What is redesign?
By: Sandi Gerrard - August 1st, 2007
When Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Do what you
can…where you can…with what you have…” he probably wasn’t talking about home décor—but it makes perfect sense. Working with what you have is the idea behind the emerging trend of interior redesign, making it an affordable, less time-consuming, alternative to traditional design.
While the concept of redesign is gaining popularity, many people are still unclear about what it means. The confusion may be amplified by the fact that the process goes by many names—interior redesign, one-day makeovers, interior styling, one-day decorating.
Enhance a room look with minimal expense
However it’s labelled, it’s all about making your home the best it can be using existing furnishings, artwork and accessories. It’s an especially helpful exercise if you are blending families, trying to mix hers with his, if you’ve recently downsized, or are just tired of your room’s current look. Best of all, perhaps, is that it’s often just a one-day commitment.
Not sure if redesign is right for you? Ask yourself these questions:
Do you like your room, but find that the current arrangement leaves you cold?
Do you think your space is too small, but can’t bear to part with anything?
Do you constantly flip through decor magazines, hoping to get inspired?
Do you buy new things, but find that they just don’t seem to fit?
Do you have trouble pulling it all together for a cohesive look?
To give your room a make-over, you need to keep in mind the six basic elements of good room design:
- Balance
- Colour
- Focal point
- Harmony
- Scale
- Texture
Invest in professional help
You also often need an objective eye and some careful editing of accessories to make a difference. That’s where a redesign professional can help. Whether you live in a traditional house, townhouse, bungalow or condominium, a redesign professional can help determine and open up the focal point of a room and offer tips about furniture placement, coordinating art, colour and accessories.
With a redesign, you don’t need the newest furnishings or the latest designer-endorsed pieces to transform your space into a beautiful and functional reflection of who you really are and showcase the treasures that highlight your personal style.
Sandi Gerrard is owner of Toronto based Feel at Home Interior Redesign, Vice President of the Canadian Redesigners Association (CRDA), and a CRDA Approved Redesign Instructor.