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The Seven Steps of Interior Re-design
by Ruthanne Hatfield, IDS, IRIS of Art of Interior Placement


Step One is to clear the room of all or most of its contents. A daunting job? You bet. Interior Redesign is not for the faint of heart, as it takes stamina and lots of energy. But would you expect an artist to start a painting without having a blank canvas? Most homeowners tell Interior Redesigners they have moved their furnishings around and around and around and the results are primarily frustration, and no wonder. With an empty room, there is a blank slate and the room is seen in an entirely new way, with primary and secondary focal points, architectural highlights, room and wall shapes and angles readily identifiable.

Step Two is to "Shop the House" in search of hidden treasures, furniture, lighting, greenery, artwork or collections that may not be in the current space. Redesigners never overlook the possibilities of finding that "perfect item" elsewhere, so bathrooms, garages, attics, closets or outdoor spaces are all fair game. Most homeowners have a "thread" that runs through their lives, and an item purchased 10 years ago may have relevance to a brand new purchase, with respect to color, texture or theme, and it is the Redesigners job to gather these items to give them drama and impact.

Step Three is to bring the furnishings back, layer by layer. The upholstered pieces are introduced first, although they may be different pieces taken from other rooms, they are placed to form a conversation area around the primary focal point, and possibly a secondary focal point. Area rugs, tables, accent pieces and large trees are introduced next. Step Four is to arrange the lighting. This is critical , as a room can come alive or fall flat if the lighting is not placed correctly. Since overhead lighting is often harsh and unflattering, Redesigners favor a combination of table and floor lamps, as well as torchieres and accent lighting, including uplights under greenery.

Step Five is to select and hang artwork and mirrors according to the architectural space provided by the furniture arrangement. Redesigners bring back the artwork they feel is appropriate, as well as "shopping" the house for other pieces that could work, with no more than two themes in one room. In rooms where you are seated, such as a living, dining or family rooms, artwork should be hung at a height where it can be appreciate while seated, rather than "eye level while standing". Foyers and hallways can have art hung at eye level while standing. It is also important to be aware of what a mirror reflects. A mirror itself may be attractive, if it reflects something unattractive, it is not in the proper place. A mirror over a mantel may look wonderful when you are standing, but once seated, it only reflects the ceiling.

Step Six is to select and arrange accessories. This is the frosting on the room's cake, but you must bake the cake before you can decorate it! Redesigners keep accessorizing simple but dramatic, working with odd numbers, color and texture to create tablescapes and vignettes with highs and lows, that attract the eye with breathing room on either side. A cardinal rule for Redesigners is to always place something tall on the coffee table to add drama and impact and take up the dead space in the middle of the room.

Step Seven is to compile a "wish list" of any items the homeowner may need to replace or add in the future to complete the room. Redesigners consider this a blueprint for future purchases, which alleviates the homeowner from anxiety and fear from making a mistake. Redesigners will also shop for or with a client, and can make recommendations and assist in any area of a home's décor.

The Final Result...The Room Reveal - though each redesign is unique, the results are always a beautifully designed room that brings greater comfort, peace and harmony, as well as showcasing the taste in furnishings of those who live there.




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