Redesigning your space can give you that brand new home or room feeling without depleting your pocketbook. Depending on your need(s) or your budget you can start with one room that can be transformed into a haven to relax and unwind when you get home from a stressfull day or to cuddle with that special someone – be it Rex, Mary, Pooch or Kitty.
Before you move one item of furniture, stand back and take a good, objective look at the room you wish to redesign, look at it from all angles and decide how do you want that room to look, what feeling do you what to have when you enter that room. If you are not completely sure as to what you really want then purchase a few decorating magazines or better and less expensive pay a visit to your local library and either browse through or take home and study a few current magazines to get your creative juices flowing.
You can redesign a room in your home in just one weekend, for less than it would cost you to go to a live show, but it is essential that you have a plan. You need to be clear about what you want the end result to be - you need to plan it before you change it. Decide how much time and effort you want to put into redesigning your space? How much money you wish to spend, if any? What style are you hoping to capture?
Redesigning your space is very much like making a roast – in this instance you already have the meat, which is the space you are going to change; now you need the seasonings, which in this case are the accessories and or furnishings. You may already have those pieces in your home and don’t need to make large purchases. Next, prime and prepare the roast (your room) before baking and enjoying the finished product.
It is possible to refresh your space for the cost of a can of paint; with that in mind pick a focal point in the room – a focal point would be the most interesting area of the room - such as a wall with window that offers a fabulous view, a fireplace or the wall you see as you enter the room. If you choose to paint, this is the wall you’ll want to paint. Take a bold step, do something that you would not normally do, choose a colour that you love and can live with (of course it is important that it blends in with the rest of the room), go for a neutral but rich tone. With your choice of wall colour completed, its now time to further embellish the focal point with furniture placement.
A conversation area or areas can be created by grouping your furniture. Rearrange your couch so it is in a different spot or at an angle; or arrange your couch and love-seat so that they are opposite from each other; place a couple chairs close together around a small table or ottoman. Move your art work around, switch pieces from another room to help in rejuvenating the look of this room.
It’s now time to add the finishing touches to the roast! If you do not have pillows that match the colour of your new focal point, an inexpensive way to add a bit of punch is to sew a few, (if you can sew); check your napkins, if you have large ones in a complimentary colour, you can stitch two together to make the case for a pillow cushion, or purchase a few. Lighting is also important, you may need to borrow a few lamps from other rooms to make this room warmer and more inviting.
Window dressing is your call, make new curtains or find ribbons or tassels that match your focal wall colour, to help coordinate the look. If you use blinds to cover your window, think of adding a layer with curtains, light sheer fabrics add a touch of softness and whimsy. Again you can get out the sewing
machine or purchase readymade panels. Depending on the size of the tables in your room you can choose complimentary vases, fill them with your choice of flowers, potpourri, marbles or strategically place candles or objects d’art of different heights to add interest and balance. Now sit back, relax and enjoy your new space.
Joanna Parris, CSP is a Certified Home Staging Expert, a member of RESA (Real Estate Staging Association) & SEA (Staging Excellence Alliance) she can be reached at: effectivestaging@rogers.com
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