight, it’s time to roll up those sleeves and get down to it. This usually involves more schlepping including smaller items which might not have already been delivered like window treatments, artwork and accessories. Once everything is on site, and following a multi-step process, the rooms are transformed, layer upon layer, until they’re finally ready for the “reveal”.
While decorating is a lot of fun, don’t let anyone tell you it’s not a LOT of work too. From moving furniture, to installing window treatments, hanging artwork and more takes hours. Depending on the size of the project, it can take several people a full day or more to decorate an entire home. With good planning and coordination, however, we’re able to complete most jobs in a day or less. And while it’s nice to finally see everything coming together, that doesn’t mean we don’ t get a little sweaty along the way.
Finally, reveal time is here! The most enjoyable part of the job, in our opinion, is the reveal. Our clients have patiently waited for this day and, for one more day, they’ve graciously left us while we take care of “the ugly before it’s pretty part” of interior design. Opening the door for and giving them their own while you were out moment is so satisfying. With every detail in place and seeing the stunned and proud look on their faces is what makes moving through all the “ugly” worthwhile.
And there you have it… the ugly before it’s pretty of interior design. Interior design is all about creating beauty in the world. Creating beauty often means fixing ugly (thus the license plates)! And as glam as they make it seem on tv, there’s an awful lot of ugly work behind the scenes to create spaces that are polished, personalized and perfect!
So if you’ve ever wondered how they make it look so easy on tv, it’s largely smoke and mirrors. And while we may not be digging ditches, any design professional will tell you it’s truly a lot of work doing what we do. At the end of the day however, we’ve left the world a little prettier, a little more polished and our client’s a whole lot happier. There’s nothing ugly about that!
For better or worse, our homes have gotten more attention than ever this year. Staying home more has forced us to face the “demons” in our decor and also to adapt them for the increased need for spaces dedicated to work & study. Creating spaces that promote productive, and hopefully happy, time for home schooling and office work alike means finding a good balance between form and function. Balancing the two should ALWAYS be the goal when decorating any room in your home, regardless of its use.
To create a beautiful & functional home office space, like any other room, you need to start with a plan. Ask yourself the following:
Is your office space more private and away from distractions?
Do you work mostly on a computer or do you need work space for documents?
Is your work largely online?
Does your job require frequent video conferencing?
Will the space be shared with other family members including children?
Once you’ve decided where, how and who will use the space, the next list you should create is one that addresses purpose and pretty! It’s an office, so put on your thinking cap for a minute. Here’s a partial list to get you started:
A DOOR for obvious reasons
An energizing yet peaceful wall color
Great lighting with as much daylight as possible or daylight equivalent bulbs including a good desk lamp
Adjustable desk or at least a an adjustable laptop holder
Extremely comfy office chair and heavy duty floor protector
Wall clock in easily visible location
Non-office decor that reflects your hobbies, interests & personality
Greenery (live plants if possible)
Good computer monitor to avoid eye strain
Kick-butt internet speed with WIFI
Quality, fast wireless printer
Dedicated business phone line if your day is spent on calls
Surge protectors
Soothing artwork
Dependable, multi-page paper shredder
Exercise equipment (think small weights, resistance bands etc… for quick workout breaks)
Desk calendar for visual reminders
Adequate filing and organizational space
Backup office supply stash including printer paper, staples, stamps, envelopes, biz cards etc.
Smart home assistant (Google Home® or Alexa®)
Bluetooth speakers and a good music subscription
Easy access to coffee/tea/water & power snacks
Family photos
Dry erase board with colored markers & eraser
A timer or alarm clock for time-sensitive tasks
Noise cancelling headphones
A club chair for break time or more relaxed reading
Easy data backup and retrieval
Scented candles (if you don’t suffer from allergies or asthma)
Good pens, note pads & sticky notes
Good stapler & electric pencil sharpener
Desktop calculator
You’ll notice these items aren’t in any particular order and there’s a good mix of some things “pretty” & some things “purpose”. It’s best to start with the larger “must-haves” like a desk, chair, computer and lighting and work your way down from there based on necessity. Obviously, you’d need to adapt a few of these elements if home schooling will be the primary task in the office space making sure things are age appropriate and engaging for youngsters.
