So You Think You Can Decorate?
Get the necessary soul searching - and budget crunching - out of the way before you jump into a home décor project
Decorating or redecorating your home can be challenging, to both your mental health and your wallet. What happens if you go too far with a theme or style and you end up hating it? What do you do if you max out your budget when you're only halfway finished?
"Our biggest advice to clients is to plan 10 times and execute once," says Tammie Refvik, the co-owner of Unleash Design Studio in Portland, Ore. To prevent disasters or unwanted compromises, every would-be decorator should ask themselves the following questions before jumping in - and also plan a trip to the nearest bookstore for inspiration and ideas.
1. Can I afford this?
Be reasonable and be honest. If you don't plan your budget well, you could end up with a half-decorated kitchen, or an enormous bill. Interior designer Janice Hall Nuckolls, ASID, from Richmond, Va., says that even if you're hiring a designer, a small budget can go a long way. "There are designers that are willing to work with clients on a limited budget," she says. "Money and how a designer charges are important things to define upfront."
2. What do I need/want?
This is related to your budget concerns. You've got your dream home pictured in your head, right? Take some time to classify your dreams as "needs" or "wants." Be willing to cut out wants no matter how fabulous, Refvik says, to fit your dream into your budget.
3. What's my scope?
Know how big you want to go, deciding in advance exactly which rooms need the most work and how much decorating needs to be done.
It's best if you prioritize the rooms in your house that you want to look the best before you begin. If you start with an easy, small room, chances are you'll get carried away then lose steam when it comes time to tackle the large family room.
4. What's my aesthetic?
There are several different types of home décor styles, some of which might sound more appealing than others. The two major style categories are modern and traditional. Other styles include country, cottage, French and eclectic.
However, experts agree that you shouldn't spend much time worrying about putting a label on your personal taste or following trends too closely. In the end it's all about you.
"I like rooms that look like they evolved over the years," says Nuckolls, "collecting that perfect piece to make a space unique."
5. What's my lifestyle?
A decorated home is still a home - don't ignore practical needs for family, entertaining, or how you like to live. These make good parameters when planning a project.
"Be realistic about how you live and how you want your space to function," says Nuckolls. "If you want a room where your family can relax, put their feet up and watch TV, be honest about it so that the fabrics and finishes will hold up."
6. Do I need help?
Linda Fritschy Rogers, ASID, owner of Linda Fritschy Interior Design in Dallas, gives the brutal truth - if you don't think you'll be able to see a project through, consider hiring a professional. "[Clients] are limited by their perspective, by being too close to the project and their emotional baggage," she says.
"We all want to enjoy the process," she adds. "By doing some 'mental' homework and being honest with [yourself], a positive and successful process can be created."
"Living with What You Love: Decorating with Family Photos, Cherished Heirlooms, and Collectibles" by Monica Rich Kosann; (Clarkson Potter, 2010) $30
"Chairs" by Judith Miller; (Conran, 2009) $65
"Perfect Palettes" by Stephanie Hoppen; (Clarkson Potter, 2009) $35
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