Design Ideas for the Commitment Phobe

This is a blog for those of us who like to mix and match and change things up on a regular basis, or even those of us who love the colors green and orange, but can't stand them together. As a designer, I tend to get bored with a room once I've lived in it for a few months. It all starts to just look normal. Since I'm a renter, having moved almost every year for the past 4 years has helped me avoid that sense of boredom. But..gasp!...I've now found myself staying in the same place for a second year, and I just need to mix things up a bit.

Whether you're renting and need some non-invasive ideas for sprucing up the often bland décor of leased units, or you've lived in your home or condo for years and just need to spice things up (or, as the title mentions, you're a commitment-phobe), here are some design ideas just for you:

1. Wall Decals
   Wall decals are a great way to add some interest to a big blank wall. You can find them in tons of shapes, sizes and colors. If you have a favorite quote or saying, those are often available, too. Application is fairly simple. It takes a bit of patience, but the results are stunning. And, if you ever get tired of the decal, all it takes is a blow dryer and a pair of hands to peel them off the wall. Many stores sell pre-made decals, but most sellers are also willing to do custom decals. Check out www.etsy.com and www.whatisblik.com for a great selection.
   
   The picture on the right is of a bedroom we did. The wall decal became a great alternative to a headboard. It has a dramatic effect...and it's not permanent!


2. Mix and Match
   You don't always need to buy new things to change the look of a space. Try “shopping” in the next room! Just be creative with the placement and even the use of different things. For example, I recently found myself getting tired of the side tables in my living room. Well, it just so happened that the nightstands in my bedroom were about the same size. So, I had the side table and nightstands swap places! Something as small as that can make a big impact and totally change the look of the space. Try doing the same thing with the artwork over the sofa and the tapestry hanging over the sideboard in the dining room. All you need to do is be open minded about the placement and use for different things, and the possibilities are endless!


3. Swap Mart (between friends & family)
   If you're bored with some of your old furniture or art, I'm sure that some of your friends, family members, or neighbors are, too. Start an email chain where people can attach pictures of the items they'd like to trade or swap for something different, or you could even host a small get together in a space where people could bring some of the items they wish to trade. This will not only give you (and others) a chance to liven up an old space, but it might inspire some to clean out the attic or closet in the basement.

There are lots of other things you can do, but hopefully this is a good start and will lead to some new and exciting changes in your space. Now I'm off to do some rearranging of my own! I've been dying to swap the lamps from my bedroom onto the buffet in my dining room. We'll see if it works. I'll keep you posted.

-Rachel, Interior Design

Moving? Take your time to design

Recently, I moved into a new apartment in the city. With the excitement of moving into a new place (and being the interior designer that I am), I tend to just want to do, do, do and buy, buy, buy until I have all the things I need to make my apartment have the look and feel that I have been dreaming about since the day I signed the lease.

But, let's be realistic here. Any place you move into is not going to be perfect on the day you move in (or ever for that matter) and it really takes time to make a space your own.

So, prior to moving, take an inventory of what you can keep and what you can get rid of. And before sending anything to the toss pile, try to be creative about how it can be used in your new place. Like that old side table that was donated from your mom's neighbor's basement…with a new coat of paint, or even doing a little cut and paste with the parts, you could make a completely new piece for your new apartment. These kinds of things will not only save you money, they will also give your new place that unique feel that I know you're going for, right?

Once the move in takes place, don't settle too quickly on a certain furniture layout, and don't be afraid to mix and match pieces. For instance, that old night stand you bought years ago may not fit in your new bedroom, but it could be a side table next to your new couch that's being delivered next weekend. And how about the curtains that used to match the paint color in your old dining room perfectly…you could use the fabric to make throw pillows that match your new bedspread.

After you've had some time to live in the place and get all of the bigger pieces in order, take your time in adding accessories and art work. It's best to decorate with things that define who you are. And I don't know about you…but the vases on display in the front window of my favorite home store usually don’t define me…they define them. So, take your time to find interesting pieces from your own personal life experiences to fill and decorate your space…and soon enough it will begin to feel like home.

-Rachel, Interior Design