Our homes have always been where we live. But, at least for the time being, they’re becoming where we work and learn. Good decorating, no matter what, is about creating spaces that are adaptable and customizable to the family living there.
So whether you’re working from home or home schooling, take some time and create a space that is both functional and fabulous. If you’re going to be spending more time in the office, why not make the commute and the destination something to look forward to.
Happy Home Office Decorating from Decor Designs. 815-245-2433
The longer you do any job, you discover hidden gems to appreciate. One of the things we’ve discovered, after 16 years of professional decorating, is how much fun it is to watch the evolution of our client’s lives & homes over the years. With every new chapter comes the opportunity for change. And every change is an opportunity for us to help update and refresh our clients decor so their homes are always a close reflection of who and where they are in life.
In some cases, we’ve been there for multiple incarnations of the decor in the same home. In others, we’ve help our clients move to new homes where we blend old & new. With some, we’ve even been there long enough to watch the kids grow up, buy homes and become second generation clients as well.
Back in the Spring, we had the privilege of reconnecting with a client whom we’ve worked with several times over the years. We first met in 2010 when we helped stage their home for sale. After the sale and move, we helped with several phases of styling and updates in the new home. And most recently, after another move, she reached out for help with her new townhome in Huntley.
As you can imagine, after 12 years, her lifestyle and taste has evolved. On top of that, moving from one home to another almost always requires updating furniture etc…. to fit & work in the new space. Having worked well together for so many years, she knew we were the perfect resource to help reinvent the main living areas in the new townhome to get her off to a fresh start .
Working remotely at first, due to Covid, we helped with paint color, light fixtures and other infrastructural updates. Then we set to work helping plan, select & order all the new furniture and other things she wanted for the new home.
After the stay-at-home orders were lifted, we were able to finally see the spaces in person. We assessed our progress and came up with a plan for all the finishing touches that would give the spaces personality and bring them to life. Finally, last week, we layered in all those touches and these are the results:
Living Room
Dining Room
Family Room
“I love the way everything looks!“, she said as we finished up. Working within her timeframe and budget, we created a space that I’m sure she’ll enjoy for many years.
So, if it’s time for another evolution in your own decor, we hope we hear from you. Change isn’t always easy. But, it doesn’t have to be painful. Let us help uncover the hidden gems in your own decor.
Happy Evolutionary Design! Decor Designs, Inc. 815-245-2433
We are lucky to be able to share a very intimate relationship with our clients. I mean, think about it. During the course of any given project, not only do we get to spend some of our client’s money, we also get to touch a lot of their “stuff”! It doesn’t get much more intimate than that, especially considering home is pretty much the only part of the world you don’t have to share with everyone else.
Helping create spaces as unique and individual as our clients also makes what we do very intimate. Sometimes, we’re helping first-time buyers define their style and get off to a great start. Others, we’re assisting seniors as they right-size into homes better suited to a more mature lifestyle. Whether starting fresh, or reinventing decor with years of treasured memories, one thing always rings true; you’re never too old to re-decorate!
If you’ve ever moved (and what adult hasn’t), you remember what a daunting task it is! No matter the age, uprooting your “nest” is stressful. It means lots of decisions about what stays and what goes; what will work in the new home and what won’t. And, that’s on top of all the other logistics that come with moving.
This week, we helped a mother and grandmother move from a two-story home in Crystal Lake into her new, single-story, third-floor condo in downtown Palatine. Having lived in her previous home for over 20 years, it was difficult for her to envision her things differently especially in an open-concept space. As plans for the move progressed, we helped her decide what would work in her new condo and what had outlived its usefulness. We also helped select new furniture which better suited the new space but still complimented and blended with what she wanted to keep from her previous home.
Finally, after all the planning, organizing, packing, moving and fretting were done, reveal day came. After leaving us to our work and waiting very patiently with a friend down the hall, it was time to see the finished space. Hardly a few steps in the door, tears started to flow. No doubt, they were both tears of happiness (with her beautifully finished space) and relief (that the stress of moving was behind her).
