Are you one of those people who has a million ideas for their home, but you're afraid to make any changes? Change can be really hard until you're able to visualize what those changes will look like. You've got to see something you want, before you are ready to let go of the things you have … so this article shares easy home improvements you can make in small steps until you realize change is good.
That's why many homeowners who get stuck, need to find an interior designer who can help them visualize their home with the changes they know they want. And even when homeowners talk to these home designers, it can take time before they're ready to make changes.
So who has the most experience helping homeowners update their homes from small, easy home improvements to major renovations? You have lots of choices here from interior designers to decorators and re-designers.
We're lucky to share this story, shared by Randi DeStefano, a wonderful interior designer in greater Atlanta, GA.
Signs You're Resisting Change & How to Overcome Your Fears
… by Randi Destefano, American Society of Interior Designers
Every once in a while a someone will contact me for a design consultation. When I get to their home and they show me around, I suddenly begin to realize they really not ready to make any changes.
Sometimes they know a change is needed because their grown children have been telling them they're still living in the 80's. And sometimes their spouse wants to make a change, but they just haven't been able to wrap their head around it yet.
This week I realized that anyone can have a fear of change … even a child who isn't quite ready to give up the only room she's ever known. You see, my new “clients” are my daughter and granddaughter. And the life change that is prompting this decorating project is a new baby sister.
As I was talking with my granddaughter, I could sense some resistance to the changes that we're planning to her room. And it made me think about other clients who've expressed these same doubts, openly and in the ways they react to my suggestions. Here are 3 Signs You May Be Resisting Change. You might see yourself here.
Trouble Letting Go of Things for Easy Home Improvements
We all know about hoarders. They buy almost anything and everything whether they need it or not. Their need is to buy. But when change is hard for hoarders, everything they have is special. Giving away, paring it down or selling something to make room for another is painful.
Sometimes clients have rooms that no one is allowed to go into because it's so crowded with things they can't bear to part with. Do you have a room like that in your house? My aunt did, and we called it the “scary room”.
Worrying Versus Starting Easy Home Improvements
Before the kitchen design is finished, you might start worrying about how you'll get used to the dishwasher on a different side of the sink. Or you worry about how the new space plan will affect your cooking habits.
And sadly, many people stay stuck worrying about how their life will change if they make easy home improvements. They simply make no decision because they can't even imagine what will happen if things change.
And some people can't imagine a room without the things that they love…Bambi, flowers, and PINK!
Stuck Versus Starting Easy Home Improvements?
Imagine pushing the gas pedal at the same time that you're pressing the brakes. What happens to the car? That's right! It goes nowhere!!!
You say that you want to change things, to update and make easy home improvements. But by not making the decision to move forward, you're sending mixed messages out into the world. And that creates confusion and stress. Often by saying “I'm too busy” or “I can't afford it”, these are excuses to avoid facing your fears about change.
Tips on Working Through Your Fears About Change
So how can we work around this? How can change become less stressful, so you can make easy home improvements real, so you can enjoy the excitement of moving on? And how can you get your child or your spouse on board for these changes that you're so ready to make?
- Look for stylish and cute containers to store things.
- Design storage into your new space, so if you're a collector, include lots of shelves for your “stuff”.
- De-clutter by making piles to keep, get rid of and … maybe. Some organizers will tell you to get rid of anything you haven't worn or used in the last 6 months.
- Make a list of things you want to change. Prioritize and make the most important change first, whether it's taking down the 80's wallpaper or removing a wall so you can see into another room while cooking.
- Do one thing at a time so you can get used to the change. Hang a copy of your design at your desk or create an online vision board on Houzz, Pinterest or the old fashion paper.
- Start with subtle changes and get used to that first. Like painting two shades darker than today's white or use a different shade of the same color family. This seems to be the way to make my granddaughter happy, and finally retire the “bubble gum” pink … and Bambi!
Randi Destefano, ASID works with homeowners, helping them discover how to blend their authentic lifestyle and design style to create a home that's a perfect reflection of who they are and the life they live. You can learn more about Randi's hands-on home makeovers and online design programs, at her website www.RandiDestefano.com.
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