Greetings!
Has Spring Fever hit you yet? It's been gorgeous here in the southern portion of the country: bright, sunny & clear, but chilly at night...perfect for morning coffee outside, but cuddling up on the couch in the evening. As you may or may not remember, I recently moved and have been looking at things from a homeowner's perspective, rather than a designer's. Since I am personally eager to have MY house complete, I have the same feelings I know many of you have! I don't like this room or that paint color. The furniture in one room doesn't work but I love that special piece I bought with my sweetie (even though it doesn't fit ANYWHERE!). Sound familiar? So I have launched into extensive lists, both mine and the one labelled "the honey-do list", drawings, magazine tear sheets and a desk littered with fabric swatches for my own project. I even started a little blog too keep track of my progress...more for me than you, but feel free to follow along (below)! As I do this, I have to back up and remember my own mantra that I share with others: HAVE A PLAN - My #1 tip in home decor ALWAYS is to have a plan. This can be especially frustrating if you're eager to get going, but the most expensive design choices we make are the ones that are wrong. That sofa purchased just because it was on sale...you know, the red one you THOUGHT would match your space, but it doesn't? The impromptu wall color you PAID to have put on your wall that doesn't match a thing you own? You get the idea. I am currently ITCHING to paint all the walls in my home (Southern California features a plethora of white walls!) but I am resisting, gnashing my teeth along the way, until a complete plan is in place. I even created a blog to share in case you want to follow along. Click the pic to follow!
 | | Follow Me! |
Hand in hand with the plan - especially when you are starting from scratch or find yourself without a concept - is basing your design off an inspiration. An inspiration for your design can be based off of ANYTHING. Don't feel hindered at all. Here's a short list but whatever mood motivates, whatever item compels you, go with it.
- A favorite color
- An inherited furniture piece
- A gorgeous piece of fabric
- An art object that moves you
- A favorite painting
If you'd like a digital copy of my Room Goals Sheet to help you get started, please "reply" to this email and ask and I'll email it right out. If we have ever worked on a project together, you know that I use these personally for each room or area of all design projects. Just know that I have them printed out for ME and they are in my home notebook as I work on making my new home the warm, welcoming place of my dreams.
Happy Planning!
 Pamela Sandall
PS - Here's a photo that is currently inspiring me!
 | | Inspiration! Love the dark railing, neutral walls, glossy floor and sharp white trim. |
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