Later that evening, after some time alone to absorb all the changes in her beautiful new home, we received a text which said, “It’s all gorgeous. I love it! Thank you so very much. I definitely made the right decision working with you.”
We often equate getting older with being “stuck in your ways.” And while it’s human nature to resist change, our resiliency in times of stressful change seems to shine best when we need it most. Ready for a fresh start and years of new memories in her new home, our client proved, beyond a doubt, you’re never too old to re-decorate!
Happy age-less decorating from Decor Designs, 815-245-2433!
How exactly do you decorate during a pandemic? Not very easily, let me tell you. But everyone said, once the Covid shut down was over, business would boom in many industries, including interior decorating. And I’m really beginning to think there is some truth to those predictions! It’s been obvious from the numbers of people I see shopping for home decor and from the increase in inquiries and new projects we’ve started since the end of May.
Of course, that’s a good problem to have when you’ve been idled for more than two months as “non-essential”. For our abundantly patient clients who began their decorating projects prior to the stay-at-home orders, there hasn’t been anything to do but wait. And for those who are just starting, the realities of idled factories and disrupted supply chains is making decorating during a pandemic an ongoing challenge now and for the foreseeable future.
Now that things have largely reopened, it’s off to the races as we’ve been playing catch-up for our clients who started projects before March. And we’ve also been fielding a ton of new business from those who decided, after spending all that time at home, they need to something about their decor as well. We’ve accomplished a lot in the last month and a half! But there’s a heck of a lot more to do.
Here are some pics of projects we’ve finished over the last few weeks with a brief explanation of each set. A special thank you to all our wonderful families for letting us share photos of their transformations. Hope you enjoy!
As you can tell from some of these photos, with holiday decor still obvious in the Before shots, several of our recently-completed projects began right after the first of the year. Such was the case for this Family Room & Kitchen refresh we did for a wonderful family in Bloomingdale, IL. We had ordered new custom seating pieces in February and were on track for a late April install when Covid hit. So it was a relief for us all when the stay-at-home orders were finally relaxed and the new furniture arrived. I guess it’s still true that good things come to those who wait…
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And the following pics are from a project in Palatine, IL where we helped a young, soon-to-be newlywed couple get off on the right foot in their first home together. We all know the stresses of getting married. (I can only imagine what a pandemic adds.) While merging households & lifestyles can be a big challenge for newlyweds, it was so much fun helping these “kids” get off to a great start!
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FOYER TABLE BEFORE
The previous owners left an oversized and ornately carved coffee table the couple found when they moved in. Rather than throwing it in the trash, we suggested cleaning it up, cutting it in half and either mounting it on the wall as a foyer table or using it on the floor as a bench. One-of-a-kind foyer table wins!
People need to sell and move during a pandemic too. So, staging homes for sale has been just as important as decorating for those staying put. Here are some Before & After shots of a project in Prairie Grove, IL. Repurposing our clients furnishings and adding a few new punches of our own, we helped prepare this property to attract the largest possible pool of buyers. Staging can be a win-win if you do it early enough in the process. Why not enjoy the beautiful changes until your home sells?
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Finally, we had fun putting some finishing touches on a gorgeous, custom home in Barrington, IL. With three young children, there’s hardly ever enough time in the day to focus on decorating. So, after being referred by a neighbor, we were excited to step in and help give the first floor of this home the added attention it needed taking it from “ok-for-now” to WOW!
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So yes, decorating during a pandemic has proven to have its own unique set of challenges. Just like every other business, we’ve had to reinvent the way we work while continuing to provide our clients with the products and services they want and need during these unusual times.
I’m happy to report we are rising to the occasion. At the end of the day, it’s not IF we can do something but HOW we can do it! Whether consulting remotely, shopping online, or socially distancing in stores or homes, we are determined to continue making our mark when the world needs pretty more than ever!
Happy “Pandemic” Decorating from Decor Designs. 815-245-2433
We’ve all been spending a lot more time at home. So, all those little projects, you just never could quite find the time for, are actually getting done! In fact, they’ve become de facto lifelines to a sense of normalcy and control during the uncertainty of stay-at-home. Yet, sadly, bedrooms are usually low on the priority list for home improvements. While kitchens & baths are the usual targets for home improvement, bedrooms are just as important because they are the most intimate part of the sanctuary we call home.
