Updating and Renovating Your Interior Design: Expectations vs. Reality

I LOVE a good renovation — but just an update can also be life changing for the way a space looks and functions!

Many projects that I work with involve some form of updating an existing space. With so many great images and ideas available on HGTV, Pinterest, Instagram, shelter magazines, etc., it’s very easy to get inspired.

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There are 2 areas that I work to address before I start a new project with a client:

The 1st is the budget.

This is usually the biggest issue because it literally dictates what we can and cannot do in a project. Most people underestimate the cost of updating. My most important job can be deciding where to spend in order to get the biggest bang for the buck.

The 2nd is exploring why they want the update.

Is it because something isn’t functioning well for them? Or do they just want a new look and feel to their space? After determining this we must identify which of the existing “hard finishes” (think countertops, tile, etc.) or furniture pieces must remain. Similarly, I must also evaluate how this potential “new look” relates to the rest of their home. This includes coordinating style, paint color undertones, scale, etc.

When the budget is limited…

The reality is that we can usually update a room by doing one or more of these 3 simple things:

  1. Editing or removing unnecessary or unattractive items. Think clutter, heavy outdated drapes/window treatments, that extra piece of furniture you’ve been keeping because someone gave it to you, etc. Then try rearranging the furniture. Get creative!
  2. Updating accessories. This often includes new lighting, art, pillows, lamps, coffee table items, and the like. This can include a mix of expensive and inexpensive items — think accessories from Target mixed with items from high-end shops or mixing new with vintage items.
  3. Tweak paint color. Pick something that you truly love not just because it’s the current trend or paint the ceiling a color.

If there is enough money in the budget for a major renovation…

When working with décor such as furniture, rugs, window treatments, or light fixtures, I first determine what look and feel they prefer and then begin putting together fabrics, furniture style options, etc. If a project involves purchasing new furniture, I like to let clients actually sit in examples of what I’m recommending before ordering to make sure the pieces are comfortable. Just because it looks great doesn’t mean it sits great!

When projects involve construction, we first discuss how they really live, how they would like the updated space to function, and what is their inspiration. We spend a good bit of time reviewing photo and gathering ideas. If we are considering gutting a kitchen or bathroom, expanding the footprint, or removing walls, we must get the input of a licensed contractor, engineer or architect. Depending on the scale of the project we determine how to proceed.

Fact: Our satisfaction with our living space plays into our overall state of mental happiness.

There are options out there for every budget. Life is too short not to love your home! Feel free to browse my blog for more ideas. You can also contact me for an initial no-obligation consultation.

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Artist Profile: Joe Park

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Go with What You Love: Tips for Building a Personal Accessory Collection

Whether you fill a room with functional furniture or artful décor pieces, you will fill a room. The essence of design is planning. So as you fill a room, the difference between haphazard clutter and a designed space is simple. It just requires a bit of planning. Beyond the large pieces that define a space like seating or tables, accessories can help set the tone and provide character.

What accessories should you use?

Let me help you look at accessories differently. As I’ve studied and practiced design over the years one thing I’ve learned is the #1 rule when selecting home accessories is to go with what you LOVE. This means you may or may not resonate with home décor trends. It means you might have an appreciation for a particular art form or even an industry. Did you have a parent in the textile industry growing up? Maybe vintage spools and fabrics will provide some inspiration. Did you honeymoon in Italy? Perhaps a small sculpture or vase will add some Italian flair to your space.

It’s possible to go overboard and be too immersed in a particular style. You might even need to take a break and pack a few things up for a while. But if you go with what you love, chances are better that you won’t tire of the things in your home.

Go with what you LOVE.

At the moment, vintage accessories are trending so I’ve pulled out some of mine that date back about 30 years. Obviously I have a thing for Asian inspired accessories! These pieces have beautiful colors, patterns and textures.

I also love to mix in natural elements like twigs and boxwood as well as cast iron urns, orchids, and antique books. All homes need a touch of the outdoors, even if it’s just a houseplant.

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It takes time to find what you really love.

My advice is to shop everyplace, from high end retail to thrift stores. Always check out the clearance area in furniture showrooms. Try to avoid buying a lot of small items because they can look too cluttered. A good piece of advice I’ve heard is to look for accessories that are no smaller than your head — that way they will have some impact!

When you have made the decision to plan your décor, make sure to go with the accessories you love. If you need some outside perspective or want to give your space the full-on professional treatment, contact me today.

