When designing interior spaces, quite a few headaches arise in the process.
One of the most common issues I see when my clients decide to go DIY is getting overwhelmed. Indeed, renovating, designing and decision making that comes along are overwhelming. A lot of times the constant lingering of “what if I’m doing it wrong” persists. Doubts, questioning each step is normal, especially if you’ve never taken on this kind of task. Working with contractors can be tricky. Most contractors work on deadlines. They need answers and they need them “yesterday” in order to move quickly and efficiently. That puts even more pressure on homeowners and the process itself. Finalizing and implementing stages can get confusing, as these require organization and tracking to ensure correct items and quantities are ordered at the best prices and timely arrive.
One of the first things to do when starting a renovation or design process no matter how big or small is a plan. Having a plan, knowing what you’re aiming for in the space is a great start. A space plan draft, a 3D drawing, or a simple hand sketch will put things in perspective for you. Let your imagination go, you’re only doing it on a piece of paper or a computer program. No damage can be done. Once you have let your imagination go, the next thing is to make sure that all those pesky walls that are in the way of your happiness can be demolished (make sure they are not weight-bearing walls). Once your imagination and your walls can co-exist, talk to someone (preferably us) to make sure your image is implementational. If it is, hooray, time to move forward!
A finish schedule is the next step. Choosing the right materials and finishes for your space is overwhelming. There are so many options and choices out there and let’s admit it, the more choices there are, the more questions and doubts they provoke. Even if you decide you’re set in stone on something, once you’re out there, among countless wood finishes, wall color choices, tile options, vanity choices, cabinetry colors (and I can go on), doubting your decision is only neutral. This is when it truly helps to have a designer by your side who can gently pivot you in the right direction. Ordering, buying, and sorting thru “what did I forget” in itself is a very timely task and can become a pricey one. Perhaps keeping an excel spreadsheet or a designer handy isn’t a bad idea.
One of the first things to do when starting a renovation or design process no matter how big or small is a plan.
A lot of times I’m in situations where people let their taste dictate the style of their home. Absolutely, what you like is what you get! But I always suggest taking into consideration the space itself, your home’s architectural features. The last thing I, as a designer, want to see is a disconnect between the style and the space. Continuity and flow between interior style and interior space are priceless when it comes to transitioning a home into a designed space.
Installation is the final stage. This is another place where those floor plans, 3D drawings, and sketches come in handy. If you have those, the install should be fun and easy. You look at your sketch and you know exactly where each thing goes. If you, by accident, missed that first step, then it is, yet, another challenge. But the good news is that there are only so many walls, nooks, and crannies, and eventually you’ll get it! I have faith in you!
All and all, DIY is a great thing and there is help out there on the web that can truly make it easier. But working with a designer will save you time and money, eliminate those sweaty palms each time you need to make a decision, and make it fast and confidently.
Good luck! We hope we hear from ya!
