We all have one. Slightly undone, missing lamps, retro-fitted case goods, no window coverings. Sigh. Lots of legit reasons for the misfit room(s) – low on budget, time, resources, patience, desire.
So it goes.
Short of hiring a designer to finish, start, take over a half cooked room, you are going to have to find a way to get it done yourself. Here are some tried and tested steps to accomplishing a more finished space.
Style File
Some people are clear from the onset as to what they want and what they like. Others, not so much. Critical to get very clear. I ask clients to start a ‘Style File’ with clippings from shelter mags. Even if you think your style sensibility is muddy you will realize quickly through this exercise that you respond overwhelmingly to a particular look. And this can be a broad stroke – traditional, contemporary, modern. It is intended to be a direction. And be sure to clip or makes notes from the source directory. Knowing sources is golden.
Plan It
So I am a planner. I rarely have less than two lists on the go – a work list and a personal one. Both keep me on track and focused and rewarded – love, love crossing things off my list. Your approach to home design should be no different. Understanding what you need and prioritizing is the hard part. Start with a dimensioned layout of the room (graph paper makes this a cinch) and using a stiffer stock, cut out dimensioned furniture (what you currently have and what you think you need). This will allow you to play with layout, move the pieces around without having to redraw the room. If you are net saavy, go to http://www.kohlerinteriors.com/baker/index.jsp and use its Room Designer. It allows you to draw a room and work from a delicious menu of dimensioned furniture. And allows you play with those dimensions. Brilliant and entirely free.
Using your layout, prioritize. A place to sit trumps a lamp; a coffee table trumps an accessory. All are essential to the whole but if you aren’t sitting on budget to do everything at once, get your bigger tickets taken care of first, filling in the blanks as budget presents itself.
And create a reasonable timeline. I am a deadline girl – need a clear end in order to be most productive. It can be 12 months out but set an end.
Find the Source
This is when most people put up their arms in utter defeat. And I get why. It is overwhelming. The options are vast and scary. But with a clear design direction and dimensions, half your work is done. A good furniture store will be able to sift through the mound of options easily and present only the pieces that fit your requirements. Let them do the work – they are earning a commission so don’t be a hero.
Refer to your source list from your Style File. Call, email before jumping in the car – save yourself a step if what you love isn’t available anymore or is out of your price range. And use the internet. Once you have a source, you can accomplish A LOT from home.
Next Week: Developing a Colour Scheme