Clear Some Clutter & Rearrange Some Things...

You'll feel better in no time!

Sometimes we can get stuck in a rut thinking that we have accomplished our decorating goals because we were satisfied with the look at some point; I have since learned that there is no end point to decorating your home (even when your goals have been satisfied) and that it is an on-going process that requires constant assessing.

Sometimes clutter will take over an area without our notice. Sometimes our interests change. What once looked good to us no longer does. We let things go, and areas in our home become too dusty to be able to see any beauty whatsoever. Sometimes things get broken. These are some of the reasons why we need to constantly assess our décor.

Recently, I had been craving a new look in my home yet didn’t want to change the theme or spend a lot of money. I decided to clear clutter and move items around to see if that would give me the change I wanted. To my surprise, and pleasure, it did wonders for the room!  Our Interior Redesign Service takes what you already have and makes it look different, better and more pleasing for you!

If you would like to try redesigning yourself, here are a few tips.  When you are ready, give me a call and I will happily work with you to make your room the most inviting and pleasant space I know it can be.

First, choose a small area of your home that is lacking beauty, cluttered or otherwise needs a lift. This area could be a tabletop, shelf or drawer, space on the floor or any area that is bothering you. You may have a lot of these areas like I did. If so, don’t try to take them on all at once, just do one little area at a time and it will make a difference. Upon completion of each small area, you’ll gain confidence, inspiration and motivation for completing another small area and you’ll be spurred on to finish in no time while enjoying the process.

Once you have the area chosen, clear everything away from it. Take a look at the items you have cleared from the area and be sure you really love them or they are useful to you. Anything that you don’t love or use is clutter and you should get rid of it right away. Pack these items into a box to give to a charity, friend or relative. If there are any broken items, throw them away. If there are items that belong elsewhere, put them away where they belong.  The key to being un-cluttered and thus organized, is that everything must have a place where it “belongs.”  Oh, and be sure the rest of the family knows where these items belong!

Wipe the surface of the area and the items you are keeping in the area with a damp rag, or clean as appropriate.

Now comes the fun part - begin experimenting with a new arrangement for this area by placing the original items, and/or other items from your home into new spots; keep experimenting until you get a pleasing look.

Here are some additional tips:

~ Add a colorful doily or table runner before replacing the items.

~ If you have created new space by clearing clutter, consider adding a basket faux fruits, a pretty scented candle or vase of fresh flowers. These items can usually fit in with any type of décor and add scent and color.

~ If the area you are working on is a piece of furniture, consider painting, staining or re-surfacing it. I have a plain four-drawer dresser from Wal-Mart that I am re-working now.  The “you-build-it” dresser is getting a face-lift and I am doing a real fun treatment to the otherwise drab wooden knobs.. To do this, I have lightly sanded the surface so the paint will stick.  This is important since there is a shiny finish on these pieces and the paint won’t stick properly if you do not remove it.

~Another idea to consider is to cut wallpaper or contact paper to fit into sections of furniture or to cover completely.  I have seen some really great examples of this where each drawer in a chest is covered in a different fabric and then the main part of the dresser is painted all one color.  Really makes a nice focal point!

~Try using wallpaper sample pages or craft paper at the back of shelves.  Simple apply them with glue dots or for a more permanent solutions use an adhesive spray.

~ Don’t forget your walls. You probably don’t want or need to take everything off of your walls, but you certainly can consider rearranging pictures or wall art, or, adding new ones. Maybe your walls could use a wash also; now’s the time to consider it.

~ If there are items you need to store, like remote controls, pens and pencils, a notepad, etc., find a pretty container to contain them in, such as a basket, or a hat box.

~ If a holiday is coming up, consider placing a few of your holiday decorations into the area.

~ Maybe rearranging your furniture will give you the change you need. You may want to consider slip-covering your sofa or chairs for a new look. At the bottom of this page you will find a link to the Sure Fit web site.  They have some great slipcovers at very reasonable prices.  They now make the ones where you can cover the cushions separately!

If you feel the need for a change in your décor, but lack the money and/or motivation for a new theme, I urge you to try clearing clutter and rearranging your décor for a fresh new look; I promise it will be well worth the effort.

Yes, I will be here when the time is right and you want my help!  Email us Anne@TampaBayHomeStagers.com.  We can set up a consultation and let the decorating begin!