Each Monday on the DesignQuotient™ blog, DesignCoach™ Los Angeles interior designer James Swan answers readers’ questions. Post your design dilemma. DesignCoach™ can help you find the solution.

This week on the DesignCoach: Are we re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic?.

Q. We’ve gone from a two income household down to one recently. My husband is still working and I’m job hunting. Though our income has been reduced our love for our home has not. There are so many things we want to do in and around our home but hesitate now because of the economy. What’s your advice on decorating during these really hard times?

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A. Great question and one that deserves a thoughtful response. Not only have I given this thought but I am living the reality of it myself as I downsize every chance I get. I will rely on three words today that sum up my thoughts on this subject. I hope they are helpful to you as they have been to me.

When faced with design and decorating decisions around your house during these challenging economic times remember these three words: Appropriate, Appropriate, Appropriate.

Answer the question “what is appropriate to your own financial situation?” In response you may say that you have money in the bank (far in excess of 6+ month’s savings and your 401K) and you’ve negotiated a very good price for the project you are considering. If this is the case then you may decide that moving forward with the project is “appropriate”. Go for it. At the same time you may decide that, all things considered, this is not an appropriate time for this work to happen. Then you put the project on hold. Period. End of sentence. Do not pull out your credit card. Do not touch the “emergency fund”. Just wait; for in this moment the work you are considering is NOT appropriate.

Remember there are many ways to better the state of your estate that do not cost a lot of money. Use your imagination. Involve your family but most import; continue to enjoy your home. Now more than ever we need our safe haven.

Let us know if we can help with your design dilemma. Send us your questions.