Planning a Room

Last week my sister asked for some help finishing some of the rooms in her new apartment, and I asked for the link to her Pinterest boards as if everyone just does that naturally. I have such a process for how I decorate or redecorate in our home, and I thought it might help to share how that happens. To be honest, though, when I say “process” I mean my own special sort of process – if you were to ask T, he would say I make these decisions on a whim!

I have a mental list of the home projects I want to do. For example, a couple of years ago I knew the dark blue walls in the guest room had to go, but that was all we started with. I had a general idea of the furniture I wanted in there, like the queen sized bed and and a small table for guests to use. As you know now, we ended up giving that room a travel theme, which started because we were using some of our photographs from recent travels as art. We were trying to figure out where to put our travel books and thought it would be a cute addition. Now it’s fun to find something new to add to the room when we go on a trip!

I go to Pinterest when I want to find inspiration – like with our dining room project that’s next on the list (and actually happening right now!). I know I want to lighten up the walls (again, the last owners really had a thing for dark walls!) and go with a gray-ish hue, but I want to make sure that our more traditional style (aka dark wood) furniture will work with the gray walls. I have one more day to make a final decision, because the painting happens tomorrow!

The other thing I hoard like no other is recommendations from friends for everything – painters, roofers, carpenters… Whatever I know we’re going to need in the near future. I also have the benefit of knowing a lot of other people who own their homes, so we can swap resources. (Speaking of, I’m looking for a tree guy… But really. Anyone?)

Once I know we’re ready to kick off a project, I work on an inspiration board and then get going. Sometimes I change my mind halfway through because I’ll find a round mirror and decide I like the looks of that better than a square mirror, but overall the feel of my board ends up in the space. My process works for me, which is evidenced by how obsessed I am with our bedroom updates (specifically that headboard!).

So to recap:
1. Keep a mental list of projects that need to be done
2. Keep inspiration in the form of a Pinterest board so when one project ends you’re ready to kick off the next
3. Source referrals from friends and family for specialized workers you may need soon
4. Create your inspiration board, narrowing it down to one specific “look”
5. Get moving!