We get it – you searched Google and found ideas for an interior design project. You were feeling good about your prospects, but then you made a mistake and found it impossible to fix. Or maybe you started down a design path and realized you didn’t like it at all. What do you do now?
You don’t have to live with a mistake – there is hope! In this article, we’re going to talk about recovering from an interior design blunder and how to rectify the situation. We’ll provide some practical advice that will help transform your space into something amazing.
The first thing you might be wondering is “How could I have made such a mistake?” Well, it’s not all that uncommon. With the huge number of TV shows, internet articles, magazine layouts, and social media influencers, it’s easy to feel like you’re surrounded by experts who are giving you easy to incorporate advice. You might not be aware, but many of these sources typically only showcase the “best” of their content – they don’t show everything. So, a lot of what you see is curated and may not show the hits and misses along the way.
It’s easy to think home decorating is easy, when, in fact, interior design is anything but simple.
Here’s what we advise to get your design back on track!
Stop trying to fix it
Perhaps you remember being a kid and attempting your own haircut. You cut, and cut, realizing a grave mistake was made. In a panic, you try to even it out – going shorter on one side and longer on the other in an effort to make them match.
Sometimes you can’t quite correct a miscalculation without making things worse, so stop while your ahead. Resist the temptation to fix a problem – and call an interior design professional. It will save you time and money in the long run.
Don’t be afraid to admit where you’re at
Trust me, we have seen it all, and we don’t judge! Previous interior design mistakes are just that – mistakes. No one is perfect, but you can learn from your past decisions and get back on the design wagon. The important thing is to recognize it now before you are throwing good money after bad.
See your blunder as an opportunity for growth
Perhaps what you consider a blunder, isn’t a blunder at all? Maybe it simply reflects an aspect of your personal taste that you previously enjoyed, but have now outgrown or moved past.
Or, maybe your design fit a previous lifestyle, but you’re in a different place in your life now – say, you’re expecting a baby, have kids who’ve moved out of the house or you’ve retired. Even though it worked for the past few years (or decades), that doesn’t mean it will work for your future. There is no harm in reinventing yourself and evolving your style!
In any case, don’t be too hard on yourself. You can move on and create something amazing if you simply ask for a little help.
Research, Research, Research
One of the most important steps you can take to avoid a continued design blunder is to research your options. Look at different ideas and pick the ones that work best for you. Take decorating & home inspiration magazines with a grain of salt – unless it’s for your inspiration board (more on that later). Look for interior designers with a deep portfolio with a design style that resonates with you – and even better, with multiple design styles. This vast ability to create interiors for various tastes demonstrates an ability various interior designers have of listening to the home owner.
Once You’ve Found Your Interior Designers, Be Truthful
Remember when we talked about that inspiration board? That’s an important step for you to take. The interior designer needs to know the “style” of what you’re looking for so they can create visuals that will resonate with you. Professional Interior designers will be able to ascertain your design style, while also suggesting design ideas that may not be as obvious to the average person (or novice DIY’er). They will also be able to look at your goals and your current design situation in its entirety so that visual flow is not disrupted.
For example, let’s say you want to maximize your ocean view, so the interior designer sees the potential in a layout that complements the view and creates a design that makes use of those spaces from every vantage point in the room. Sometimes, it takes an expert eye to be able to see beyond the existing furniture layout – or that outdated wallpaper.
So, with your inspired interior designer in hand, now is the time to be completely honest with them about your budget, as well as what you like and don’t like.
Let’s get started!
You’ve committed to making changes in your interior design. Look for and hire a professional and trustworthy designer who can help you with your project. At CIH Design, we have over 25 years of design experience locally and worldwide.
We’d love hearing what’s on your mind! Please get in touch with CIH design by calling 808-635-5750 or by emailing at clients@cih.sarismedia.dev.