We see it time and time again. Homeowners update one room or element in their homes, only to find the things they haven’t touched now look worse. That’s why one change often leads to another.
If you’ve read any of our other posts, you probably remember us sharing a simple fact of home ownership. Namely, your home & decor is never really “done”! And as daunting as that may sound, it’s true. Your home is ALWAYS evolving whether to fit your ever-changing family and lifestyle, to keep up with modern looks and trends, or both!
We’ve recently been working with a couple of empty-nesters in the process of updating and refreshing some of the spaces in their home. After finishing a kitchen refresh and some updates in the living and dining rooms, they turned their attention to the family room of their two-story, suburban home. Having become sort of eye-blind to the possibilities, these owners wanted a fresh perspective for the most-used room in their home. They asked us for help insuring the family room would compliment and flow into their updated kitchen.
During our initial consultation and for continuity, we decided to continue the layered-neutral look they’d used in the neighboring spaces into the family room. We began by having the dated, brick accent wall and fireplace painted to create a more updated feel in the entire space. Rather than depending on a punch color, creating drama with layered neutrals is all about mixing textures, materials and patterns to create visual interest.
One of the best ways to make the most of working with a decorator or designer is to have an open mind. Of course, we totally understand how difficult it can be when you’re asked to let go and trust a relative stranger. That’s why we work hard to earn the trust of our clients so they can do just that. Mutual trust helps our clients let go allowing us to take them places they might not have gone on their own. The more open minded our clients can be, the more creative we can be for them. On the other hand, the more clients distrust the process, the more conservative we tend to be. Luckily for us, these folks couldn’t have been more open to the changes we needed to make in order to help create a beautiful, new family room.
Open to reusing the furniture pieces which still had potential, they were ready to update some others like the sofa & chairs, tables and media cabinet. After the usual hunt, selecting pieces that fit our vision and budget, we waited for everything to arrive.
After the new furniture and new rug arrived, our team arrived with new window treatments, artwork, and accessories to layer in the finishing touches. The transformation was just what our clients had wanted. Gone is the distracting brick wall. Replaced with a combination of grays, beiges, creams and darker leathers, the space feels warm and inviting. Accents of metallic gold add bling & life to the space. The transformation speaks for itself:
FAMILY ROOM BEFORE
FAMILY ROOM AFTER
We also took a little time to make a few small changes in the dining room and living room. With a few tweaks, using mostly what the client already owned, we were to add a little more pizzazz to those spaces as well. Our clients couldn’t have been happier to come home to the beautifully finished and reimagined spaces.
RESTYLED DINING ROOM
RESTYLED LIVING ROOM
So, as daunting as it may seem to tackle a redecorating project, it’s a great idea to try to do a little every year so that any new additions or changes won’t make your older decor look worse. While we’re all creatures of habit, the only constant in life is change. That includes your home.
Here’s to embracing change and creating spaces you’ll love coming home to. If you’d like a fresh perspective for your own spaces, give us a call. Happy Decorating from Decor Designs. 815-245-2433
From Decor Designs Owner & Chief Creative,