How do we finish off our homes? I often walk into the homes of friends and families, and I see many lingering design projects. I've been guilty myself. I find it easy to finish off other spaces, but it's often our own that end up works in progress: The pictures that idle on the floor instead of the wall, the last bit of tiling that was missed, or the accessories still packed in boxes. Despite good intentions by home owners, time, budget, family commitments, the flu... all can stop us in our tracks when it comes to designing our own space. We think that we will do it over time. But over time seems to spread itself over too much time. Good news: there are ways to best tackle those DIY design jobs in your living space.
1. Get Inspired:
Look through magazines. Take notes of what you are drawn to--remembering to consider your own space and how you can apply your design preferences. Decide what design style you are drawn to and work towards that. Remember to keep in mind your existing style and space. You wouldn't pair a formal sequin dress with a pair of white running shoes--so don't do this to your house! As good as it is to decide what you like, it's also good to decide what you don't like. Maybe it's even time to get rid of some of those things that need to be let go of.
2. Create an Action Plan:
What is it that you have to do in the next day, two days, weekend, week? Create a list and the steps you need to do to see check marks on that list. What about a design plan--do you know where you are putting what? Figure this out before you start. You are the project manager, so manage your project.
Do you need help? Are friends and family part of this DIY or are you tackling it yourself? Do you need to rent any tools or add another one to your collection? Make sure you prepare for that before the day you start the work.
Remember, if it's a change such as a toilet, or sink, make sure you know the size and dimensions that will work in your space. No, not all toilets are the same--so figure out what measurements you will need to have when purchasing.
Pick up paint the day before, so that you can start first thing in the morning. Trips to the hardware store take precious hours away from our day of work, so make sure you have everything you need to get the job done well before you even start it!
3. Implement:
Set a time to start working. Don't wait until you "feel" like it, or when you have some spare time to get around to it. Make it a priority. Do it like you would any job: get up early, have all your tools and gear, and start working! Don't let the phone distract you... or decide that now is a good time to go through that huge pile of mail. Stay focused on the goal: a finished home, and get it done.
4. Wrap it up:
Yes, make an executive decision. You've planned for this. You have thought about it. You know that this is the artwork that is going up, so put it up there. Finish off the project with all the details you'd expect to see in a well-designed space. Are you going to "love it" as though you just walked in a "before-and-after" design make-over show? Not always, but don't doubt yourself once you have made your design decisions. Design mistakes happen, but we still need to work through it and get the job done. So get the job done.
Summer is here, and it's a perfect time to make a home out of your house, or take the generic out of a condo box. Take the plunge, jump into your design projects and finish them off! Happy DIYing everyone.
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