1. DON'T FOLLOW THE HERD: Before you make a plan to update your furniture, take a moment to consider the different ways a room can be arranged. Just because your home was staged a certain way when you purchased it 10 years ago, don't assume that the previous owner's floor plan suits your lifestyle. Trust me...it usually doesn't.
Take a moment to consider the focal point in each room, and then build your furniture arrangement around that. Without question, space planning is always my first step in creating a design scheme for a client.
2. DON'T GET ALL WRAPPED UP IN A CUTOUT: Think beyond that page you tore out of Architectural Digest. Of course it's important to have a gracious and aesthetically pleasing space (my career relies on this), but at the same time make sure to consider how the room will function for YOU. As far as main furnishings are concerned, form should always meet function.
To get a better understanding of a room's purpose, here are a few questions I will typically ask a client in an initial consultation...
Do you have children and/or pets? If so, consider durable fabrics and wood finishes that will have a better chance to survive through their grade school years.
How many people will you entertain at a time? Once you know what you're dealing with, additional seating can always be strategically placed within the design scheme (ie. ottomans under a console table that can be brought out for extra dining seats).
Do you require additional storage? The answer is typically yes. So the challenge is in creating extra space, without compromising the aesthetics of a room (ie. elegant bookshelves, storage ottomans, etc...).
Do you require your space to double in purpose? If your office will act as a guestroom during the holidays, consider dual-purpose furnishings to accommodate both needs...as opposed to just getting "more stuff" and storing it in the garage. Space is a luxury...so respect it.
3. GET INSPIRED: For every room, there should be one showstopper. Find a fabric, rug, antique/vintage piece, or a painting that you ABSOLUTELY LOVE.
This can be something you already own or something that you have had your eye on for awhile. Now is your chance to reassess and consider all possibilities. Use this as your inspiration for your space. Just don’t forget to be realistic and make sure the dimensions work as well.
4. IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS: Make sure to consider details like a new lighting plan, crown moldings, base boards, trims, new cabinets, door hardware, and a fresh coat of paint as part of your update plan. Sometimes the simplest changes make the greatest impact.
5. BE STRATEGIC: Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to complete everything in one swoop. If all of this seems overwhelming, make a plan and go step by step. I always ask my clients to prioritize according to your needs. Perhaps your biggest priority is new furniture and a new layout. Maybe your furniture is still livable for a while but the walls and lighting plan need to be addressed pronto. As long as you have a plan, it’s okay to go in phases.
