Moving into a new home is a great opportunity for you to enjoy updated amenities and transforming living spaces into better reflections of your aesthetic.
Amid the chaos of packing every single possession, curating decor is often a low priority to the logistics of the move. By the time the dust settles, inspiration has evaporated and many simply recreate old layouts hastily to resume routines. But with some strategic planning and creative vision, you can manifest interiors that elevate your space instead of just trying to replicating the previous home.
Cull your possessions before you move.
Start early and create a plan by dividing your home into sections, tackling one area at a time. Use the tried and true 4 box method. (Keep, Donate, Sell, Rubbish) Sort your possessions and be ruthless with unnecessary belongings. If you've not worn the clothing for 1 year, donate it, shred old paperwork and digitize important documents. Try to go paperless if you can.
Your interior designer can help with this too by studying the florr plan of your next property and helping you decide which furniture to keep. This is especially helpful if your are downsizing. Why pay for removal of items that you really don't need? - especially larger pieces of furniture. It will save you further effort after you move and has potential to simplify the process considerably.
Engage Expert Removalists
Relocating is stressful enough without doing it alone. Removalists can help can pack speciality items like artwork securely, disassemble and transport all furnishings, and get heavy pieces situated perfectly in your new place. Their expertise transports items damage-free so you can focus energy on designing your dream home instead of draining yourself packing. With items safely delivered, you can decorate immediately.
Most people are unaware that a designer can be present when you move you in to direct the removalists and place large furniture items and prevent you from double handling or slipping into old furniture placements habits. It makes good sense to start fresh and get the best out of furniture placement with the help of a professional.
Create a Vision Board
Use visual sources to create a vision board.
Pinterest, pages from magazines paint swatches, images of furniture items that you love, designs that you gravitate to, fabric swatches, wood finishes that you love. The creation of a mood board can really help guide every purchase decision and can be a great help for your interior designer to tap into your personal style. It cuts out the guesswork and allows for a faster and more accurate tailored outcome.
Catalogue Existing Inventory
As you start packing your belongings for the move you will realise how much 'stuff' we can accumulate in our homes. This is a great time to perform a 'spring clean' and to give away products that you do no longer need. Before you buy anything new, you should do an audit of what you have.
Your designer can help coordinate styles and map where items would go in the new home assessing how they would work best in the updated layout. Your designer can also help you analyse if newer furnishings are truly needed or if a fresh coat of paint would revive current pieces. This prevents overspending on items you already have.
Colour selection before you move in to set a foundation.
A strategic splash of new paint works magic at transforming stale spaces and is a great bang for buck way to freshen spaces. Go bold with accent walls in bedrooms, dining rooms or libraries as a starting point. Crisp whites open up smaller rooms while neutral beige or grey shades create backdrops where artworks can shine. You may be keen to try a wallpaper or a mural feature in the new home.
It's a great way to generate that wow factor and set the mood.
of course, you may need a bit more help with floor coverings, window furnishings or a renovation of your new place before you move in.
Consider modular and multipurpose furnishings.
If you are downsizing, embrace resourceful furniture allowing you to configure rooms creatively in smaller spaces. Items that can have dual purpose will maximise flexibility. Look for furniture with storage compartments to provide extra surfaces and concealed storage, ottomans that open to conceal cosy blankets, convertible coffee tables customisable to entertain or workspace modes, daybeds doubling as spare beds for overnight guests.
Infuse your new space with greenery to soften.
Strategically place colourful potted plants, bursts of fresh flowers, aromatic herbs or miniature succulents throughout your new space to instantly improve any room lacking dimension.
Greenery livens up bare corners, purifies shared air and creates ambience when framed by sunlight pouring through translucent curtains in quiet reading nooks. Studies even show that owning plants is correlated with better mental health.
Good lighting is everything!
Make lighting a priority design element, whether installing pendant chandeliers to distinguish entryways and dining spaces or placing dimmable lamps to showcase artwork.
When designing, consider how natural light flows through rooms during the day then map out supplementary fixtures to support any mood - bright and lively or dim and relaxing.
Layer lighting is a very important part of interior design process. It's money well spent and will create a comfortable, practical and interesting space.
Make sure your new space has good quality general lighting and upgrade to LED multi phase lights if needed. Warm or natural is always best for domestic spaces.
Display shelving or display.
If you are a collector, make sure that you allow for a display where appropriate to show off your favourite things. This can add character to your space and provide joy for you and whoever visits.
Gallery Walls or Montages
Evoke personality on blank walls by mounting a gallery of framed artwork, prints and photos. Arrange pieces salon-style paying attention to orienting similar sizes together yet slightly uneven to look collected over time.
This instantly personalized display requires no major installation and adds a unique touch to your home. By carefully planning ahead and incorporating your most significant objects, you can design spaces that reflect your true self this way. Thoughtfully combining continuity with fresh creative touches guarantees that your new home feels personal, comforting and up-to-date!
If you have a collection of art, a gallery wall may be a great option for you. Your designer can help group the art and suggest suitable locations as well as install the montage with the help of a handyman. This adds tons of character and a sense of comfort to any home.
Lisa Affleck likes to blog about interiors. She launched her Interior Design business, (Visual Edge) in 2001. The business is located in POrt Macquarie and services clients both face to face and remotely.
'Let me know if you need help with your upcoming move. I'm more than happy to support you through the process to ensure a great final result that is both beautiful and practical.'
Meet the designer here:
Comentarios