And Make it Happen Every Time!
…AND MAKE IT HAPPEN EVERY TIME!
In my last newsletter, I promised to share some of the tools I use to ensure every project is a success.
And how do you define it?
Three words – beauty, function, and safety.
But what do these words really mean?
Beauty means you love the changes you’ve made. You look around (often) to enjoy how coordinated each room is from ceiling to floor. You can’t wait to show it off to friends and family…relish the smiles as they admire how lovely your home is.
Function means the changes you accomplished are smart. More than smiles, people admire your furniture arrangement…how movement flows from room to room. Easy access to light switches eliminates fumbling around in the dark. Everyday tasks, like meal preparation, are completed without effort. Things like dishes, towels, and cooking utensils are within easy reach.
In other words – every detail came out as planned. The bonus is how well it works…without looking functional.
The biggest key to success is safety. Now you probably don’t tell people your home is safe. Rather, you use terms like cozy and security. It’s the feeling of being able to “nest” comfortably. This home is where you love to spend time because…it’s where you feel most relaxed.
Identify the Obstacles
By now, you’ve noticed the emotion that comes with home improvement. Changing your home is an emotional experience. Decisions like giving up that favorite sofa, installing a balance bar, or removing a wall, can be hard and test your resolve.
Maybe the construction period is taking too long. Your patience might be tested when you feel people really aren’t listening to you.
Worse is the pain of a finished project that turns out to be different than what you anticipated. How did it happen? Why did it happen?
It’s why the tools I’m talking about are so important. Let’s look at the first one…
The most Critical Period is the one before your start
Now when I mention tools, you probably think of things like tape measures, pencils and paper for drawings, and photographs to emulate. If you read The 4 BEST Interior Design Tools …EVER!, you know we’re a long way off from using these.
Instead, we go deeper to explore the need for change. And the tool we’re going to use…
Is a question.
Tool #1 – “What’s your Goal?”
In order to achieve success, you have to know where you’re headed. This is where I come in. By going through the following questions, I can understand the motivation, the need for the project, and why it’s so important to you.
So, with pen and paper ready, I ask…
- Why are you doing this project?
- Is it out of necessity?
- Is it a dream you’ve always wanted to fulfill?
- What’s motivating the changes you’re about to make? Why is this important now?
- What will the redesigned space do for you?
- How will it affect your life, family, efficiency, productivity, employment, etc.?
- What would a successful project look like?
Whew! Sounds like a lot!
But think about how much you’re investing in your home…and in you.
Remember, this is about the desire to stay where you really want to be. Maybe your family has grown – and it’s not just a new baby. These days, adult children are living with parents longer. The trend in multi-generational families is growing with Boomerang kids and/or dependent parents.
Or, the kids have moved out and you finally have your hobby room.
Having your space redesigned allows you to continue the lifestyle you want…as long as possible.
Let’s dig a little deeper. Has something happened to alter your lifestyle or your outlook?
- An elder family member fell and now requires daily supervision.
- It’s getting difficult to reach items needed daily.
- Your son or daughter struggles to live on his or her own – and asks to come home for a while.
- Your friend(s) just moved into a senior facility…and you realize it’s the last thing you want to do.
What’s the price of freedom? How much is it worth to live life on your own terms?
The Next Step – How to Get Started
Inertia tends to stop many actions. Home projects are no exception.
If you’re thinking about a change and have no idea where to start, I’ll help you determine what your goal is and how to get there.
Even if you’re a Do-It-Yourselfer, talking over the scope of the project with an expert will firm up your ideas, point out potential problems, and save time and money overall.
This can be done with a consultation – an hour, maybe two…to help you launch the change you want or need to make. Click here to go to my web site, www.DesignforaLifespan.com, and view projects my clients have already accomplished. You can also call me at 480-695-1360 to set up an appointment.
Any size project is worth an evaluation of your needs and goals to pave the route to your destination. Think of me as a map. I lay out the path to your success, and if you get lost during the process, I get you back on track…and keep you there.
Stay tuned for more tools, or go to www.DesignforaLifespan.com to see the list of additional tools on how to prepare for your change.
Live easy,
~Jeanette
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