What is Interior Redesign?

Interior Redesign may be referred to as One Day Decorating OR Use What You Have Decorating. An interior redesigner will use your furniture, lighting, artwork & accessories to give you a completely new look. It all begins by emptying the room completely so the redesigner can see the rooms architecture. A redesign is all about the homeowner, so it's important for the redesigner to start with a consultation where your desires for the room are discussed. If you have any dislikes, those concerns will also be addressed when making decisions about the furniture placement. With the homeowners permission the redesigner will "shop the home" to find forgotten treasures that may be used during the redesign process. The goal is to maximize the space and address the function of the room. With each item that is placed your personality and style will be considered. If there decor items needed that are not available, you should receive a list with specifics about sizes, colors, styles, etc. . Then as your budget allows you to shop for the items it will be easier to make the right decisions. It's important for the homeowner to receive the "WOW" effect, therefore while you are working, running errands, or just relaxing, the redesign will take place. Here are the basic steps of a living room redesign.



EMPTY THE ROOM - creating groupings of like items; furniture, lighting, artwork, accessories, etc.



LOOK AT THE ARCHITECTURE - is there a focal point? Is there some interesting architecture that should be highlighted? Determine what the focal point is: View, Fireplace, T.V. etc.


BRING IN THE FURNITURE- start with the largest seating piece (sofa) and place it in the room so it addresses the focal point. Continue with medium, then smaller seating pieces, and finshing with area rugs, tables and large plants.


GO SHOPPING - Yes, but don't leave home! Shop your closets, garage, attic, basements & look under the beds and in all closets. You may find some great items you haven't used in awhile. Bring them out and add them to your accessories.


LIGHTING COMES NEXT - Bring in your lamps. It's important to create a triangle with your lighting. You need different types of lighting; ambient, task & accent. Make sure your lamp shades are the correct size and table lamps are placed where they are functional.



DON'T FORGET THE ART - Be sure you are using the correct size and shape of art. Don't hang your art too high. Make it relate to the furniture it is placed near or above. Use several pieces (3, 5 or 7) to create a grouping if you don't have a large piece. Don't fill every wall with art. Let your eye rest as you scan the room.



ACCESSORIZING - This is the fun part. Be sure to use various sizes and odd numbers in your groupings. Don't line up accessories in a row like soldiers. Use like shapes, like colors or like textures in a grouping to add interest.



EVALUATE - Is there anything missing? Is there adequate lighting? Is your area rug large enough to anchor the seating arrangement? Make a list for yourself. Keep in mind colors, sizes, shapes& styles.



GO SHOPPING AGAIN - If you've made yourself a list, keep it with you and next time you are shopping, pull it out and look for at least 1 item on the list.



If you love decorating, give redesign a try, but there are some tried and true rules that work and a Redsigner will incorporate these important design elements in a redesign. Nothing is left unfinished. You can hire a redesigner for less than the cost of a new piece of furniture. Changing your surroundings is one of the best ways to lift your spirits and give you a new outlook on your life. GIVE IT A TRY!

Author: Julie Martelo

Julie is the owner of TIME TO REDESIGN. Call her @ 941-748-0300. Her services include Interior Redesign, Staging, Color & Decorating Consultations in the Bradenton & Sarasota, Florida areas. Also serving Palmetto, Parrish, Ellenton, Lakewood Ranch, Port Charlotte, Brandon, Sun City, Anna Maria, Longboat Key and all of Manatee & Sarasota Counties. Visit Julie's website at www.timetoredesign.com.