Interior refining

You love your home; you've invested money, energy, and time to create an environment that suits your own needs and desires. However, something is not right. Maybe it's several rooms or only one, but things seem "just a little off" and you're having trouble putting your finger on the problem. Or, you decorated 6 years ago and things are feeling stale, lackluster. It is possible to affordably revitalize any interior with five principals that make up what I call interior refining.

Five steps to interior refining

1. Start with a clean slate
   Whether you're starting from scratch or just freshening up what you already own, begin the interior refining process with an empty room. Why? Well, you wouldn't consider trying on a bathing suit over slacks (although I've thought of it). By getting familiar with the body's (or a room's) bare essentials you're able to determine assets from liabilities. So, remove everything from the room - sofa, chairs, tables, lamps, area carpets, as well as husband and dog. Put it all in the hallway or in a neighboring room. Unless you are really good at visualization (in which case you won't need this advice) don't skip this step.
2. Evaluate the room
   Spend time looking at the empty space. What do you love about this room? What do you hate? Is the shape of the room well-proportioned? Is the architecture ordered and harmonious? Are the windows all the same size, pleasantly spaced, and clean? Are baseboards and cornices substantial in size? Is the flooring worn or in great shape? If you plan on making new purchases or feel it's necessary to rearrange furniture, you'll want to draw up a floor plan which includes the location of floor and wall vents, radiators, as well as windows and doors and their heights.
3. Visualize
   Once you're aware of the room's features you can work to emphasize the assets (lots of sunlight and generous proportions) and to minimize the liabilities (windows of varying size and low ceilings). This is also the stage where you will begin to dream. Most of us can think of a place we love to be; a cottage, the mountains, or a garden. Consider this favourite location when you go about the task of visualizing the room of your dreams. Why is this location so appealing to you? Is it comfortable and casual? Is it formal and grand? How bright are the rooms? How cozy? Is there a lot of stuff, or are furnishings and accessories minimal? Once you've pinpointed the reason you feel so well in this favourite location you can begin to bring this mood indoors. Not literally of course, don't throw sand on your floor in the city or paint seashells on the walls - that kind of imitation is not satisfying. But, if you like the feeling of beach living, upholster the furniture in cotton duck or wide cabana stripes, include natural materials such as wood, woven raffia and wicker. If you prefer a lush mountain setting with a warm fireplace and a library, you'll make totally different choices. To get the mood and décor just right you'll have to factor in the room's function and accommodate the various tasks and activities.
4. Putting things back
   Once you have an honest appraisal of the room's assets and a firm knowledge of what appeals to you in terms of decor, you're ready to return some of the items to the room. Begin with those items of furniture that you absolutely love. William Morris said, "Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." This is a good criterion to measure by.
   
   For a totally different perspective, try placing each item in a different spot than it was previously. Once the things you love are back in the room, spend a little time looking at what you've assembled. Chances are you like what you see. Is there anything that doesn't match the look or mood you'd like to create? Can it be reupholstered or used in another room?
   
   The next step is to put back those items that you like well enough. Maybe some pieces have been crowded or ignored so you've been unable to really appreciate them. Once the items from this second category are back in the room, take time to assess again.
   
   Now, look at what's left. These are the items that you are either indifferent to or really hate. Perhaps you can use some of these pieces in another location or you can sell them. Either way, they really should go since they are not serving you and your needs or desires.
5. Purchase new furnishings and accessories
   Now that you have a plan of action (a floor plan) and a dream you are in a much better position to complete the decorating of this room. At this point you may need to purchase a few items or have some things reupholstered or updated in some way. It's vital that you tackle the whole room and commit to completing it. That way you'll actually be able to fully enjoy the fruits of your labour.