Look No Further Than Your Own Backyard

True story: A few months ago while I was walking my Tibetan Terrier, Remmy, I ran into my neighbor, Anne. She told me she had been meaning to call me. She had heard me speak about Interior Redesign at a local women’s group and said she needed some help with her family room.

Let’s be honest. Working with friends, family or neighbors can be challenging. Reputations are at stake no matter who you work with, but with someone in your neighborhood, word gets around quickly. You know the old saying, “Good news travels fast, bad news travels faster.”

We started in the family room. Anne had a most wonderful potbelly stove that was the focal point! The room had good bones. So far, so good. She wanted the space to feel warmer and more stylish. Throughout the consultation we discussed options and goals for transforming the room.

A typical Interior Redesign can be done in a few hours with no additional purchases; this was a more comprehensive job. To my complete surprise, Anne was not only an experienced painter, she also spackled walls, deep cleaned carpets, worked on drywall…and moved furniture. Big Bonus!

I didn’t know it then, but that first meeting was the beginning of a project that ultimately would encompass not only redesigning and painting the family room, but her entryway, formal living room, master bedroom and bath, and guest room.

Anne was a delight to work with! One of the greatest joys of my work is that the process of Interior Redesign is closely linked to the relationships that I form with my clients. And the basis of those relationships is trust. Anne was ready for a change and willing to go out of her comfort zone because she trusted that I always had her interests and desires in mind. In the end, she was actually giddy with anticipation of each new stage of the Redesign.

Here is what Anne had to say:

“Every room looks so warm, delicious and fabulous! I think it is every woman’s dream (or at least it is mine) to walk into a model home you love, unpack your toothbrush and just move in… this is what this experience has reminded me of… what you do is a ministry. Your sincerity and thoughtfulness shine through it all.”

Unpredictable Design & Times

While so many retailers try to entice us with sales to make new purchases, the truth is that we often have more than we need, and then some. Let's face it, with the state of the economy, isn't it reassuring to know that extraordinary changes can be made in your home without breaking the bank?

The Redesign Project utilizes the key concept of creating a beautiful home using what you have. But redesigning a room, let alone an entire home, is not as simple as an HGTV show would have you believe. Making changes for the sake of moving things around is exhausting, frustrating, and will ultimately baffle someone who doesn’t have the time, help or skill sets to accomplish the results they were hoping for.

Put down the remote, step away from the sofa, and consider the following. What is it that makes a room go from ordinary to extraordinary? It’s making the most of what you have and knowing where to… and where not to… strategically place furnishings, art, lighting & accessories. It’s adding only pieces that will actually enhance a room. The end goal is not to simply fill up and cover the walls and floors.

A carefully orchestrated room brings a sense of calm and pride because it’s been professionally Redesigned and deeply reflects your personal taste!