We were recently asked, by Redfin Writer & Editor Julia Weaver, to share a few, simple thoughts for a post offering advice to homeowners looking to transform their bedrooms. So, we shared:
“As a general rule, beds in hotels always look amazing because they are dressed with layers. So, it makes sense that any successful bedroom makeover would begin with the bedding. Luxurious layering is the key.”
Image Courtesy of Redfin
Weaver compiled our thoughts, along with those of industry experts from across the country, to pen a helpful & informative post on the best ways to approach “designing a bedroom for comfort and style.” So, if you’re looking around at your own bedroom(s) and feel they might be worthy of some “stay-at-home” attention, check out this insightful post for help and inspiration:
As we continue on this path of wellness, both physically and emotionally, our homes (especially our bedrooms) are a sanctuary during troubled times. Good luck, stay healthy & thanks for following. Happy Transformative Decorating from Decor Designs. 815-245-2433
We are excited to introduce our expanded E-Design Service! Virtual E-Design is a great way to enjoy the services of an Interior Decorator while keeping you and your family healthy and safe.
THREE NEW LEVELS OF SERVICE offer you a fully customizable way to get the professional help you need, at a pace that works for you and on a budget that best suits your needs. The Three levels are:
The “Foundations” package gives you basic design inspiration as well as the framework for the design of your space.
Need a little more design help? The “Fundamentals” package provides everything in the Foundations plus all the other major components you’ll need to create a complete & beautiful space.
If you’re an “all-in” kinda person, we can help you create a beautiful, well-designed look that fits your space and your style perfectly. If every little detail is what you want, then the “Finishing Touches” package is right for you!
SAMPLE INSPIRATION BOARD
Whether it’s a detailed video consultation for basic design inspiration or creating a well-designed space with the “works”, our E-Design service is a great way to take advantage of our expertise from the safety & comfort of your home.
Completed entirely online, our virtual E-Design service will give you all the tools & answers you need to create a beautiful, updated space that fits you and your unique style.
Visit us at decordesignsinc.com/e-design or give us a call for more details about this cost-effective alternative to our on-site services.
Sadly, we are all dealing with the outbreak of COVID-19 and what that means for our professional and personal lives.
As I’m sure you are, I’m doing what I can to safeguard the well-being of my own family as well as my team, suppliers and you. I wanted to summarize where we are right now and what things look like going forward.
First and foremost, I want to thank you for your patience & support. Now more than ever, both are crucial, especially for small businesses like my own and I am forever grateful.
Already and especially with the Governor’s order to “shelter in place” effective tomorrow, many of the resources I need and use to complete decorating or staging projects are no longer options. Through both necessity and obligation, stores are closed, supply & production resources have slowed or stopped and orders aren’t being delivered as expected for the time being.
Sheltering in place means I will have to postpone all ON-SITE consultations & installations. However, I will be available to answer questions via phone, text or email and I am also happy to consult via Facetime, Skype or other video conferencing as needed.
Also, I’ve resorted to shopping online exclusively for the time being. Obviously this isn’t my usual or preferred business model and comes with limitations. But where possible and safe, I will continue to source items for individual projects and have those sent directly to clients unless instructed otherwise.
And that’s pretty much it in a nutshell. Please know that, for whatever period of time I work with them, my clients feel more like friends than just customers. As we all embrace the steps necessary to ride out this storm, I want you to know how much I appreciate you all. And as you might suspect, I’m not one to sit idly by. You can be sure I’ll be looking for every opportunity to fulfill my obligations to you as quickly and safely as possible.
Thank you for everything and please reach out to me with any questions or concerns. In the meantime, please stay safe and healthy. We will get through this together!
A few months ago, COVID-19 was just a bleep on the radar. Just another novel virus that might make a few people sick and then disappear into the annals of history. Fast forward to today with millions around the world self-quarantined and social distancing to prevent the spread. No doubt, COVID-19 is changing our world.
