Decorating Tips for the New Homeowner

With closing costs, financing terms and down payments to worry about, most new home buyers have very little time to consider the colors of the bathroom or kitchen or whether or not to move the wall between the family and living rooms. But long after the house is yours, and the stresses of closing are forgotten, you’re still living with a bathroom you don’t like or a family room that is not quite the right size. These tips can help you avoid costly remodeling jobs in the future and help you start a workable design plan that will truly give you the home of your dreams.
These tips are taken from a seminar given by Norma Pofsky.

General Considerations

Look At The Total Picture: Come up with a home design that works for you. Don’t allow nit picky details to cloud your vision. They can be easily corrected later on. Consider room layout, size, and general affordability. If the house seems to fit your lifestyle, you’re off on the right foot!

Come Up With A Workable Plan: Every home needs a “flow” to it to be comfortable. A workable plan takes the stress and confusion out of designing your new home. A professional designer can help blend your lifestyle, budget and tastes into something you can live with and afford.

Consider Permanent Items: Tubs, walls, doors, windows, kitchens and baths are expensive to change later on. Although carpeting and wall colors are more noticeable, they can be easily (and less expensively) changed.

Go Over The Floor Plans: Doorways, walls, closets and configurations of windows should be considered prior to construction. They’re permanent.

Specifics Mean A Lot

Pick A Color Scheme You Like: Build around this scheme. Let it “flow” throughout the rooms as the main or complementary color.

The Designer’s Secret - Proper Lighting! Behind every great room is carefully considered lighting. It is the finishing touch! Don’t install recessed lighting unless you know your furniture layout.

Delay Wall Covering And Mirrors: All new homes tend to settle during the first year.

Scheduling: Coordinating deliveries and the schedules of plumbers, electricians and carpenters can be complicated, time-consuming and costly. It is best left to the professionals.

MONEY SAVING TIPS

Make An Inventory Of Existing Furniture: New design does not necessarily mean all new furniture. You can change the face of old furniture, giving them a whole new look at a fraction of the cost.

Go Lightly On The Window Treatments: Consider light control and privacy. Custom treatments can come later on when you’re ready to design the room.

Go With The Builder’s Standards: Unless you have your plan in place, don’t spend big bucks on upgrading flooring or fixtures if you’re not sure which direction you are heading.

Consider Durability Of Materials As Well As Attractiveness: Good designers consider the practically of materials as well as visual appeal and comfort.

The Most Important Tip Of All

Set A Budget and Time Table: Unless you’re independently wealthy, take your time, slowly build your home. We work with our clients toward a total look that evolves throughout the house. We also work out a natural order of what should be done and when.