Yesterday I promised you more of the questions I ask my design clients to get to know them and what they need. Ready?
8. List your family’s activities. What does everyone like to do on a regular basis?
9. Design taste. Do you all agree? Or does someone have the opposite taste?
10. What is your style? Do you like Mediterranean, Country, Traditional, etc.?
11. What about the style of your current home?
12. Are you keeping any of the furniture you already own? What is your favorite piece?
13. How much are you going to invest in your project?
14. Do you have friends or family members who are handy?
Let’s go through each question one by one:
List your family’s activities. What does everyone like to do on a regular basis?
Very important question. Rooms can have more than one purpose and it’s best to plan for what you will be doing in that space.
Design taste. Do you all agree? Or does someone have the opposite taste?
If you and a loved one have very different tastes, you will have to decide how you want to fit both styles into your home. If your styles clash, you might be able to compromise on a style you both like and can live with.
What is your style? Do you like Mediterranean, Country, Traditional, etc.?
There are so many to choose from that you need to narrow it down to your favorites. That way you know what to look for when shopping for furniture and accessories.
What about the style of your current home?
You have to take this into consideration when planning your design. Decorating with Country style furniture in a Mid-Century Modern house will probably look a little weird. Or a lot weird.
Are you keeping any of the furniture or pieces you already own? What is your favorite thing?
You can use it as a starting point for your design. AND knowing what style that piece is can help you figure out what your own decorating style is if you don’t already know.
How much are you going to invest in your project?
Good design is an investment and worth the cost especially if you choose pieces that will stand the test of time. For an idea of what I mean, see my blog post on the Top 10 Classic Chairs I Wish I Had Room For in My House. There is more than one chair on the list from the 1950’s and they are all still available to purchase. Another tip for your budget, add 20% to your total. This will cover any incidentals or changes to your design that may cost more.
Do you have friends or family members who are handy?
You can save LOTS of money by asking for their help. Plus, you make some great memories along the way.
Remember, your budget needs to be realistic. Have you researched the prices of items that you need? You might be surprised if you haven’t. If the things that you really want are out of your price range, there are always alternatives that look similar but don’t cot so much. You still get the look you want, but you won’t go hungry after buying them.
As you can see, there is a lot that goes into a plan for your decorating your home. A well thought out idea of what you like, want, and need will help keep you on track and a budget will keep you sane as well as giving you boundaries.
Still stuck on your decorating plan? If you need help or just want someone to work with on your design come visit me at www.mydivabydesign.com/. It’s what I do!
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