Stuck at Home? Here's How to Plan Your Dream Space

Spending more time working from home the next few weeks? With our current situation, more people are staying at home and stocking up on essentials. I find myself having more down time and a heightened awareness of my home. In the last week, it has become apparent what is working well and what I need to purge. Spring cleaning is in full effect! 

Most of you know, my design studio is in my home. I planned it this way. I get to do what I love while also taking care of my family. It is the perfect balance for me.  Do you work from home? Is your space not living up to its potential? I'd like to share some simple ways to plan your dream space, hope this gives you some inspiration to dream big!

1. Address Your Existing Space

When I'm in clients homes, I walk through each space an address each room separately. We talk about the space in depth and get down to the nitty gritty discussing each detail. We talk about their likes and dislikes as well as the many nuances of the room. I want you to think about your home the same way. Spend time in each room and take a moment to ask yourself these key questions: What do I do in here? What do I love about the room? What isn't working for me? 

2. Get Design Inspiration

At a time like this, it’s nice to be online and have so much inspiration at our fingertips. Take some time to scroll through Pinterest and gather your favorite images. Categorize them by room and create boards that you gravitate towards. This will help to organize your thoughts into categories.

 In order to get a sense of my client's style, I ask them to put together Pinterest boards and share them with me. Pinterest is a great way to collaborate and exchange ideas with my clients. It’s also an easy way for clients to communicate their design ideas to me. Pull ideas from these boards when shopping for that new great sofa.

 3. Define Your Aesthetic

Once you have your pinned photos, look at each photo and decide which elements of the photo you are gravitating towards. Tag the photo with this idea. For example, do you love the color palette in the photo? Or is it the type of furniture or window treatment that was used in the room? Are you digging the overall vibe? Make a list of your "likes" and tag each photo with your "must-haves". 

4. Identify Your Must-Haves

Almost there! Review your list for steps 1 & 3 and write down your "Must-Haves". They can be furniture items, accessories, features or functions (like great storage- who doesn't LOVE great storage!?). For example, I like to pin rooms with paint colors that I love. As many of you know, I have a top ten list of my favorite go-to grey and white paint colors. I also have a lighting category where I pin my favorite table lamps and chandeliers.

5. Describe Your Wants

Next, decide on the next layer of priorities. What do you really want but could probably live without if you had to? Remember, this list can include features of the room, it's desired function or items. Create a list of items that you will purchase in the next 3-6 months.

6. Make Your Wishlist

Welcome to the final layer - your wish list! Now, I want you to really dream big here. Take a few quiet moments and visualize what your dream home would look like. The possibilities are endless. Although, this list comes last when prioritizing, you never know, you may win the lottery! I know, I know, wishful thinking…

7. Take Action!

Interior design can be challenging, there's no doubt about that, so don't feel bad. The investment is significant, so there's no room for costly errors, right? But, without having a professional like me as a resource with your best interest in mind, you're forced to face this problem by yourself. Let me help you. Book a discovery call (phone calls are safe!) with me and let's make your design dreams a reality.

This too shall pass. I'm right here with you during this trying time. We are all doing our best to seek out the positive and make the most of the current situation. I tell you what, interior design is my passion, I love what I do and love helping make the world a more beautiful place. A little lying low for the next few weeks isn't going to stop me!

Again, reach out and setup a quick 15 minute discovery call. I want to get you a solid plan to move forward so you can have your home ready to go for summer!

See y'all soon!

Michelle