Mon 6 Apr 2009
DesignCoach answers the design question-What interior design will stand the test of time in your home?
Posted by interiordesigner under DesignCoach™No Comments
Each Monday on the DesignQuotient™ blog, Beverly Hills Interior Designer DesignCoach™ James Swan answers readers’ questions. Post your design dilemma. The DesignCoach™ can help you find the solution.
This week on the DesignCoach: with no shortage of interior design advice out there, what will work best for your home in the long run?
Q: Jim, I spend a lot of time watching the various TV programs and reading what’s left of the home improvement and “shelter” magazines. Here’s my concern: All these people talk about is what’s good for the value of the home. The home shows and the so-called experts on these TV shows seem obsessed with what’s going to “sell well.” I want to live in my house or at least own it for a decade or more. I like dark colors in small spaces. I like antique electric fixtures that I can buy at a flea market and have rewired and installed. I like mixing materials. That makes me comfortable. So given that I don’t care what some experts think, what should I be mindful of when making these choices — knowing that it’s going to be at least 10 years before I sell my house? (And frankly, I’m not sure all those experts know what will look good to a potential home buyer in 10 years, so I could follow their advice and still have to spend money to “stage” my house or give it “curb appeal.”) Can you tell I’m a little confused about too-much advice out there?
A: I have always been of the opinion asking the right question will provide us with the best answers. It seems to me that people purchase homes for one of two reasons: (1) to flip and sell at a profit; and (2) to create a home for themselves and their family. Recent events in our economy have, to a great extent rendered option No. 1 extinct, for the time being. Those days (if they ever truly existed) are gone which leaves us with No. 2 and the rest of our lives. I would encourage you to remain true to your heart. Listen carefully to your needs and desires as reflected in the place you call home and build a nest which makes you happy. Whether you are there for 10 months, 10 years, or the rest of your life, your home should make you happy.
Photo: There is no shortage of interior design advice and design rules—but what if you have eclectic taste? What if you prefer dark colors in small spaces and finding antique light fixtures to rewire? The best design advice is to do what makes you happiest in your home.
Let us know if we can help with your design dilemma. Send us your questions.
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