No Cost Decorating -Redesign your Home Interior

By Karel Rogers / Real Estate Staging Unlimited

Interior Redesign, what actually is this?  Interior redesign makes the most out of your living space by using your existing furniture, artwork and home accessories in a totally new, fresh and innovative way.  Interior Redesign is similar to a "personal makeover" for your home.

Wouldn't it be refreshing not to spend any money or very little to give your home a completely new look!  Well it is easy when you use the Redesign concepts. It just takes 10 easy steps and you could have the home you've dreamed of -so if you're looking for a change let's gets started.

1. Think New  To be successful you must first break the mold when it comes to using your things in the way you've always used them.  This is more difficult than it seems.  We can get very comfortable having things in certain areas of our home and in order not to spend additional money you will need to use your furniture and accessories in a completely NEW way.

2.Think Recycle  If you lack or maybe don't have interesting "stuff" then ask your family and friends if they have extra "stuff" (accessories, artwork, silk plants, candles, pillows, furniture, etc.) that they are not using or are tired of. Or consider discount stores, thrift stores, flea markets and classified ads to acquire what you need.

3. Think Creative  If you get or have a gold candleholder and you like black then spray paint it black.  If the furniture isn't the right color then paint it and use slipcovers over fabric furniture to give it a totally new look. Fresh pillows can bring a sofa or chair back to life so be imaginative and put your personal stamp on the things you get from others.

4.  Think Color  Color is pure magic. It can speak volumes about your personal style, without you saying a word. Just being around it should make you happy, and that is what home is all about.  Color does not have to be bright, it can be soft but color is the foundation for a beautiful and comfortable home.  Not to mention it is one of the least expensive design elements to your home and will help to bring interest and balance to your furniture and accessories.  So pick your favorite three colors and use them throughout your home.

5.  Think Friends  Your Redesign can be done in one day so get two to four friends and family together and make this a fun and interactive event. Or hire a professional to help you to formulate your plan.  Sometimes furniture placement can be difficult and most decorators charge by the hour and are very reasonable. It can be money well spent for some great ideas.

6.  Think like a decorator  If you feel you don't have the knowledge or creativity to plan your Redesign call in a friend that does or go to the library or Internet and read up and look at pictures that illustrate a look that you like and then recreate the look for your room.

7.  Think Action  Now that you have a plan remove all your accessories from all your rooms even rooms that are not going to be redesigned. If possible remove furniture too.  Group all like products together, artwork, plants, books, lamps, pillows and tabletop accessories. This will help you choose by item, size and color when you are ready to put them back into your rooms. Examples:  The bench that is always in your bedroom will now be under the window in the living room. Your picture in your bedroom will go above the fireplace. Review step 1 Think New and don't fall into the comfort zone.

Designers/decorators decorate in odd numbers.  Group your items in 1-3-5 examples: candle, plant and clock or lamp, two figurines and a stack of books.  Remember to build interest when putting items together.  Group collections together. This will help to put attention on them and help to delete clutter by spreading them out.  Use lots of fresh or silk plants and trees throughout your home this will help to bring nature and life into each room.

8.  Think Best to Least  The entry, living room, family room and dining room are your main living and entertaining areas.  Use your "best pieces" in these areas and work your less favorable pieces to the bedrooms, office and bathrooms.  As you acquire more things these areas can be decorated but for now use your "best" in your primary areas.

9.  Think Fun  Start early and have fun.  Make sure you have coffee available and have a plan for lunch. Stopping and going out to lunch can stop the creative flow so make a special lunch for all who are helping you and spend you time together talking about your project.

 Begin to bring in your furniture and find the best placement for these pieces large to small that will bring balance to the room.  Add rugs, artwork, then lighting and accessories.  Move things around if you don't like the look.  Be open to suggestions from others but remember it's your room so don't quit till it feels like home.

10.  Redesign  You've just experienced Redesign! By switching out your things you can present your home in a whole new way and at very little if any additional cost. Redesign is affordable and you can do it in one day. Enjoy!

Author: Karel Rogers Real Estate Staging Unlimited