By Sharon Marciniak (Bloudek), October 16, 2020
Undoubtedly, part of the fun of house hunting is imagining what your new home will look like. Turning a vision into a reality is often easier said than done, however. No matter how much you may wish to have your home look like a photo in a magazine, careful planning and execution are crucial!
Before you even move into—or make an offer on—a new home, “How do I (or we) want to live?” is the question to ask yourself. Do you want a home that is magazine-like—spotless, stylish? Or is comfort your ultimate desire? Also, consider what style you’re most attracted to. Do you prefer a modern look, or a more traditional vibe, or something else entirely?
Even when you have a good sense of your own style and taste, it can sometimes still be beneficial to start with a blank slate. If you plan to paint before you move in, perhaps consider white or neutral paint throughout the house. You can then make decisions about paint colors after you live in the space and understand how the light impacts each room throughout the day.
Before you do anything else, know the measurements of each room. Then, when you shop for furniture, begin with large pieces—the sofa, the dining table, the beds. Bring a tape measure to make sure the furniture that you are considering will fit in the room it is meant for. To be extra cautious (always a good idea when making an investment!), measure the piece of furniture that you are interested in. Then, go home and use painters tape to plot the dimensions of the furniture item exactly where you plan to place the furniture. You can also request fabric swatches from the retailer so you can see how fabrics and other materials look in the room. These steps will help you to be as sure as you possibly can be about your purchase!
You might consider going room by room, beginning with those that are important to you. Some people may want the family room or living space to be arranged just so, as these are spaces that will be used by the homeowners and visible to guests. Or, you may want to make the bedrooms a cozy retreat from the rest of the world. Whatever your preference, tackling a room at a time can help keep you from feeling overwhelmed.
Of course, a phased approach is also easier on the budget! It also pays to take advantage of the free design services offered by many retailers and to bide your time and wait for big sales.
Remember, a home that is pulled together overnight will often look and feel like a home that was pulled together overnight—staged, forced, not like a real home. It’s alright—preferable, even!—to allow your house to come together over time. It will be perfect no matter what because it’s yours.
Sharon Marciniak (Bloudek)
Principal Broker | OR
She/Her
Sharon is a Licensed Principal Broker in Oregon who has been in the real estate industry since 2007. With a Business Degree in Marketing/Management from Loyola Marymount University, an MBA from the University of Oregon, and international business studies at the Copenhagen Business School in Denmark, Sharon brings a strategic and diverse perspective to her role...
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- T: 503-701-1000
- sharon@bridgetoportland.com
