When your Entire House Needs Redecorating
You know the moment when you start redecorating one room in your house (whether that’s because something major had to be replaced or you decided to make a start on your living room because it was starting to get you down), the years seem to have gone in a flash and your home hasn’t moved with it, suddenly everything looks dated.
Decorating your entire home just feels impossible, when will you get the time and how much is this going to cost (gulp)? Does everyone do this at once and how do you even start?
It’s enough to send you into a tailspin after you’ve gone down a rabbit hole on Pinterest or Instagram, felt complete overwhelm and decide to think about it another day. I know, because I hear this on a regular basis, it’s not uncommon and there is a way to tackle it and like most things worth doing, it starts with a plan.
Let’s keep this brief but informative.
STEP ONE: WALK THROUGH YOUR HOME
Take a walk through your home with fresh eyes, what are the major things that really irritate you and need addressed immediately? Break it down into manageable chunks, if it’s a major bathroom or kitchen renovation get three quotes and preferably good recommendations from people you can trust. There’s so much choice available since your last kitchen or bathroom renovation and you may feel filled with enthusiasm or like a child in a sweetshop and find it difficult to choose. Will it fill your needs, and fit in with the rest of the house. I often see a brand new modern kitchen which doesn’t really fit in with the rest of the very traditional home because the train of thought is, a feel for the very opposite of what you have and end up with something really modern, be careful when visiting showrooms, and don’t feel pressurised into something that isn’t going to look right in your home unless the plan is to continue with a very modern look throughout. Of course you can mix styles, I’m talking extremes here and hey, we aren’t the design police, if that’s the look you want to go for, do what makes you happy. If however you would like some guidance, research some ideas beforehand to get an idea of what you’re looking for.
If you can’t move past step one i.e. this fills you with dread and you can’t think straight, a walk-through consultation might be just what you need Fill in the contact form here>>
STEP TWO: HOW DOES YOUR HOME WORK FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE
The chances are, your lifestyle has changed since you decorated 20 years ago as well as your taste in decor. You may well want it to last the next 20 years so you won’t make the mistake of choosing styles that are the current trend, you will want something that will stand the test of time and suit how you live. Perhaps you don’t need a bath any more because it’s too difficult to get in and out of and would prefer a spa like wet room. Taking time to think about how you live on a daily basis and what matters to you now will pay off.
STEP THREE: NOW IS THE TIME TO GET IT RIGHT
Those little things that irritate you, poor lighting and not enough sockets with wires trailing everywhere or maybe the furniture you bought was too big for the room. It could be you want your dining room back which currently resembles a storage unit. This is your time to shine, make good buying choices and get it right once and for all.
Do you need anything structurally done to the room in which case you will want to liaise with contractors and tradesmen.
How do you want the room to feel? Do you require more light and love the light and airy scandi look with pale wood furnishings or maybe you want it to feel welcoming, cosy and intimate with rich colours and beautiful soft furnishings.
Take a look at which styles really speak to you, Pinterest is great for this, I show you how with this download How To Find Your Signature Style here>>
What are the specific needs of the room and what do you use it for? Do you use it mostly during the day or the evening, this will help you with storage, seating and even choosing colour. Getting clear on this is the start of any good design.
STEP FOUR: WHERE CAN YOU SAVE?
For example, if the layout of the kitchen works and doesn’t need to be re-configured, you may be able to give your existing kitchen a facelift which means you will have more money to splash out on a new bathroom if necessary. We do this quite a lot especially if the cabinetry is in good order.
Image: Heather Interior Design. We added a touch of glamour to the lighting, a new paint colour scheme, stone counter tops and splash back along with new door furniture updated this open plan kitchen.
Painting the cabinets, changing door furniture and countertops really can feel like a new kitchen if done professionally. You can paint almost anything now, but don’t think you are saving money on this if you haven’t done it before in the hope you will achieve it watching a you-tube video, it will last longer if you get professionals in who know what they’re doing, after all you will want it to withstand the wear and tear of a busy kitchen.
For more information Read How To Update Your Home From Scratch here>>
And there you have it, a brief outline to help you get started, let’s face it there would be too much information to get into all the details here, you don’t have time to waste reading when you could be doing.
If the thought of decorating your whole house, visiting showrooms, choosing the TILE and FLOORING and shopping for HOME ITEMS fills you with dread you know you can leave it up to us, you’re in safe hands.
