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NEW
CONSTRUCTION DECORATING DILEMMAS
Purchasing a new
construction home can be a stressful experience. There are so many
choices the buyers need to make during the process. Once the home is
completed and it’s time to move in they may be faced with another
set of decisions just as overwhelming. Suddenly its moving day and
they realize they have no idea where to place the furniture. Do they
have enough furniture? Do they have too much furniture? Will the
existing furniture look old when placed in a new home? After all,
they want their home to look like the model, right?
Model merchandisers create fantasies so prospective buyers will be
courted by the lifestyle the home is offering them. In a sense,
prospective buyers are trying on the identity of a particular home
and if it fits, they want to buy it. However, reality sets in
quickly and homeowners may feel overwhelmed by when they are ready
to decorate their home. This is the time many new homeowners will
call on an Interior Designer to help with these choices. Of course
the budget may have been depleted with all the upgrades and with
that 1st mortgage payment right around the corner it may be time to
pinch pennies. Here is a plan to help them get started on this
process of decorating their new home.
Chances are the walls are a fairly neutral color chosen during the
pre-construction phase. Neutral colors are good. Bold colors may
dictate the rest of the room’s décor and you need time to make those
decisions. You can always re-paint later once your decorating scheme
is chosen.
Make a list by room of things that are the most important.
Keep the list with you so as you are out shopping, you always have a
reference. You can even purchase a home planning guide at the local
bookstore that is complete with pockets to place fabric and paint
samples.
Take your time if purchasing new furniture.
Only buy the biggest, most important piece for each room. In the
master bedroom, choose your bedroom set. In the kitchen, make sure
you have the functional items such as a coffee pot, toaster or other
small appliances. In the family room, choose your seating such as
sofa, recliner, love seat or entertainment center.
Bedding, accent furniture and other accessories can come later.
With so many accessories available to choose from, don’t rush into
buying these items too quickly or your home will start to feel
cluttered, instead of decorated.
Are you bringing a lot of furniture and accessories from your
previous home? Consider using only your nicest or favorite items in
the new home. It may be time to eliminate some of the older, worn,
or out of date accessories. Don’t put out everything. See how it
feels to have less and you might find you don’t even miss the extra
items.
One room you can decorate all at once is the powder room or ½ bath.
Buy some luxurious towels and a plush rug, if desired. Add a
beautiful piece of artwork and elegant bath accessories. Don’t
forget the greenery. This room can be completed in one shopping
trip. By completing this one room, you will feel like you have
accomplished the 1st step in decorating your home. The bottom line
is that your home probably won’t feel exactly like that model you
“fell in love with” right away. It will take time to pull it all
together.
AUTHOR: Julie Martelo of Time To Redesign. Time To Redesign offers
interior decorating and redesign services in Manatee & Sarasota
counties. Visit their website at
www.timetoredesign.com
or call them at 941-748-0300.
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