Redesign: Drab to Fab in 24 Hours
You can transform a bland, ordinary room into a stunning, sophisticated space just like the designers do. And, with these insider remodeling tricks, you can even do it in just 24 hours. Follow this plan to tackle any room in no time.
1. Empty the room
You can’t see a room’s possibilities when they’re covered up. Clear out that room to start with a blank canvas. Spend a little time trying to look at it with a fresh perspective and ask yourself these questions:
How do I want to use this room?
Does the room need to allow for a variety of tasks, such as eating, entertaining and relaxing? If so, does the room easily allow for these now? You need to decide how best to accommodate your lifestyle and that sometimes means you use the room in a different way than it was originally designed. Maybe you have a formal dining room, but what you really need is a home office or studio. The best design plans create a room that works for you and your lifestyle.
Do I really need all this stuff?
Sometimes the best way to revitalize a room is not to add more stuff, but to remove what’s already there. We often collect way more than we need and that stuff that we love ends up feeling like clutter. Think about what you will use in the space and what will make you happy to see.
And, just because you love something doesn’t mean you need more of it. A single blown-up photograph can be much more dramatic than a collection of many.
What is my budget?
It doesn’t have to be big. Even $100 can go a long way if you know how to use it right. Think about what changes will have the biggest impact and focus your energy and your dollars in that direction.
2. Paint those walls
Sure, it sounds simple, but sometimes simple is best. And, every designer knows the key to quickly updating any room is to give life to those walls. The trick is in choosing the best color. There is all kinds of advice on which colors look best in which room, but the most important thing is to choose something you’ll be happy with. One insider’s trick? Look to your closet. We tend to buy clothes in our favorite colors. Those are the colors that you will be happiest looking at day in and day out.
If you want to add a little more dramatic flair in short order, consider adding wall decals. Today’s wall decals are nothing like the ones you might have had on your walls as a child. Blik offers a variety of sophisticated designs to add dimension and character to any room.
3. Update your floors
It’s not always easy to find a flooring solution that can change a room overnight—carpet tiles are the answer. These tiles are easily installed with adhesive backing and can be removed just as easily.
A number of companies offer carpet tiles, but we love Flor which offers an assortment of sophisticated and whimsical styles in a variety of colors for very reasonable prices.
4. Tour your home
Visit the rest of the rooms of your house. Are there furniture or accent pieces that could be better used in your redesigned room? What about your closets? Do you have things that you’ve stored away but could add to your room? Sometimes the best items to incorporate into a redesign are not in a store—they are pieces you already own and love.
5. Bring back the furniture…but not all of it
Once you have updated the shell of your room (walls and floors), it’s time to start working on what goes in it. Start bringing your furniture pieces into the room one at a time. Don’t just drag your furniture back into place—try in different locations around the room, focusing on one piece at a time and keeping in mind you decided you best use the room. Before you bring each piece in, ask yourself what its purpose is and how it will enhance your enjoyment of the room. If you don’t have a good answer, leave those pieces out. Be vigilant about what will work best.
6. Customize the room with personal details
The details are what gives a room its personality—think about the details in your home that also reflect your personality. Do you have mementos from a favorite trip? Art pieces that bear special meaning? Maybe you have a beloved hobby that requires special tools, which can be mounted on the wall as modern artwork. Choose one or two items that you want to be the focal point of the room and then select your remaining accent pieces to complement. Remember, that less is more when it comes to making a personal statement.