San Francisco interior designer Courtney Jones offers tips on how to combine new and old furnishings to create rooms that people long to live in.
San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) August 10, 2011
"A move is the perfect opportunity to take stock of what you have, and pare down to only the things you love," says Jones. "I mean, if you've always hated that brown pleather hand-me-down sofa, why pay to have it moved? Start out with furniture and accessories that make you comfortable and happy, then add key pieces judiciously."
1. Do Homework - Make a layout of each room in the new home before the move, and include the window and wall measurements, where the windows, doors, closets and electrical outlets are, and any other significant room features like unique lighting or wallpaper. Thinking ahead about the decorating scheme for each room helps determine what to take and what needs to be replaced. One must think about the types of spaces to create in the new home that type of space they currently have now. A bill-paying area? Guest room? Library? Begin planning before the move to maximize current furniture and accessories. For example, a nightstand that an owner wants to replace may be perfect for the new guest room once one adds a coat of paint.
2. What to Toss - Don't move furniture that's uncomfortable; a new home won't bring the springs of an old chair back to life. Get rid of furniture and accessories that are unnecessary, even if they're from that aunt that just keeps offering random materials. Don't bring window treatments and rugs that won't fit in the new home. Many people just throw everything in the moving box and continue to store things they don't want. A move is a chance to get rid of the clutter once and for all. Sell cast offs at a yard sale or online, or donate them to charity for a tax write off.
3. What to Keep - Classic, well-constructed furniture is always worth moving because of its versatility. Beyond that, if something brings pleasure, it's a keeper. That goes for comfortable furniture (though it may need a slipcover or reupholstering), a Venetian mask collection or a canopy bed. Surrounding the family with things the owners love will quickly make a new house feel like a home.
4. Key Purchases - Start with the bones of a room, which include window, wall and floor coverings. Many new homes have been freshly painted and carpeted, but repaint walls if the colors aren’t to a liking. It's one of the most inexpensive ways to get big impact. It's a good idea to work with an interior designer about window treatments since they set the tone for the room, can be quite expensive and tend to stay in place for years.
Think about the basic functionality of each room, and start with basic pieces like a sofa, dining table and beds. If current furniture still works, great, but if not, invest in these key pieces and consider custom furniture that truly suits the space and family's personality.
Make a wish list of smaller pieces that really tie your rooms together and can be mixed and matched as needed. Classic, multi-function pieces that go with most decorating schemes include a Parson's desk, café tables and ottomans in unique fabrics like horse hair or metallic brocade. These pieces add to the overall look and functionality of each room, and have the ability to be incredible work horses when you want to redecorate with what you have. Have fun shopping around for these smaller items that can add a tremendous amount of color and style to your rooms.
"So many people want to get their new homes 'finished' as soon as possible," says Courtney, "but it's important to live with a space for a while, and find furniture and accessories you love that really fit the space. It's much cheaper than continuing to replace things that weren't quite right."
About Kohler Jones
Kohler Jones showcases sophisticated and custom furniture, rugs, accessories and wall coverings and also offers interior design services in San Francisco’s Noe Valley neighborhood. Co-owners Craig Kohler and Courtney Jones create a shopping experience that offers more personalized service than the big stores, and none of the intimidation of the traditional interior design process. Kohler Jones wants to make furnishing and decorating homes a process to be enjoyed, and help customers find furniture and accessories that fit their personal style.
For more information about Kohler Jones’ products and services, call (415) 315-9200, visit them on the web at http://www.kohlerjones.com or at their store located on 1747 Church Street in San Francisco.
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Courtney Jones
Kohler Jones
(415) 315-9200
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