How To Redecorate Your Home After 20 Years Without The Overwhelm
When your entire home needs redecorating and you have just been getting on with life until this happens:
You know that feeling when your son or daughter announces they are getting married and after a while the realisation hits you, your entire home could do with an upgrade!
Don't panic, I understand, as this is what a lot of my clients are faced with, they haven't decorated in over 20 years, where did the time go you might ask yourself, putting the kids through university, you're working or running a business as well as coping with homelife and the stresses of every day living. Life is full on and you just don’t notice things and generally tend to get on with it habitually. The new microwave or cooker that doesn’t quite fit your existing kitchen and leaves a gap, the kitchen cupboard doors that need re-hanging, general wear and tear. Or maybe it’s the dated curtains and sofas that were really on trend at the time - where do you even begin?
How To Decorate a Dated Home
The good news? You don’t have to tackle it all at once. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Assess Your Home
Walk through each room of your home and make notes about what you love, what no longer works, and what needs replacing. Ask yourself:
Does this room still fit my needs. Your home should work for you not the other way around.
Do I use this room or has it become cluttered and things need replacing which means you don’t enjoy sitting in it anymore.
What would you like for this room, how would you like it to look and feel?
This will help you set a clear picture of what you need to focus on.
Set A Realistic Budget
If it’s been over 20 years since you last decorated, prices have changed and so has your taste and how you live. Do you really need a place for teenagers to hang out in, or perhaps you look after grandchildren occasionally and need it to be child friendly but still look good if you want to invite friends over. Cheapest isn’t a good option i.e. you will want your sofa to last so you’re looking for a solid wood frame.
What are the top priorities and start with the big items. It could be anything from a new kitchen, new sofa or flooring.
Research how much these items cost and remember if you’re not in the habit of re-decorating your home regularly, the chances are you will want these pieces to last you the next 20 years. Choose wisely and invest in timeless purchases that don’t date. If you need help with this, fill out the contact form
Finding Inspiration
You could spend your spare time and weekends trailing round many furniture showrooms if this is what you enjoy doing but don’t overwhelm yourself too much, there’s a lot of choice and your head will soon be spinning.
Pinterest is a fantastic search engine, if you’ve never used it before don’t worry it’s easy to use, just make sure you set a timer on your phone or you will spend hours on it. You can take a look at mine here>>
Gather ideas that spark joy and reflect your personality. Pinterest, Instagram, and interior design blogs (like this one!) are great places to explore. Look for styles you’re drawn to, but keep it realistic for your home.
Start Small
Focus on one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Pick the room you use most often or the one that’s in the most urgent need of updating—like your living room or kitchen.
Declutter
Before you even begin decorating, have a major declutter this will give you a better idea of the space you have and it also makes you feel pretty good. I don’t know what it is, but I find having a good declutter seems to clear my mind and I feel lighter after it.
Before bringing in anything new, clear out the old. Donate or sell items that no longer serve you. This makes space for the fresh, updated look you’re envisioning, which is exciting!
Start With A Neutral Base
When you need to replace larger items of furniture, think of choosing a neutral or a colour that you love (not the latest trend colour, you don’t want it to look dated in 5 years time again). Unless it’s a colour you absolutely love and never tire of, I would stay clear of trends. You can add colour trends in small areas like your colour scheme occasional cushions, rugs, accessories or art.
Tip - stay clear of grey, this colour has definitely seen it’s day unless of course you love grey :)
Invest In Key Pieces
When you are trying to modernise your home, some pieces like your sofa, your mattress (did you know there isn’t really a life time guarantee on a mattress), or dining table—may need replacing. These are worth splurging on for quality and comfort. Look for timeless styles that will age gracefully. It’s important not to skimp on these pieces.
Add Your Personality
How you live your life now has changed, and I expect your taste in decor has also changed. Experiment and have fun in exploring how you want your home to reflect you in this stage if your life. An easy way of doing this is by incorporating:
Photos of loved ones
Art pieces or accessories that reflect your taste
Mementos from travels or hobbies
Get Help With Decorating Your Home
Decorating doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. Hiring an interior designer can help you avoid costly mistakes, save time, and create a home you’ll love. At Heather Interior Design, I specialise in guiding busy homeowners just like you, to transform your space with ease and confidence. You will have an estimate of how much everything will cost including design fees. As well as feeling in control of what you're spending you will be informed of how the design will unfold step by step which eliminates the worry of “what if I don’t like it” - this doesn’t happen because we go over everything before implementing any of the work in getting a clear picture of what you want and need.
Celebrate The Journey
Updating your home is a journey, so take time to enjoy each small step. It’s exciting to finally have your home the way you want it to look and how you live your life.
Even swapping out old cushions or rearranging furniture can make a huge difference!
Ready To Bring Your Home Up-To- Date?
What do you think? Are you ready to take the first step toward a home you’ll love, I’m here to help. Get in touch for a consultation, and let’s make a new look for your home a reality.
