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Dos and Don’ts of Design
By Amanda Bashore of Your Home Supply
Through the years, you’ve probably come across a few homes that literally took your breath away when you entered. Whether it was for cocktail parties, kid’s birthdays or sleepovers, or just a next door neighbor, some homes are simply unforgettable. Instead of envying these homes, why not redesign your home from plain to remarkable by following these do and don’t tips for home design. Do: Plan & Budget
A home design project can quickly escalate to include over priced, unnecessary items. Before you begin, sketch out what features you’d like to redesign, add or remove. Now consider the materials you’d like to use for things like new cabinets, countertops, decorations and simple hardware. Some features will quickly become costly, such as marble finishes and high-end artwork. Evaluate your current spending and trim down in any areas you can afford to—without cutting into necessities such as credit card payments, bills or food. Don’t: Block Traffic Flow
Traffic patterns are crucial to any home, especially for those with children. The ability to run circles throughout the downstairs of a home can keep a group of eight-year-olds endlessly entertained. It is crucial, therefore, to keep the traffic flow as open as possible when redesigning your home. Do: Create a Focal Point
Every room has a subtle focal point or interesting piece of furniture or artwork that lures the eye. Each room of your home should have a focal point; that matches the room’s style and color scheme; however, this “point” does not have to be overwhelming. For many rooms such as living rooms and dining rooms, an heirloom chandelier or Oriental area rug are perfect design elements. Smaller rooms, however, can feel cluttered and cramped with big, ostentatious fixtures. Keep it simple with a simple pottery item, mirror, or a grouping of pictures or multi-length candles to achieve a sophisticated effect. Don’t: Forget First Impressions
Your front door is your home’s first impression to visitors, potential buyers and those that live there. Don’t neglect its appearance. Make sure the paint is not chipped or cracking; polish smudge stains and hand prints from door knobs; test and replace any faulty locksets to ensure utmost safety of your home. Do: Use Storage Space
Your kitchen can easily become cluttered, messy and unattractive—quickly. If you don’t already have enough storage space for spices, pots and pans, cookware and all your every-day place settings, add more space! Map out where you can add drawers, a pantry, or glass-plated wall shelves. Don’t: Unnecessarily Break the Budget
If you can’t quite finance a total kitchen remodeling project or already have the space available, consider just replacing smaller portions of your kitchen, like cabinet handles. Replacing your handles and drawer pulls from typical, boring finishes can add a touch of sophistication without breaking the bank. Finishes like oil rubbed bronze cabinet hardware and oil rubbed bronze cabinet pulls add luster and shine to otherwise plain drawers and shelving units. Do: Use Your Imagination
Though these tips are generally to be followed, let your imagination guide your home redesign. After all, it is your home. Combine a variety of textures (smooth, rough, shiny and dull) to create interest. Mix and match styles and color swatches, so your favorite color does not turn out to be the main color in every room of your home! Don’t: Dismiss the Free Stuff!
Natural light is a great and inexpensive way to literally brighten up any room in your home. Uncover or install sky lights and extra windows to let the light shine in; not only does it give off the illusion of more space, but it also contributes to your home’s heating without costing a penny! Redesigning your home should be not a chore; think of it as a makeover for your home to increase the efficiency, level of comfort and even the value of your home all at once!
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