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The Art of Interior Redesign

Posted May 28, 2008

When trying to sell your home you don’t want to spend any more money than you have to. You can save a lot of money by using the furnishing and accessories you currently have in different groupings and rooms. Repurposing items you already have is called Interior Redesign.

Here are some tips you can use to redesign with what you have to create fresh and interesting rooms.

1. Choose a focal point. Utilize any natural focal point the room may have, whether it may be a fireplace or window with a great view. If the room does not have a focal point, create one with a large piece of furniture or unique piece of art. If the television is the focal point of your room try to make it look as appealing as possible.

2. Pull furniture off the wall. One of the simplest and most impacting techniques is to pull the furniture away from the walls. Group sofas, chairs and the coffee table into a conversation area. Using a rug will further define the area and make it look more pulled together. Don’t be afraid to try the furniture in new places and angles. For example, a v-shaped sofa arrangement can make a long narrow room more interesting.

3. Lower artwork. It’s a common mistake for people to hang artwork too high because many newer homes have higher ceilings. Artwork should be hung at the eye level of an average woman. That means the center of your artwork will be about 5 feet from the floor.

4. Group accessories. If your home has knick-knacks spread all over the place, group like-items together in arrangements of 3 or 5. If an item does not work with the new grouping you are working on try placing it in another room, edit it out or pack it away.

5.Consider hiring a Pro. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes and professional knowledge can go a long way. Prices will vary but redesign is less than hiring an interior designer to start from scratch.

Ann Porter, CKD, is a 15-year veteran of kitchen and bath design who is owner-founder of Kitchen Studio of Naples, Inc., providing customer-specialized service. See her portfolio and contact her at www.kitchann.com or at 597-4543.


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