We know just as any how exciting it is to change up your space. We also know how stressful it can be too. With a mix of emotions, impatience and often impulsiveness, a lot of errors can occur during the process. Luckily, we have been over enough of these remodel bumps to give you the proper tips on how to avoid them!
1. Measure Before Money!
Before even leaving the house, even just to “window shop” make sure you measure! Measure the space in its entirety and the existing furniture, be sure to record the measurements as well and take that information with you. An additional step would be to take photos of the space to give a visual of what it looks like and if you’ll really want that pattern or color. Measurements should include where the furniture is or will be and clearances for walkways, hallways, windows, and doorframes. This will ensure you don’t purchase a piece of furniture that is beautiful in the store, but simply doesn’t fit in your home! This can in turn avoid headache situations of moving and trying to return (sometimes non-returnable) pieces.
2. Room for Rugs
It can be tricky to even decide which rug you like best. Often you can’t choose which is your favorite, or maybe none of them are. Before diving into the long haul of decision-making, be sure to know what size you’re looking for! Rule of thumb with rugs, if the main furnishings cannot fit on top of the rug, even if it’s just the front legs of a sofa or chair, it’s too small. Not only will this ensure you purchase the correct size for your space, but it will limit your options to choose from, making decisions easier.
3. Love Your Lighting
Lighting can be one of the most difficult things to choose for your space. Especially if you’re unsure of all the little details that are necessary to consider and can often lead to improper and oversimplified selections. To ensure your space sets the perfect mood, consider your lifestyle and vary your lighting options between ambient, task, and accent lighting. All three lighting variations work together to provide functionality, efficiency, and aesthetics to your space. Each type of lighting serves a specific purpose in avoiding your home from feeling dark and unbalanced.
4. Eyes on the Art
Little details matter, and when it comes to wall art, there is no exception. You’ve probably already chosen which pieces are going up and coming down, now it’s time to decide just where they’re going! A key tip to remember with any accessory is that it may be changed more frequently than say a sofa, but knowing how to place these pieces will maintain balance within the space. Art is meant to be seen, which is why hanging it at or near eye level is important as to not cause strain or create awkwardness that is uncomfortable to look at.
5. Think Smarter, Not Harder
The very first thing everyone considers before making any change in their home, or at least should be, is their budget. Knowing your limits and where you may want to spend a little more or go without is essential before making any purchases. But deciding those things isn’t always simple. Our tip is to consider which things will get the most use, will last the longest, and provide the most comfort. For example, you may want to buy a cheaper sofa to make room in your budget for a beautiful floor mirror. This is where you may be going down the wrong path as your sofa will be used more and most likely need to be replaced sooner than you desired, leaving you spending double what you may have spent on the pricier sofa in the first place!
No remodel will ever go as planned, that’s just the harsh part of life. But by having a plan in the first place and the necessary tools and information to implement it, you can minimize unexpected mistakes in the process. Learn more useful tips on how to change your home by joining our Shifting Spaces Course where you can learn to alter your perspective on change, identify the reasons you want to change your home, get inspired, and learn where to go from there!
XOXO,