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Live Greens: A Beautiful and Inexpensive Way to Decorate for the Holidays

inexpensive-decorating-ideas

Some of the most beautiful, memorable, and classy Christmas decorating involves live greenery.

Live greenery is often found in the most beautiful and upscale spaces, but it’s also a functional and beautiful decor choice for any style home. Most greenery decor will include a combination of pine, juniper, cedar, Leyland cypress and even magnolia. My personal favorite is magnolia, but you could include whatever you think is pretty. Whether it’s cut greens, a live tree, or an evergreen wreath, live holiday greenery is a superior option. With a few tips and some guidance, you can pull it off with minimal effort.

Here are a few of the decorations I was able to create with live greenery:

holiday-greenery-mailbox-decoration
holiday-greenery-light-sconce-ribbon-decoration
holiday-greenery-ledge-wreath-decoration

Let’s Get Outside

Decorator greenery can be gathered from your yard or the woods. I often travel with clippers, gloves & an old sheet or large plastic yard debris bags just in case I see something to cut. It’s always wise to ask permission before entering private property — don’t trespass for the sake of your holiday decor! You could also make a fun family outing out of a green-seeking walk. This could be an extension of the annual trek to find a suitable Christmas tree. If you don’t have access to woods, you can also buy greens at garden centers or tree lots.

I Have Some Greens! Now What?

So you found (or bought) some beautiful boughs and branches. How do you get started? I recommend soaking your greenery in a plastic bag, a wheelbarrow, buckets or just on the ground in the shade — I do it overnight. The extra water that absorbs into the branches and stalks will ensure your decorations look great for as long as possible.

A Few Supplies

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Florist wire (hobby stores, garden section of large retailers, craft stores, etc.)
  • Wire clippers
  • Gloves

Using Greenery for Outdoor Decor

Live greenery looks great in your spent fall mum planters or summer flower boxes. Don’t pull out old plants — they help to hold the stems as the base & will be covered up. I water these occasionally leading up to Christmas. In addition to soaking, periodic watering keeps the greenery fresher. Do you have a few planters available? You could do a grouping of planters at the front door. If you have a power outlet available, you could add some tall sticks to the center and wrap the ensemble with lights.

Do you have a mailbox outside? Wire cuttings to your mailbox. This can work with boxes mounted to your house or on a post. Just make sure your postal carrier can access your box to deliver your mail. How about a lamp post? Absolutely, dress it up. You could also attach cuttings to any exterior light fixtures. Greens are especially gorgeous when paired with wrought iron!

If you have any old garland that is too unattractive to use, don’t throw it away. Simply hang it where you prefer and use it as a base. Then wire your new live greenery directly to the older garland. This looks beautiful over an entry door! If you haven’t made your own garland before, you might be surprised how easy it is. Here’s a brief video that walks through the process:

Whether you’re working with a string of garland or just groups of clippings, add your ribbon, bows or ornaments.

Tip: Put a spotlight on your front door area. The live greenery looks so beautiful at night!

Decorate with Greenery Indoors

Be sure to soak your greens first or wait to put out until a few days before Christmas as the cuttings dry out quickly inside. To extend the life of your interior live greenery, you can use a spray-on preservative. A good spray preservative product I’ve found is called Wilt Pruf, and it’s available on Amazon.

Greens inside are so much fun! Here are some ideas:

  • Add greens to your mantels.
  • Wire small amounts of greens on wall sconces. (Be careful…live greenery and garland can be heavy! Make sure your sconces are firmly attached before you hang extra weight on them.
  • Try working some greenery into chandelier over the dining table.
  • Make an arrangement of greens on the coffee table.
  • How about a focal point or centerpiece with greenery on a tray with pillar candles in center?
  • Don’t forget to decorate book shelves, the tops of cabinetry, etc. Your house will look & smell great!

For all of these applications you could add your own ribbon, inexpensive ornaments or purchase bows. With a quick trip to the craft store, you should be able to find all the ribbon and decorator pieces you could possibly want. You can usually find plenty of bows, but how about try your hand at making your own? You will probably save a good bit of money, and it’s easier than you might think. Here’s a quick video how-to on making your own bow:

This has been a quick post, but you can take the ideas here and enjoy hours of decorating fun in your home this holiday season. An added bonus, after the holidays these live greenery decorations don’t have to be packed up. Just throw them away and you’re all done!

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