Email  Print

Decorating Re-Dux - The art of re-arranging what we have

Decorating Re-Dux - The art of re-arranging what we have
By Mary Courtney

How many times have you looked at your home, not sure what really looks “wrong” with it, but you are sure that it definitely needs something done to perk it up.  In our normal day-to-day living, different needs will arise.  Some particular reason may compel you to take a very objective look at your home.  Perhaps it’s the approaching holidays, or it could be a special occasion where you will be entertaining and want your home to look its best.

Additionally, there are at least three different opportunities that will motivate us to evaluate what we have, decide what we really love, and, what we don’t, and then do something about it.

The first could be when you have purchased a new home, and you are ready for a change.   Maybe you had been living in the city and your home there was a bit more formal and the connection to the outdoors minimal.  Or, you have moved from a rural environment where a very casual atmosphere prevailed. The main thing is, you are now in a different community and are ready for a change.

In the second scenario you are preparing to sell and you need to present your home at its best to prospective buyers.  There is a lot of personal history associated with where you have lived, and safe to say, a lot of personal belongings.  The need to look realistically at what you have is of primary importance.   And, especially in this current market, you must be competitive with other properties listed in order to attract a buyer.

I recently worked with the owner of a home listed for sale, where after a partial move, minimal furnishings remained.  Yet we needed to show the best assets and characteristics of the home, and make it personal and inviting.  This was accomplished primarily by moving pieces around, creating purposeful groupings, and opening up the space.  When we were finished there was a more welcoming impression and a warm and appealing atmosphere.  This extended into the back yard and patio.  There we cleared out a lot of un-necessary items, cleaned up the planted areas and cut back some large and overgrown shrubbery.  The result of our work was a very successful showing to an interested buyer.

The third possibility is that you are happily living in your home but you are ready for a new “look”.   It’s time to make a few changes to update furnishings, possibly to re-purpose a room or area.  You may want to create office space, a room to pursue hobbies, or maybe you would like a “workout” room.  

A house that once was furnished for a growing family can now be made more comfortable for adults.   Our lives change as we age, and our needs do as well.  A formal dining room can be turned into a media room with an area for card games and a full bar.  

Rather than immediately buying a new piece of furniture, take inventory of what you already have.  How can your furnishings be used another way?   Perhaps refinishing a piece or re-upholstering with an updated fabric is all that is needed. You can get an entirely different look by moving your furniture around.  Try creating a new grouping, focus on another angle or view, mixing things up.
 

With time what happens is that we actually stop seeing what is around us. Keep in mind that sometimes it is easier for and experienced designer to look at a space and make some determination of what areas could be improved by making some changes, the right changes.

Mary Courtney
Interior Design

 www.marycourtneydesigns.com
707-721-6175