Let’s face it, any kind of change is hard. We tend to avoid change out of fear of the unknown. Change is scary because we do not know whether change will make things better, or rather, worse. But if we’ve ever learned anything, we should’ve learned the only constant is change!
They say, “When life gives you lemons you make lemonade.” Since you’re, no doubt, social distancing as you read this post, why don’t we borrow from that life lesson and make some lemonade?
Here are a few ideas which will help you pass some time and also create some good changes in your decor as we wait for this “storm” to blow over:
CLEAN: Ok…. So this one is a win-win, right? You’ve heard me say before that beauty and cleanliness go hand in hand. Of course, disinfecting right now is an added bonus! I’m talking spring cleaning like you’ve never spring cleaned before. Yea, it might be a challenge to deep clean when your house is full of kids with a knack of undoing as fast as you do. But give it a whirl. Channel your inner Cinderella. Tackle those grimey winter windows so you can watch Mother Nature wake up from her slumber and wipe down those baseboards baby!
PAINT: Nothing, and I mean nothing, can change the look and feel of a space faster than a fresh coat of paint. A quick in & out at the hardware store, or better yet, a home delivery of paint and supplies will give you something to do for HOURS if not DAYS! Maybe it’s just a single room, even a small one like your powder room or hall bath. Or maybe you tackle the baseboards, doors and door trim with a fresh coat. The change will lift your spirit and the sense of accomplishment will do you good. If my 76 year old mother can do it (and she has been) so can you!
RE-ARRANGE FURNITURE: A quick and easy way to get a fresh, new look is to simply rearrange the furniture in a room or two. What the heck! If you’ve got the time, do ’em all! Just don’t overdo it and have to go to the hospital. That’s the last place any of us need to be right now. Remember to use your furniture slides so you don’t have to lift. (TIP: In a pinch an old pair of thick socks can work as slides on hardwood floors. Thick, flat plastic lids will work as slides on carpet.) At least rearrange the furniture in the rooms you use the most. And consider repurposing furniture from one space to another. It’ll give you something new to look at while you’re spending more time at home and give you that much needed attitude boost! If you can’t see your space any differently, try emptying the room and rebuilding it from scratch. And if you’d like even more ideas, download our E-book “7 Quick & Easy Steps for Arranging Furniture” for tips & inspiration.
RE-ACCESSORIZE: I’ll admit moving furniture can be a chore. So if you just can’t bring yourself to do a major overhaul, why not simply re-accessorize? It’s Spring after all! Drag out your tulips & forsythia, bunnies & baskets and give your home a makeover with cheerful seasonal decor. Some are even putting up their Christmas decorations now to spread some cheer. (Let’s Not Go Crazy!) Or you can re-accessorize using what you already have. Go around every room and gather all your accessories in one spot, say the dining room table. Now force yourself to redistribute them in different ways and in different rooms in your home. Create vignettes using odd numbers of different sizes & shapes and remember to leave empty space around your groupings. The change of scenery will give you something to do and might be just what the Doctor ordered.
SWAP WINDOW TREATMENTS, AREA RUGS & ARTWORK: If you want to take re-accessorizing a step farther, why not swap out window treatments in your rooms? As long as your color palette is consistent and it all works (size, length, number etc…), why not swap window panels between rooms for a new-to-you look? The same goes for area rugs and even artwork. Swapping artwork is probably the easiest and most sure-fire way of creating “newness” in a space. And you don’t have to leave the house or buy anything new. Give it a try! What have you got to lose but a few more minutes of social distancing?
Or course, I’m not making light of the situation we’re all facing right now. But, rather than focusing on what we CAN’T do at the moment, I find it helpful to focus on what we CAN. Since you’re spending a lot more time at home (or should be!), why not spend the time creating a clean & fresh new look reusing what you already own? It’ll help pass the time and you can enjoy the results right away and for however long this thing lasts.
Here’s to your continued healthy & happiness as we all adapt to the changes around us! I hope these ideas will inspire you to control what you can and embrace the possibilities all around you.
Happy & Healthy Decorating from Decor Designs. 815-245-2433
