Working with younger families is one our greatest joys.  Most are first-time home buyers.  Many have little experience decorating.  And some are already busy raising children who can easily distract from home improvement projects.  Two recent projects are perfect examples.

The first couple, from Crystal Lake, have lived in their beautiful, new home for several years.  While the rooms were functional, they lacked the finishing touches which help any “house” feel more like “home”.  The right furnishing, of course, are always the first step in building a space.  And while it’s one of the most important elements, by itself, furniture can’t create a beautifully-styled and useful space with character and personality.

We were asked for help selecting a media cabinet & other storage solutions for the great room for their growing family.  We were also charged with layering in finishing touches including repurposing and reusing their collection of artwork and a few, sentimental accessories.

As with all our clients, we met with them to discuss how they use the spaces.  We asked what items felt missing as well as what they had and what they wanted to help finish them.  After finding a new media cabinet and bookcases, a toy trunk, additional lighting, pillows, throws, artwork and accessories, we came to style the family room, kitchen, home office and foyer staircase.

GREAT ROOM BEFORE

GREAT ROOM AFTER

After a day of tweaking furniture placement, hanging artwork and adding layers, the owners came home for the “reveal”.  They were amazed to see how we’d skillfully managed to reuse and merge their existing decor with the new items.  They said they loved how everything felt new and different yet “them” all at the same time.  They realized just how important the little details are in creating a cozy, finished space.

GREAT ROOM BEFORE

GREAT ROOM AFTER

HOME OFFICE BEFORE

HOME OFFICE AFTER

FOYER STAIRS BEFORE

STAIRCASE GALLERY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our second family, also with young children, was anxious to achieve similar results in their new home.  They’d only lived in their Lake In The Hills residence a few months before giving us a call.  Upsizing, they needed a lot more to fully furnish their new space.  They also needed new window coverings, art and accessories to help finish them.

Between working from home and caring from young children, they knew it would be challenging to make real progress without professional help.  Fortunately for us, a work colleague and former client of ours suggested they give us a call.

FAMILY ROOM BEFORE

FAMILY ROOM AFTER

HOME OFFICE BEFORE

HOME OFFICE AFTER

POWDER ROOM BEFORE

POWDER ROOM AFTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While it might look fast & easy on TV, decorating an entire home takes time.  Planning every detail is a critical part of the process and often happens behind the scenes.  Each room has to be furnished to fit its various function(s) before other layers can be added.  Taking enough time at the beginning helps ensure the perfect blend of form & function.

For younger families, our goal is to always give each space enough attention to feel finished. But we also like to leave enough room so the owner’s can personalize and make it even more “their own”, over time, if they choose.

Once we’d planned the spaces, ordered furniture and had it delivered, we were able to pick window treatments to coordinate with the new look.  After the homeowners installed those, our team arrived with everything else.  We worked almost an entire day on the living room and family room, foyer and powder room, dining room and kitchen, layering in artwork, rugs, lighting, greenery and accessories.

LIVING ROOM AFTER

DINING ROOM AFTER

Needless to say, our second family was equally happy with their completed spaces.  From the bare minimum to fully furnished and decorated, they now have a more beautiful and functional first floor.  With summer just around the corner, they can turn their attention to more important activities like enjoying their home and sharing it with family and friends.

As we said, decorating for young families is always a treat.  Helping them fast forward on their decorating journey allows them be able to enjoy a beautiful home much sooner than might be the norm and also saves them money, time and frustration.

Happy Decorating from Decor Designs, 815-245-2433.