Room Makeovers: How To Save Money And Build Confidence
Today is the second episode in my series about the Slow Style Framework, a method I use to teach people how to create meaningful, beautiful homes one room at a time. The first episode covered step one, Envision, and today's episode focuses on step two, Experiment. This episode emphasizes the valuable lessons learned from experimenting with items you already own before making new purchases. By rearranging and repurposing existing furniture and decor, you can save money and gain confidence in your design decisions. Through examples from bedrooms and living rooms, I illustrate how paying attention to your needs and experimenting helps you identify functional and aesthetic elements that align with your vision. I also provide tips on conducting a home audit and recognizing what truly enhances your space. The goal is to develop a personal, meaningful style without rushing into purchases, ensuring each design choice is thoughtful and intentional.
Watch this episode on YouTube HERE
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Let’s dive into today's topic: Experimenting, which is the second step in the Slow Style Framework. Paying attention to this step can save you both time and money and build your confidence in making design decisions, from the smallest drawer pull to a top-to-bottom makeover.
Why Experiment?
If you've listened to the first episode and downloaded the guide, you've already detailed your ideal room setting, vibe, experience, and emotions. This might’ve sparked furniture and décor ideas, but we haven't yet connected the dots between your vision and concrete design decisions, such as choosing colors and patterns on furniture based on how you want to feel in each room.
Start with What You Own
Experimenting means starting with what you already have rather than rushing out to buy something new. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Learn Valuable Design Lessons: Without spending money or experiencing buyer's remorse, you'll gain insights into what works and what doesn't.
2. Build Confidence: By experimenting, you'll make better decisions when you do decide to buy something.
3. Sustainability: Repurposing items prevents unnecessary waste and keeps things out of landfills.
The Experimenting Process
So, how exactly do you experiment? Let’s break it down:
Fresh Eyes
One of the biggest hurdles people face is imagining what their room could look like. That's why I recommend starting with completely fresh eyes. Yes, I mean moving everything out of the room. It’s a pain, especially with heavy furniture, but it's worth it. One of my clients, Sarah, couldn't visualize a new layout for her living room because she was so used to seeing her old setup. Once we moved everything out—keeping only the large items that truly aligned with her vision—she was able to see the space differently. Doing this allowed her to reimagine the room and make design decisions that felt fresh and exciting.
Addressing Pain Points
When I talk about addressing pain points, I mean making your everyday actions feel less like chores. Take Amy, for example. She was struggling with her bedroom being a source of stress rather than relaxation. She hated waking up to see a pile of dirty laundry every morning. It made her want to pull the covers over her head and go back to sleep. We identified this pain point and made sure the first thing she saw in the morning was something restful—a beautiful piece of artwork that calmed her. This simple change had a huge impact on her morning routine and overall mood.
Play with Arrangements
Start experimenting by rearranging furniture and décor items. For instance, if your living room needs to foster better conversations, try pulling the furniture closer together. Use placeholders like crates or stools instead of immediately buying new items to see how different arrangements feel. Like clients Jim and Alison who wanted their space to encourage deep, meaningful conversations but found their gatherings felt awkward and disconnected. By experimenting with different furniture arrangements, we discovered that their large rectangular coffee table was too small and too far from the seating, creating a physical and psychological distance among their guests. By pulling the seating closer and using side tables as placeholders, they were able to foster a much cozier, interactive environment. This change led to more engaged conversations and a better atmosphere during their get-togethers.
Principles in Practice
Let's consider a dining room where you want to create a space that fosters great memories and conversations. Experimenting with displays can also transform a space. Consider Lisa, who wanted her dining room to be a place filled with family memories. She initially placed a variety of small framed photos on her buffet table, but they got lost against the larger surface. We experimented by bringing in bigger, more impactful family heirlooms and sentimental objects, creating a display that sparked conversations and brought a sense of warmth and nostalgia to family dinners. By playing around with these arrangements, Lisa was able to create a dining room that truly reflected her vision of a memory-filled space.
Experimentation isn't just practical—it's also about understanding design principles. For instance, Amanda had a fireplace in her living room that she wanted to make the focal point. We experimented by displaying various objects she already owned, focusing on visual weight, symmetry, and color harmony. Through trial and error, Amanda learned how these design principles worked in her space, leading to a beautifully cohesive and inviting focal point.
Moving Forward
We’ve now covered the second step of the Slow Style Framework. Our next step is Execution, which I’ll discuss in a future episode. For now, start experimenting and notice how your space evolves to better reflect your vision.
Don't forget to download the guide from slowstylehome.com if you haven’t already, and revisit the first episode if you need a refresher on Envisioning.
Thank you for joining me today. Start experimenting, pay attention to what works, and you’ll find yourself one step closer to your dream home.
Happy experimenting!
Zandra