Kimberly DesJardins Interiors l Decorating 101

Where Do I Begin?

Do you love being in your home? Do you find it comfortable, beautiful, and functional? If you do, read no

further. But.... if you find yourself feeling not-at-home in your home, restless or stressed then read on:

Perhaps you want to make changes to your spaces, but don’t know where to begin. You feel overwhelmed

at the thought of starting a decorating project, so you either do nothing or you jump in with both feet and rushed

through the process. The upside? You got started. The downside: You may not be happy with the outcome.

Wouldn't it be amazing to walk into your home feeling refreshed, relaxed, and inspired, with furniture

arrangements, colors, lighting and all the rest that would add beauty and function to your living spaces and

enhance your well-being? Let’s look at a few things you should consider before decorating your home.

Planning ahead prevents a lot of unnecessary stress!

Do your homework. Look through design magazines and books to get an idea of the colors, fabrics,
accessories, floor plans, metal finishes, wood colors and styles that ‘connect emotionally’ to you. Stay
with what meets your needs and tastes, and not the opinions of what suits your friends or relatives. Create
a style file that contains before photos, room and window measurements, photos of furnishings staying in
the room, fabric and paint samples and inspirational pictures for future reference.

Create a decorating plan and prioritize your needs. This is a must! Decorating can be a very overwhelming
process. Many people don’t have a plan and then feel disorganized and frustrated throughout the project or give
up entirely. Start by knowing what you envision the room to feel like and how it will function to fit your lifestyle.
Then decide on your “must-haves” and your “nice-to-haves”. Setting priorities will help build a foundation to
work from and give you peace of mind in knowing where the project is at any given time

Decorating with existing furnishings. Maybe you want to mix things up taking elements you already have
and giving them a new function, layout, organization and focus. Is it possible your space just needs a redesign
with basic updates.With a new redesigned furnishings configuration, wall color, window treatments and a few
purchased items your space can take on a whole new look. Another alternative is buy nothing new, redesign
existing furnishings and change only your wall color for a completely new look. Also, include in your style file
a list and photographs of furnishings that will remain in the space your decorating. This will help tremendously
with shopping performance, staying on track, and building upon only what is needed to complete your project.

Select an inspiration piece (something you already have) to begin the process. You don't need to start
the project with everything new. Choose to focus on something you already own that you absolutely love to
bring in style and personality into the room. Perhaps, it’s time to bring in pieces you bought for that “someday
I will use this”, inherited, created or acquired during a trip. If you love it, go from there!

Selecting the right color palette. If you neglect this step in the process, you’re going to be spending more than
you need on secondary items. Choose a main color, then at least two other complementary or contrasting colors
to work with. Color sets the stage for your furnishings, window and floor treatments, artwork and accessories.
Ultimately, painting your spaces will help you save money...yes, save money on items you thought you needed to
replace because they were looking outdated against drab wall colors. Choose colors you absolutely LOVE and
will feel wonderful surrounded by, unlike play it safe colors, because you’re going to live with it for a long time.

Set a budget, for discipline and reality checking. Take time to think this through or you may be unsatisfied, resentful,or broke at the end of the project. Working with a decorator can help provide a rough estimate or create
a plan that best suits your current and future needs. Keep communication open with everyone involved during the
project to help stay on track and informed throughout the process. No surprises or misunderstandings.

Give yourself time to buy wisely. “Impulsive buying” will never pay off in the long run. If you don’t love each
and every item you choose, you will overcompensate by buying more than you need to cover up the “so-so” items.

Keep the channels of communication open with family. Moving through a decorating project is challenging.
If someone's sharing the project with you keep talking. After all, your partner or kids may provide insightful
suggestions as how the room could function for them and creative ideas that may not have been thought about.

Have realistic expectations. Taking on more than you can realistically afford or accomplish in a given time
frame can be both frustrating and disappointing. Keep expectations in check and communicate regularly with
your decorator and others working with you.

Stick to high standards. No matter what your budget is or how large or small the scope of the project, you
should feel a sense of satisfaction. You should be smiling and marveling over the transformation of your spaces
every time you walk into the room. If you are not, go back and see what necessary adjustments need to be made.

Enjoy the process. Life is too short to stress out about every decision that must be made. Decorating projects
evolve and should be enjoyed along the way. Instead of just focusing on what still remains to be done, take time
to stop and look at what has been accomplished. During challenging moments remember it's just part of the
journey and not the final destination. In the end you'll enjoy many fulfilling years in your new spaces.

DECORATING 101

- Article -

By Kimberly DesJardins, Kimberly DesJardins Interiors

Kimberly DesJardins Interiors - KDI Academy

2 Allport Place • New Hartford, NY 13413

Tel: 315/794.1650 • EMAIL