Most of us have done some do-it-yourself interior design and discovered
that finding decorating ideas is not always as easy as we had imagined.
Or we had a profusion of ideas that didn’t quite fit together. Or, after that
fresh look and initial vision and the attempt to actually execute our plans,
things went awry. Maybe we found out that the cost was far more than we had
imagined, or we had to order some things custom made. Or we got a good start
only to find that a small detail, like a floor vent, got in the way and we had
to enlist the services of an architect to do the reframing.
Interior design takes a keen eye for composition and color to bring an idea to
fruition. Sooner or later, most people have a go at redecorating, whether they
want to implement space-saving measures in a small apartment or give an old
bedroom a new look. Venturing into the domain of home décor can be fun and folly
in equal measures.
Mental makeovers are fun; we imagine replacing ugly fixtures with stylish,
gleaming new fixtures, or old paint with fresh. We can see the new kitchen
cabinets, fancy window treatments, and colorful tile flooring instead of vinyl
in the bathroom. The challenge comes in trying out our ideas. Too often, our
plans hit a snag.
Anyone who has tried to redecorate a room knows how you may begin with one
image, but a different picture emerges as you try to bring the image alive.
Perhaps the color of the paint was not what you expected when it dried, or it
was what you envisioned but didn’t have the effect you wanted. Perhaps that
colorful tile you thought would have a cheerful effect only made you feel
scattered, or the new light fixtures, so elegant at the store, just don’t go
with your architecture. Any number of things can go awry, and the smallest
detail can entirely derail your plans.
Redecorating mishaps are common, especially in the bed and bath areas where we
are often eager to make dramatic changes. Since bedrooms and bathrooms are some
of the most frequently used rooms in the house, form and function should be
congruent with aesthetic ideals. The trick to meeting this challenge is to keep
things simple. Recycle what you already have, use old pieces in new ways, and
add a few new details for accent. A moderate approach saves money and prevents
catastrophes.
The key to success lies in the details. Instead of making sweeping changes, use
the right accessories to carry a theme in a new direction and bring fresh life
to a tired, old look. You don’t have to be artistically inclined to do this
effectively, but you do need the right resources on hand. Redecorating books,
magazines, and online sites are excellent starting points. Use them to both get
ideas and seek specific advice on transforming a bathroom or bedroom.
As you tentatively take your first steps, remember that almost any mistake
can be undone as long as you have a good return policy. Hold on to your receipts
and compare policies online. If your plans don’t always work out, you can
alleviate the pressure by paring down and reassessing your options. Most of all,
you want to preserve the fun of your creative endeavor! |
