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Home Furnishings

2011-03-01 11:31:00

Makeover ideas

Question: I would like to redecorate or remodel my home. What steps do I need to take to get started and make it a great makeover?

Answer: When you decide you want to improve your home with a makeover, there are several things you should consider before beginning. First, look at your home or the rooms you intend on working on and think about what you don’t like about them in their current state. What could change that would improve their looks? For example, do you need new carpet, or does it just need to be cleaned? Maybe your walls are white and would look warmer if painted a color, or the color on your wall is a color you haven’t seen since the 80’s, and just needs to be updated. Are your window coverings old? Maybe some new blinds, drapes or a valance would help the area. Then, what furniture pieces are you going to keep or get rid of. Can you recover, or refinish some of your furniture or does it just need replaced? You will need to have a budget in mind. Without a budget, you could find yourself spending a lot more than you ever imagined. After you decide how much you have to spend, go shopping or look on line to see how much the things, you are wanting to replace, are costing these days. Next, go through your ideas and find out how far your budgeted money will go. Write your ideas on paper and write beside them what the estimated cost for each will be. You may decide to only do one room for now, and wait awhile to continue on the rest of the house. Another step is to pick a style or theme for your makeover. There are many, many decorating themes in use around. Your home may be suited better for some styles than others. If you live in a CapeCraftman style home, contemporary ideas won’t fit well into your plan, but a Mission or Craftsman style of décor and furnishings will make your home feel complete. However, if you live in a downtown loft, contemporary, clean looks may just be the ticket. You can choose to decorate with a theme that relates to you, such as a golf theme for a den, or roosters in the kitchen. If there are activities or things you enjoy being around, then feel free to bring them into your home. Some themes are also based on geographical areas, such as Italian, Moroccan, or African. Styles are decorating ideas that have made statement throughout the years, like, Victorian, Rustic, Vintage, Traditional, Minimalist, Contemporary, Monochromatic, Shabby Chic and Primitive. All of these styles have unique characteristics that make them what they are. Once you have decided what you like and what you have to spend, now decide how much of the work do you want to do yourself and how much do you want to have hired done. Almost everyone thinks they can paint, but sometimes hiring a professional will make the job much neater and faster doing it yourself. Usually flooring is left to a professional as well, unless you are refinishing a hardwood floor, and want to try it yourself. In most cases, you will need to hire someone along your way for part of your makeover. Most companies offer free estimates, so you can decide if having something done as custom or professionally installed will fit into your budget. Find out what you really like and go from there. You’re the one living in the space, so don’t decorate for show, decorate for you! You won’t have regrets if you make purchases and choose colors you really like. Follow your own instincts and you won’t go wrong. With these simple steps in place, you will be on the road to a fabulous makeover for your home. Feel free to consult with a decorating expert to go over your ideas, and possibly gain a few more. Good Luck!