Las Vegas Business Networking Group | Professional Women

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It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3…

 

Where do I begin?

This is the question we hear daily from clients. Homeowners know they want to do something new, but don’t have any idea how to get started.  Some will say they want to begin with window treatments, or furniture. Others ask if they should start with a color plan. It isn’t always easy to get started, but you can actually begin anywhere.  The possibilities are endless.

 

Before you start though, there are several questions that have to be answered before taking the initial step:

 

1.Lifestyle Do you have children? What are their ages, hobbies, etc.? If there are young children in your family, which room will they use to entertain their friends? This room will need furniture that fits the lifestyle.  Durable, not too expensive (disposable) and especially functional.  Do you entertain often? If this is the case, make sure that the areas in your home designated for entertaining have several seating arrangements for conversation. The flow of the room is also important and make sure there is plenty of light. When selecting furniture, scale is the first step.  Many homes can be deceiving – so always remember to measure your room carefully. 

2. Ambience Is your style casual or formal? Do you like to come home, take your shoes off, get comfortable and lounge on your sofa? Do you want your home to feel comfortable and relaxing? If your answer is yes to either question, you are more casual in your surroundings. Your furniture selections would lean towards an overstuffed sofa and chair in a chenille fabric. You may want to keep the color schemes more neutral with just a splash of color throughout the room. Window treatments would be very simple in a contrasting color or fabric.

3. Color Scheme When looking at colors for your new or existing home, stop and discuss with your family or significant other what colors make you feel good. Is there any color you absolutely do not want? It’s especially important to keep in mind what the room is being used for.  Each room has its’ own character and use – so make sure the right color is used in the right room.

4. Existing Items If you have any items that are heirlooms or just near and dear to your heart, they can be worked into any room makeover.  Existing furniture that is still in good condition can be reupholstered to give you the look of new for a fraction of the cost. Many wood pieces can be refinished or faux painted to fit in your new color scheme as well. If there are pieces of art that you still wish to use, a simple change of frame or mats will make any piece of art look great. There might be a few items that may or may not work – a designer will always let you know if that is the case. Bringing in new pieces to blend with the old can be beautiful if done correctly.

5. Budget How much should I spend? How much will it all cost? Most consumers don’t have the answer to those questions — the span is so great. But to answer this question, think logically about each and every area you will be decorating. Will you be carpeting or using tile floor?  Window treatments or new furniture? Bedroom furniture or dining room furniture?

 

To get an idea of the budget you’ll need, my first suggestion would be to decide on which area will make you the happiest to see complete — living room, family room, bedroom? Once that is decided, the next question is what is this room being used for and what existing items can be used. 

Start shopping. Look at different furniture stores, magazines, the internet etc. But always remember to shop apples to apples. 

No matter if your budget is $100 or $100,000 make sure you know what your limits are and how much you will be able to afford before you even get started.  Once you have a clearer vision by answering all of these questions, you will be able to begin your decorating journey with a plan of action.

[email protected] 

(702) 218-5415 

MagdalenasHarmoniousEnvironements.com

 

Magdalena Brandon
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About Magdalena Brandon

Magdalena is a Feng Shui expert and owns Magdalena’s Harmonious Design, a full-service Interior Design firm. She is also an MMS Certified Coach and founded LVEWN in 2013.