Top Ten Decorating Mistakes
1. Poorly Defined Priorites
Most people decorate by default. In other words, whatever they happen to buy or already have just goes into a space. It may be a lovely picture frame someone gave you 15 years ago as a wedding gift or aunt Suzie's knick-knacks that she just knew you would love. Or it may just be something you had to have and bought on an impulse. Whatever the case, there was no plan, and you are not happy with your space.
Define your priorities first! Ask yourself the following questions:
Do you own or rent? How much change can I make or how much do I want to make?
What room is the most important to me? Where should I start or do I want to work on more than one room at this time? (I recommend starting with the priority space and finishing it - set realistic goals though.)
What room is the most dysfunctional and in the most critical need of change?
How much can I spend to upgrade this space?
How much time can I invest in this project? Or how soon does this project need to be finished?
Do I have the time and ability (vision) or do I need to call in a professional?
What function does my space need to serve? This is important because form always follows function.
What things do I have in the space that I want to keep/get rid of?
Who will be the primary users of the space? Is there another decision-maker to consult?
Is there a color scheme or decorating style that I want to use? Or do I want to use a "theme"?
Do I know what style I want this room to have? What is my personal style?
These are truly basic questions, but having a foundation and plan will save untold amounts of time, headaches and money. If this process seems overwhelming, you may need to have help from a professional.
Join us as we continue to explore these decorating rules, you will receive an e-mail entitled the 10 Commandments of Decorating for the next 10 weeks. Be sure to share this with your friends and on Facebook. I hope it is as helpful to you as it has been to others.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Top Ten Decorating Mistakes...Introduction
Top Ten Decorating Mistakes...IntroductionEver wondered why your room doesn't feel pulled together - why a decorator can come in and without spending money make it look more cohesive and stylish in a matter of minutes? We'll answer practical questions such as "what do I do with the collections I love?" and "what is the right way to place my furniture?".
A couple of years ago I developed a workshop as a way to teach others how that good design does not have to be costly or inaccessible. I've noticed that there are some basic design principles that many people seem to miss and, if followed, can take any space and make it feel well put together. Of course, the quality and caliber of the furnishings is up to you. Another thing I've learned is the value of planning before you jump into a decorating or remodeling project.
Q. What is the number one most costly mistake homeowners make when they begin a decorating project?
A. Not having a plan before you start! Would you travel somewhere you've never been before without a map to your destination or a guide who can show you how to get there? Only if you like to spend extra time and money, right! I can't tell you the number of people who have said these exact words to me, "I wish I had called you sooner, I could have saved so much money." It truly is a misconception that if you call out a designer, you will spend a fortune. Most designers will come on an hourly basis and give you all the ideas and direction you need to get your project going in the right direction. (ie. Color consultation, do-it-yourself plans, surface selections) Many times they will have ideas that ultimately save you from spending unnecessarily.
A. Not having a plan before you start! Would you travel somewhere you've never been before without a map to your destination or a guide who can show you how to get there? Only if you like to spend extra time and money, right! I can't tell you the number of people who have said these exact words to me, "I wish I had called you sooner, I could have saved so much money." It truly is a misconception that if you call out a designer, you will spend a fortune. Most designers will come on an hourly basis and give you all the ideas and direction you need to get your project going in the right direction. (ie. Color consultation, do-it-yourself plans, surface selections) Many times they will have ideas that ultimately save you from spending unnecessarily.
After working with many people and observing space after space, I noticed that there were some basic mistakes that were made over and over again. So I developed this list of 10 common design faux pas. You could call it my 10 Commandments of Decorating. My list is not exhaustive, but it does cover the basics.
Over the next 10 weeks, I will post a blog entitled the 10 Commandments of Decorating. I hope it is as helpful to you as it has been to others.
Over the next 10 weeks, I will post a blog entitled the 10 Commandments of Decorating. I hope it is as helpful to you as it has been to others.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Computer Aided Window Treatment Renderings
Today's window treatment market is so much different than years ago. In years past, when you ordered a custom design for your windows you would only get a hand-drawn rendering of what your room would look like with your new window treatment. Today, window treatment professionals can show you exactly what to expect with the assistance of powerful software and drawing tools developed specifically for the window treatment professional. See this video of some amazing designs.
At Interiors Refined, we utilize the best tools in the industry to show you exaclty what to expect. We can take a picture of your room and insert drawing onto your windows so that there is no guess work involved and you know exactly what to expect. Here is an example of one window treatment design and the finished product. This client chose to make her valances a little less curved at the bottom.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Is your home ready for a sale?
Selling Your Home in a Buyer's Market
Getting your home ready for sale in this market is paramount. Like never before, your home is a product that must stand above the competition. You must also compete with rock bottom deals due to forclosures and short sales. Studies have proven that a staged home will statistically sell faster and for more money than a home that is not staged for sale. Here is a checklist of some things you can do to get your home ready before you list. Remember the smallest things will make a huge difference, and if you need expert design eyes to come in and help you get the most for your home, call Interiors Refined.
Getting Ready Checklist
Watch this video to see a house we recently prepared for sale. The house needed a lot of updates and we used minimal furnishings for staging, but the home was sold in quick time and for better than average market price.
Getting your home ready for sale in this market is paramount. Like never before, your home is a product that must stand above the competition. You must also compete with rock bottom deals due to forclosures and short sales. Studies have proven that a staged home will statistically sell faster and for more money than a home that is not staged for sale. Here is a checklist of some things you can do to get your home ready before you list. Remember the smallest things will make a huge difference, and if you need expert design eyes to come in and help you get the most for your home, call Interiors Refined.
Getting Ready Checklist
Watch this video to see a house we recently prepared for sale. The house needed a lot of updates and we used minimal furnishings for staging, but the home was sold in quick time and for better than average market price.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Welcome to my little place on planet BLOG!
Hi Everyone! This is my first official blog. I can't wait to share with you all current design trends and practical how-to tips to make your house a Refined Home. Watch for more to come...
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