Revitalize Your Home. Part 3
Welcome to Part 3 of our series on revitalizing your home. If you recall, in Part 1, you completed a quick evaluation of your space and began looking at quick fixes you could implement. Then in Part 2, we focused on color schemes, flow, walls, floors & ceilings. In this segment we will be honing in on improving the functionality and accessibility of your home through floor plans and room arrangement.
So, let’s talk a little bit about functionality and accessibility.
These two terms go hand in hand. Function = What you need to do in a space. Accessible = The ability to perform functions in a room for all that need access.
Every space in your home should accommodate specific functions or activities. The objective is for the space to have the proper setting and furnishings that allow you to do so. Accessibility comes in to play when the individuals who need to use a space are able to do with ease.
How do you evaluate the functionality and accessibility of your floor plan or room arrangement? Review the following list of questions and if you find you can’t answer “yes” to the question, you need to make some adjustments.
1. Can you perform all the activities that you wish to in this space?
2. Is there enough space for those activities?
3. Are the walkways adequate and free of obstructions?
4. Can everyone who needs access to this room utilize it with ease? Consider things such as walkers for adults or children learning to walk, canes, or wheelchairs.
5. Is the existing layout balanced?
6. Are focal points clearly identified?
7. Are conversational groupings easily accessible and identifiable? Do they make sense for the overall use of the room?
8. Does the room look and feel organized?
9. Does the room appear to be finished?
10. Does the room invite you in or push you away?
After you have reviewed your space for function and accessibility, it’s time to review the furnishings within the space. Review this next list of questions and when you answer with “no” this will help you identify where you need to focus your attention.
1. Overall, does the room feel and look cohesive? Everything does not have to “match” but there does need to be a theme either of style, finishes, or color that is unified. And look at everything, floor to ceiling, carpets to lighting.
2. Take a look at each piece—is it in good repair? Or, are there things that need to be replaced, fixed or cleaned? Keeping up with maintenance on your furnishings will help them last longer and assist in keeping your space looking nice.
3. Review your accessories - maybe there are some items that just need refreshing such as a few new pillows, changing out an area rug or moving art into different locations.
4. Look at your personal photos—is time to add some new ones into the mix? Save some of the older ones that are special memories, but make room for new people, events and shared times together.
Once you’ve completed your review, here’s what to do next.
With a critical eye, make 2 or 3 quick changes that will enhance your room. Many times it is the simplest and smallest adjustments that can bring you a fresh feeling and look to your home. Additionally, if you decide you want to change out a furnishing or accessory, if you move or remove it first, it will be easier to find something that you love and will add to your décor rather than simply adding in more “stuff.” Keep in mind, you don’t just have to throw things away—there are consignment shops, thrift stores, church rummage sales and other opportunities to donate gently worn or used items so that someone else may benefit.
We promise, this process in the end will be invigorating for you and your home. And remember, you don’t have to go at it alone. One of our local Decor&You decorators would be happy to help you with the process. Simply click on the Find Your Local Decorator button below to find a pro near you.
