Residential Project: Downsizing a Home

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Residential Project: Downsizing a Home

October 1, 2007 by shawdesigns

Background
Imagine what it would be like to make the decision to move to an apartment or assisted living facility from a home you’ve lived in for many years. Not only do you have an emotional attachment to the house and the neighborhood, but you’ve now accumulated so many treasures you love. What are you supposed to do with all of the furniture, the knick-knacks, all of those items that give your home its unique personality?

My client ‘Betsy’ (whose name I changed) decided to do just that, and a friend told her to call me to help her figure out how to choose what to take with her. Understandably, she was anxious and emotional.

The Project

What was so fun was watching her light up when I showed her just how much she’d be able to fit into her new home. She was thrilled to learn that she could still keep her favorite things close, and that we could reinvent her new space to make it ‘new’ again.

She had countless treasures and antiques, and really wanted to incorporate her favorite colors, so it became my mission to make it happen.

My first stop was to look at the new home awaiting her arrival. ‘Betsy’ and I took pictures and measurements to get an idea what the new space would allow. Our next destination was the home she had just sold so we could analyze what we could bring to the new home.

Her first surprise was that we’d be bringing the dining room set she was sure she’d have to sell. The set belonged to her mother, and she thought it would be too big, but it fit perfectly. Her mother’s dining table and hutch fit perfectly in the kitchen, and by recovering the chairs, the whole set looked beautiful in the new space.

‘Betsy’s’ favorite colors are blue and yellow, so with some minor adjustments, we were able to give the color scheme a new look. We reupholstered her dining room chairs, couch and an antique chair to fit into the updated color scheme of blue and chocolate brown. By adding custom window treatments and pillows, we brought everything together for a warm and inviting look.

Best of all, we were able to furnish her new home without spending a lot of money. In addition to her favorite furniture pieces, we added an entertainment center, some lamps, a dining table arrangement, custom window coverings for all rooms, bedding and pedestal bedside table for the bedroom.

The floral blanket in the bedroom was hers when she was a small girl. We used that as our inspiration for her bedroom as well as the antique art, and brought in new bedding and soft custom window treatments to bring it all together.

Now you see…

It is extremely important to me to bring my client’s taste to life and help them see the potential in their own things if that’s what they want to use. Most people don’t realize how their current furnishings can be used to design a whole new look. My job is not to impose my taste, but to showcase my client’s personality to create a space that’s unique and comfortable for them.