Everyone dreams of changing their home around, having it reflect their personality more than when they first moved in. As we grow and mature, we want it to reflect our refined tastes. The question is how you survive the actual renovation process. It could involve moving the furniture, changing colors or completely redoing the entire home.
Making it your Dream Home not Nightmare
Renovation should be a fun experience, not a nightmare! First and foremost is to locate a great interior designer. The designer will be able to take the ideas that you have in your head, and turn them into a shared vision. Ideally, you and your designer are partners in the process, every step of the way. This requires a good relationship, open communication, and the sharing of ideas. Your designer will provide you a portfolio of previous work so you can see the concepts and ideas that have been created in previous renovations.
Where to Start?
First, are you renovating structurally or visually? Do you want a one room makeover or a complete renovation? Do you want a certain mood to fit the room? It’s important to have an idea of where you want to go in the renovation. You don’t need to have every detail pre-planned, that’s why you have a designer. However, a good idea of what you’re interested in and what you like is always a great place to start.
Communication is Key
Just like in a marriage, communication is the key to a good working relationship. You are the expert on what you like. You know what makes you happy. Make sure you are communicating your likes and dislikes to your designer. Talk about everything from placement of the electrical outlets to the design of archways and lighting. This helps the designers do a better job for you. After all, you are the one who is going to live there. And while it is your place, your designer is your partner in trying to make it all happen.
During Renovation
Everyone has heard of someone who has a horror story of their home renovation. It could be anything from a piece of wallpaper that wasn’t properly applied to an archway that didn’t quite arch. But it doesn’t have to be bad. Remember, if you are re-doing something, it has to be undone first. And that can be a bit untidy, to say the least. But attitude is key.
Do it Yourself
If you are an individual who loves to do it yourself, this may be great for projects that don’t require any structural changes, or if you have experience in home construction it may be an option for you. But renovation can be time consuming. Most people realize that today, we rely on specialists. If you have a legal issue, you go to an attorney. If you have a medical problem, you call the doctor. As for your home? Your investment? Suddenly we’re all experts! As for me, I’m finding a designer that can take my well-formed (or not so well formed) idea and turn it into a work of art.
Our home is one of the major investments we will make as adults. Why decide that with no experience other than likes or dislikes, that we should make our own improvements? That to me is when the true horror story begins.
Featured images:
- License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://www.corbisimages.com/stock-photo/royalty-free/42-23608832/couple-holding-building-plans-and-discussing-remodel?popup=1
Cynthia Phillips plays an important role for Pratt Designs providing detailed drawings and assisting with the following duties: generating AutoCad drawings for construction, space planning, furniture layouts and custom pieces; creating sketches to help clients visualise our design concepts; assisting in selections of furniture, fabrics and furnishings; staying current on the latest offerings from our vendors; and up to date on latest trends in design.
