Are you feeling like you need a refresh at home but don’t want to move? You are not alone! Over 59.5 percent of homeowners in the United States have a mortgage interest rate below 4 percent and those low rates are keeping everyone put.
However, at the same time all our interiors continue to age, which often makes our homes feel a bit outdated. Also, since the pandemic, we are all spending more time at home than ever and that is exactly why it is so important that our spaces support us and bring us joy.
We all know that a well-maintained home is desirable to buyers, but beautiful interior décor is equally valuable in the marketplace. Instagram, Tik Tok, and Pinterest remind us daily that a perfectly styled home is both attainable and attractive to others, which is why your interior design refresh may be just what you need to love your home again and support its value going forward.
BUT WHERE DO YOU BEGIN?
1. GET INSPIRED!
Start by figuring out what you like! Pinterest is a great way to collect your design thoughts via images. Collect images by room and start to figure out what you love. Go to furniture stores and model homes and take pictures of what you like and keep a folder in your home. You will be surprised how quickly you discover your new style.
2. GET THINKING!
Really think about how you use your spaces and make sure that your spaces are supporting your life today. Do you really need a living room, or do you need a home office? Do you like where you watch TV, or would it be better for you to turn your extra bedroom into a cozy den? Think through your spaces and tailor them to the way you live your life.
3. GET HELP!
Did you know that you can get complimentary interior design services from Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, West Elm, CB2, and other retailers? Just go on to their websites and make an appointment for a virtual, in-store, or in-home consultation. You are under no obligation to purchase, but it is a great way to get your project moving along. You can also try an online design company like Havenly.com or create your own vision via HomeDesigns.AI.
4. GET PLANNING!
Once you have a plan, establish your budget and lay out your phases. Start with the smallest room and move up from there. Once you get going the momentum will build and you may even get inspired to DIY some parts of the project.
5. GET GOING!
Set a deadline for your refresh so it doesn’t become an endless project. We did the entire build out and furnishing of the KOR Properties office in just four weeks and we always think that when you are “in it” and have a timeline, projects just flow better. Stay focused on the goal and make the project your hobby!
6. GET EXCITED!
Don’t forget to celebrate your hard work and show off your space to friends and family (“The Grand Reveal”). It feels so good to makeover a space, and even though it is a lot of work, it impacts your home’s value and your happiness (which is priceless!)
P.S.: Putting love into your home is always a good investment. If you are thinking that maybe you should spend the money on a vacation instead of your home, just remember a vacation is two weeks and you spend the other 50 weeks in your house!
When you are redecorating, you don’t have to buy everything new, and you don’t need to buy the most expensive items to achieve a great new look (as proven by every TikTok designer with an Amazon storefront).
Don’t be afraid to shop for dupes and use a Google image search to find similar décor pieces at better prices. Incorporate your personality into your design. Great interior design includes personal touches from the eras of your life.
Have fun and enjoy the process!