Hello World! Welcome Friends! “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” —Leonardo Da Vinci.
Here’s why we love that quote so much, and it’s not because the inference is glaringly obvious (even though it is); it’s because when you decide to take on a task like redecorating, remodeling or renovating, the temptation can be to forget that sentiment. Of course, if garish Russian ornate modeling is your go-to, then we say go there with gusto.
However, for most of us – especially if we have families or young children, function and form that meets clear lines and clean open spaces are where we want to find our happy place. But all of that doesn’t have to be boring, au contraire, with the right accessories, objets d’art, and finishes, you can still have a design-worthy home that works for your family’s lifestyle and budget.
Heading into winter might not seem like it’s the best time for any redesign work, but if you’ve been thinking about making a change, right now may just be the perfect time for it. Change is, after all, as good as a holiday. With the proper planning, a clear vision, and some good advice, you can shake off everything of the past year and a half and embrace 2022 with a renewed vision, passion, and liveable space that shrugs off the old and makes space for the invigorated and the new.
We’re here to help you do just that.
‘Tis the Season
As we’re heading into the holiday season, there is already going to be ample opportunity to bring in some change decor-wise, so you could use the opportunity to amp up the stakes a smidge.
Especially true if you’re not planning on doing any structural remodeling or renovating and you’re purely chasing cosmetic decorating, there are plenty of marvelous seasonal suggestions that can transform your home with relative ease but in big style.
We’re looking at marrying out natural environments with our home spaces for the season ahead, and if you’re lucky enough to be in California, you get the best of many worlds. A festive atmosphere abounds with an abundance of natural beauty, so think about the crisp temperatures of the fall, the burned colors of rusts, oranges, browns, and olives.
You want thick textured throws with velvety scatter cushions in living areas, natural gas outdoor heating for entertaining around the pool or patio, with loads of natural fiber wrapped around blankets, wrought iron patio furniture, and heavy, durable fiber cushions.
Back inside, in bedrooms, you’re bringing the outdoors in with high-thread count linens in somber tones and colors with rich textiles and fabrics that feel super-soft against the skin. The mood in your chambers is completed with orange and cinnamon candles or aromatherapy sheet scents.
Turn the Lights Down Low
The fall into winter is the perfect time to reassess, introspect and connect with your spirit. Purposeful time spent in dedicated spaces around your home pursuing your relationship with God is easily made by simply changing the lighting.
If it’s not in your budget to build on a room or add on or break down drywall, the entire atmosphere in your home is changeable with one straightforward addition: a light dimmer switch.
This time of year, we look forward to quiet conversations with our family, secret jokes with our kids in unique spaces, hot cocoa, cuddle cushions. But using backlighting, underlighting, or simply lower voltage energy-efficient bulbs can change moods and create areas in your house for precisely that.
Using creative lighting in your bathrooms also creates sanctuary spaces for gorgeous ritual pampering, and if you want to create a bathroom that your local Four Seasons would be envious of, install soft colored lights in your showers that alternate between fresh forest green to nordic ice blue and gorgeous red.
Making Structural Changes
Suppose it’s time to add on outside spaces, conservatories, or decks. In that case, living in or around northeastern and northern California is a gorgeous opportunity to start enjoying those California sunsets; home window replacements, outdoor landscaping, and such are all significant and major-league improvements that you’ll need to tackle with some care.
But if you’re thinking about doing that, then have a look at this article by bobvila for some great ideas and fabulous finishes that can transform your outdoor spaces into picture-perfect California-worthy villas.
Now, we recommend taking on remodeling challenges with the help of a professional unless you’re exceptionally skilled in this area, but be sure and get estimates from a few different suppliers, and here’s why.
Not only will you be able to negotiate for more competitive pricing, but you’ll also be able to draw from different designers’ and contractors’ diverse set of inspirational skill sets. Using this method, you’ll even be able to see how their differing processes in building and or construction or design could get you to where you need to be faster and cheaper.
Room By Room Action
It’s always fun if you have that handy unlimited black American Express card to hand, but if, like most of us – you don’t, then you’re going to need a little craftiness when taking on your home renovation project.
So once you have the ultimate vision board down and done and you’re ready to start, take it on a room-by-room basis. For our money, we say start by taking on your bathrooms first if they’re on your to-do list. This is because any problems you might face with plumbing or water spills you don’t want to spill onto your new interiors.
Follow that with living areas, then bedrooms, and finally – the kitchen.
If you have one, your dining room is one of the most remarkable areas of your home and deserves some special attention. You’ll be making some big memories here, so if it’s time for an update, we have some advice for you right here.
Don’t Stop Planning (or Believing)
We don’t know where you stand on faith, but when taking on a project like a home remodel – you’ll need some. Faith, a solid plan that you keep referring to and that you stick with as much as possible unless you found some much better alternatives along the way.
A solid plan is a “living” document, and you are going to make changes, so don’t be too rigid, but keep the planning coming and keep it fresh throughout your project. This will help keep your goals, budget, and installations on track.
Happy Holidays
Think about it, a start to 2022 that includes not just a new year – and heaven knows we could use one of those, but a fresh, clean, and new home besides. Enticing, isn’t it?
Redecorating is more than just changing the drapes or buying a new carpet; it does involve something of a psychological shift, too, so while it could seem like lots of dust and nails in the beginning, much like the upcoming new year, it morphs into something entirely different, and we’re very, very excited for you.
There are loads of online resources for you to get inspired by, and don’t give in to the urge to overspend or to commit to projects that are too big for you to handle, all in good time, and remember, if simplicity could work for Leonardo da Vinci, we’re 100% certain that it can work for you.
However you choose to design your new spaces, we hope they’re filled with love, light, a great season, and the promise of a very happy new year! Happy Holidays!
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
How to Make Your Home Heating More Efficient
Types Of Damage That Can Affect Your House
Pro Tips For DIY Termite Control
Ways to Keep Home Plumbing System Healthy
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Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day/night depending on where you are in the world! Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!
Toodles,
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