Currently viewing the tag: "Makeover"

Design Fear

You have been dreaming about redesigning your home for ages, but one four letter word always seems to get in the way…FEAR.  It’s the most common reason why people steer clear of starting new seemingly unfamiliar projects, only to make up excuses like, “Where do I start”… “I can’t afford a makeover” …  “What’s in it for me” … “It’s going to take forever.” Here are a few tips on how to overcome fears and turn your dream design into reality.

1)   Keep Your Eyes on The Prize –                                                                                                     If you continue to focus on all the things that stand in your way of making your dream room become reality, chances are it will remain in your dreams.  Visualize your desired result and imagine how you will feel in your finished room. When you focus on the outcome, overcoming roadblocks become easier and even more enjoyable.

2)   Design & Conquer –                                                                                                                   Ever heard the ‘ol saying “Rome wasn’t built in a day?” This is because it wasn’t and your home makeover most likely won’t either. Break your project down into stages, and conquer each stage in a reasonable amount of time. It might not get done in a day, but surely less than you had thought.

3)   Embrace Mistakes –                                                                                                                       Let’s face it, no one is perfect. So many of us get discouraged when we make mistakes and use it as an excuse to abort mission on projects. Own up to your faux pas and learn from them. This will make your next design venture easier in the future and enable you to offer expert advise for friends and family when they endure similar situations.

4)   Create an Incentive –                                                                                                            Another famous excuse for avoiding a home makeover is finding the value of importance.  By creating a list of all the benefits of redesigning your space, you will find a clear incentive that will drive you to the finishing line.

5)   Bring in an Expert–                                                                                                                        If you are afraid of having an undesirable outcome, hire a professional to give you an expert opinion.  Designers have years of experience under their belt and can help you achieve your design goals with great results, giving the confidence you need to push forward.  You can also get design assistance with Day Design & Decor’s services.

When taking the inititative to realize our own fears and making conscious efforts in overcoming them, your goals become more attainable.  “Walk in the direction that you look” is the motto I learned from my Grandma.  It has helped me keep focused on my goals and achieve most of them.  Now, push fear aside and take a step towards creating your dream room.

What is holding you back from redesigning your home? What would you do to your space if fear didn’t stop you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Your fearless designer,

Day Design & Decor

Day Design & Decor

With 2011 right around the corner,  it’s time to whip out a pen and paper and start writing down your resolutions for a great new year.  I’ll be sharing my top 5 interior design resolutions this week so stay tuned for helpful tips in turning your 2011 goals into reality.  In the mean time, enjoy this coupon for 20% off any Day Design & Decor service good now until the end of January, 2011.

Happy designing,

Day Design & Decor

Pin-point your decorating style with our interior design theme guide.

Traditional Style

This timeless style can be defined as classic, elegant, and formal. Typically, furnishings are in 18th Century English, 19th Century Neo-Classical, and British Colonial Revival designs. Color palette is in the mid-tones with rich solid floral, plaid and stripe fabrics. Shop at Ethan Allen and William Sonoma Home for traditional furniture.

Transitional

Transitional is basically a combination of Traditional and Contemporary designs.  Mix and match formal traditional pieces and modern sophisticated lines to pull off this look.  Pottery Barn , Crate & Barrel and Day Design & Decor are popular sources for Transitional furnishings.

Contemporary Style

Clean crisp and linear furniture with little frills or decoration define Contemporary style. Sleek geometric shapes with neutral to bright color palette with the latest modern trends or classic pieces.  The best shops to find contemporary furnishings is  Day Design & Decor, Bo Concept or West Elm.

Mid-Century Modern

Modern classics designed in post war 1950′s & 1960′s era heavily influence this design genre. From warm Danish wooden furniture to modern leather and chrome tubing chairs. You can achieve this look by shopping at Design With in Reach and Antique Stores.

Hollywood Regency

Hollywood Regency is essentially all that glitters, making each rooms red carpet ready. Think of what classic movie stars of the 50′s would buy for their home and shop at 1st Dibs, Day Design & Decor, or Estate sales.

Spanish Mediterranean

This decor embodies all the warmth and romance of Spainish culture. Ornately carved and rustic woods, rich velvet textures, and warm spicy colors achieve the look and feel of the Mediterranean. Achieve this style by shopping at Accents of Salado.

Eclectic

Anything goes in an Eclectic room. Mix colors, textures, patterns, shapes and design styles to make your own artistic statement.  Take your pick of unique accents from ZGallerie, Plantation Design, or Day Design & Decor.

Shabby Chic

Vintage antique furniture that appears to be painted several times is the charm of Shabby Chic.  Fabrics are inspired by old french linens, usually tea stained or bleached out cottons with muted pastel accents.  The best place to shop for fancy distressed painted furniture and accents is at Anthropologie or local antique stores.

Coastal

A cool misty breeze coming off the ocean is what I feel when entering a Coastal designed home. Relaxing, warm, light and airy with soft linen fabrics mixed with woven sea grass accents. Get this look from stores like Pottery Barn and West Elm.

Rustic Lodge

This decor is fit for the Great Outdoors. Furniture made of unfinished wood, neutral color palette, hand forged iron hardware, leather and cowhide fabrics, and rural accents form a Rustic Lodge interior.  Shop at Cabela’s for furnishings suitable for a cabin in the woods.

Tuscany

Sunny and cozy sensation of an Italian Country side villa is the allure of Tuscany design. Soft fabrics drenched in sunshine colors with dark distressed wood, ornate iron accents, and ancient stone finishes bring this look together. Obtain this style from stores like Drexel Heritage.

Zen / Asian

Peace and tranquility of a Zen home is accomplished through warm rich colors and minimalistic and Asian inspired furniture. This is a perfect design to incorporate elements of Feng Shui, especially when advised from my favorite expert The Feng Shui Guy.