How to Create your Home Design Strategy for 2021
Are you SO over 2020? I can relate.
Now is the perfect time to envision your home design goals, and make these goals come to life in 2021!
If you are considering refreshing, redecorating or renovating your home you might be wondering -
…How do I start?
…What will this cost?
…Do I have the time to do this?
I am here to help you come up with a straightforward and doable home design strategy to bring in 2021 with a WOOT WOOT!
STEP 1: EVALUATE & DEFINE YOUR DESIGN GOALS
The first step is to figure out what you would like to change about your existing space (or spaces) and WHY.
Ask yourself:
What do I like about this space?
What do I dislike about it?
This will help you evaluate your space and define your design goals.
Ask yourself the true reason why you want to make this change - To add value to your home? To feel happier? To be more productive?
Hold onto your “WHY”….as a guiding star!
STEP 2: PRIORITIZE YOUR GOALS
Next, create a more specific list of things you would like to change about each space, and place them in order of importance.
For example, if I am looking to redecorate my bedroom, I might say:
New paint color on walls & trim - Fresh & brighter
New furniture, bedding, rug, window treatments - More updated & soft style
New table lamps, possible floor lamp, some sparkle - More balanced lighting
STEP 3: CREATE A DESIGN BUDGET
Frequently we jump into a project without having a clear understanding of what things cost. Here are a few tips on how to create a preliminary & realistic design budget:
Talk to a friendly designer (such as myself) or a contractor to get a sense of what materials & fees/labor might cost.
Research online for retail prices of furnishings & materials.
Remember to allow 15% extra for tax & shipping.
Keep in mind, this should be a preliminary budget, avoid getting too specific with numbers at this point.
The point is to shed light on what a project might generally cost, and where you can pare down, if needed.
STEP 4: CREATE A DESIGN TIMELINE
In this step we can visualize when things will start to materialize!
Create a chart, on a sheet of paper or spreadsheet, divided into 4 rows & 2 columns. The column on the left will be for each season (or quarter) of the year, and the column on the right will be for each project/set of tasks you hope to accomplish each season/quarter.
Use your list of priorities from Step 2 to get started. See example below.
A few tips on creating a design timeline:
Start general, and get more specific later (i.e. adding months and tasks).
Again, reach out to a designer or contractor to give you an idea of how long things will take.
Keep in mind that shipping & delivery delays are common during this era of Covid - hence, allow for extra time.
The point of this timeline is to allow you to create manageable deadlines & visualize the end goals.
© Natura Interiors
STEP 5: GATHER YOUR PEEPS
Now that you have a clearer idea of your design goals, priorities, budget and timeline - consider who you will need to hire to execute your project(s).
If you are the DIY type, and your project is simple, you may not need to hire anyone. However, in my experience, good people can make a project go more smoothly.
Depending on the complexity and particular needs of your project, here are a few people who you may want to consider:
A designer/decorator - For design, purchasing & implementation
Architect - For more extensive plans
Painter or handyman - For painting, refinishing, repairs
Cabinetmaker / Carpenter - For kitchen cabinets, custom built-ins, etc.
Contractor - For renovation & construction
Tradesperson: electrician, plumber, etc. - For electric work, bathroom installs, appliances, etc.
Ask your friends for recommendations and/or search online for people in your area (Homeadvisor and Thumbtack are good sources). Interview candidates before you hire them, and be sure to book them early to ensure your project is on their calendar.
BONUS TIP
Once you start with any project, it is important to keep the momentum going. Remain consistent with your design strategy and timeline, always keeping your goals and your WHY in mind!
Ready to create your home design strategy for the New Year?
Thank you for reading this blog post, and I hope these tips have helped you. Sign up below to receive your complimentary Home Design Planner 2021, to help your design goals come to life!