When you're not so little kid finally leaves for college your in a state of shock: "what am I suppose to do with their room? Should I leave it or should I redecorate?" We all know the scenario of kids leaving the house doesn't prepare you for the anxiety you feel, but wanting to de-clutter and redo rooms neatly for the occasional visitor is quite alright. It was on this criteria that I got a call from a client whose cry for help was quickly answered.
After meeting with the client, she speedily took me through her home and explained the situation. Let me set the ground work so you the reader will understand: Her and her family were what we call "savers" and afraid to throw anything out. With this theory, the problem was, they might never need to use it! My philosophy is if you don't use it ,within a year, lose it (by donating to your favorite organization.)
Continuing on with the story, we both decided that we would try to redo her four children's room on a budget of $300.00 each (not including my fee or labor). I thought this job was right up my alley and I was up for the challenge!
*****************************************************************************************************When starting a project in which you need to first de clutter. It's always good to start small or you will be over whelmed. Get yourself 4 medium to large boxes. Not too large other wise you will not be able to lift them when full. Label 2 of them to donate 1 to save and the last, is things to throw out! Never save more than 1 box. If you need to throw out or donate more, then get more boxes. Label the storage for the child, so they can have the things you stored and saved.
The first room we'll call room 1, was the worst of four. Since there wasn't anything for inspiration we went with color first. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders! So now the clutter is gone, the paint is on. I decided on two colors because there really wasn't architectural elements in the room. Featuring one wall with a different color of paint or even wall paper breaks up the room and adds interest.
The colors I chose for the room were all by Benjamin Moore, Citrus blossom 123 a pretty peach sherbet color, and for all you Neil Simon lovers out there the soft green color called wait for it… Sweet Caroline 478. I can hear him singing now, Sweetttttt Carolineeeeee bum, bum, bum…. Sorry I digress, where were we, oh yah colors. for the others rooms 2, 3. and 4
Now that all the hard work is done, we can get down to the fun stuff, SHOPPING!!! With a budget of $300.00 I had to pick stores that I could get the most value from,Marshalls, TJ Max, and Home Goods here I come! We went, We bought, We conquered, ( poetic license ) !
My client wanted to give the room a warm Bed and Breakfast cozy vibe. A place where her daughter and new hubby could feel comfortable staying, along with other family members and friends. Hopefully not to long, you know what they say about fish and company; that's another story. Anyway, I also found on line at JC Penny in the sale section some orange sheers for the windows. The shopping took about 21/2 weeks. The painting of 4 rooms 2 1/2 weeks.
I would also like to take a moment and tell you for me as a design professional it was still a challenge to find these things. As a professional I do go into these stores with a plan of action and have either a color palette started or an inspiration to have as a starting off point. When you go have your own plan of action. Prepare a folder of pictures ripped from magazines that you like and a color palette it is easier to build from there. At least you have a starting point. At these stores it is still a matter of hit or miss. It also helps if you know when the stores will be the well stocked. Stay tuned for the continuing saga of What Do I Do With My Kids Rooms? Hope you liked this blog and feel free to contact me on any project that you are having issues with.
The first room we'll call room 1, was the worst of four. Since there wasn't anything for inspiration we went with color first. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders! So now the clutter is gone, the paint is on. I decided on two colors because there really wasn't architectural elements in the room. Featuring one wall with a different color of paint or even wall paper breaks up the room and adds interest.
The colors I chose for the room were all by Benjamin Moore, Citrus blossom 123 a pretty peach sherbet color, and for all you Neil Simon lovers out there the soft green color called wait for it… Sweet Caroline 478. I can hear him singing now, Sweetttttt Carolineeeeee bum, bum, bum…. Sorry I digress, where were we, oh yah colors. for the others rooms 2, 3. and 4
Now that all the hard work is done, we can get down to the fun stuff, SHOPPING!!! With a budget of $300.00 I had to pick stores that I could get the most value from,Marshalls, TJ Max, and Home Goods here I come! We went, We bought, We conquered, ( poetic license ) !
My client wanted to give the room a warm Bed and Breakfast cozy vibe. A place where her daughter and new hubby could feel comfortable staying, along with other family members and friends. Hopefully not to long, you know what they say about fish and company; that's another story. Anyway, I also found on line at JC Penny in the sale section some orange sheers for the windows. The shopping took about 21/2 weeks. The painting of 4 rooms 2 1/2 weeks.
I would also like to take a moment and tell you for me as a design professional it was still a challenge to find these things. As a professional I do go into these stores with a plan of action and have either a color palette started or an inspiration to have as a starting off point. When you go have your own plan of action. Prepare a folder of pictures ripped from magazines that you like and a color palette it is easier to build from there. At least you have a starting point. At these stores it is still a matter of hit or miss. It also helps if you know when the stores will be the well stocked. Stay tuned for the continuing saga of What Do I Do With My Kids Rooms? Hope you liked this blog and feel free to contact me on any project that you are having issues with.
