Materials and the sequence of the job sit together on this page.
Okay, I know we have all heard about Pinterest and before that we scoured magazines and created tear files for inspiration… in fact I still have drawers of inspiration images… But now that we have our pin broad or binder of great options where do we go next? How do we incorporate these options or how do we define our styles when the rooms all look a little different.
Well, we need to develop a critical eye for images. How do we do this? Let’s say you are planning a master bedroom remodel. Here are the pictures you have seen and love…
all via Pinterest
They are all different styles, and even rooms, so how do you know where to go. Paralyzation kicks in and you sit around, doing nothing with all your hard earned bedroom remodel modest-cost, cause you are afraid to make mistakes. Okay so let’s make this a little easier (by now you know that I am into the five step thing!)
First: You need to break down each image. Start with sticky notes (or your Pinterest note) write down each element that draws you to the picture. Do you like the texture that rug brings into the room, that is echoed in the natural woven baskets on the shelf. Do you like the wall color? The style of the furnishings? The wood finish? The accent color? Do you like the gold accents on the mirrors or ottomans? Be very specific, look at this post on my blog for my example of breaking down the elements of a room.
Second: Now that you know why you like the images. It is time to pick out your go-to elements. These will be the main options that you would like to incorporate into your room. Create a mood board with those element.
This is one I made in college for a spa with an attached residence. Add it to you design binder. Pick out your colors! and presto you know where to start
Third: When you go shopping take you binder or Pin board with you (be aware that it might be good to have real fabric and paint samples with you, as screens on computers can be off on colors). Use these images to guide your choices. You do not have to literally find that particular lamp, but let’s say you find a lamp in a similar color shape and the scale is just right. Buy it. (See step 5 before removing tags!)
Find the walkthrough to make this lamp here.Forth: I know it is all the rage to knock-off imitate exact objects from great design resources… you know what I mean, but don’t be afraid to put your spin on the room. This is what makes the space feel inviting to you. Go with your gut, if you think it will make you happy work it in. Work in family pictures or sentimental objects or furnishings – even if they are not all the rage!
See the hutch transformation posts here!Don’t be afraid to paint it, and/or don’t worry if you leave it as it is… We don’t have to follow every trend.
Be true to yourself, that is the goal for this space!
Fifth: Don’t be afraid to edit… If something you planned on all along is distracting from the whole feel of the room cut it out! **That said, when you buy something for the space, don’t take those tags off and KEEP you receipts, until the room is complete!
Sometimes we buy something “just knowing” it will work for the space. But guess what, we finish the room and it just doesn’t work! Urgh! But you bought it early, it matched your mood board, it was in your inspiration photo- so you took of the tags and washed it, and rocked it to sleep…it is now your baby and you are not getting rid of it… you also are not getting your money back for something that is just taking up your extra space!
Don’t take your mood board too literally, let the room develop! And once you get to this point, you should know if it will work or not! Hope this helps you go in the direction of your dreams (house)! Please be sure to look at the accompanying post! To see an example of how I broke down an inspiration image!
