Use These Downsizing Tips to Make a BIG Difference

Have your kiddos all headed to college, and left you with more house than you need?   Do you have parents who are thinking of moving to a smaller home?  Or—are you ready to downsize your house payment, even if it means less living space?  Check out these Polka Dots & Rosebuds Interiors downsizing tips:

1.  Categorize.   

Organize your belongings into 3 lists: NEED/WANT/TRASH

*Keep in mind that…the NEED and TRASH piles will be manageable, and the WANT pile may prove more difficult.  Once you have divided everything, sift through the WANT pile to determine what you can do without. Then—get real.  You won't have as much space, so you might have to say goodbye to at least a portion of your WANT pile.   

A tip:  Have you kept that huge vase (that doesn't really go with your style) around for years, because it was Grandma's? Consider taking a picture of it.  That way you have a visual of the piece in a more space efficient form.  And...do the same with other items you don't have room for.  You'll be AMAZED at how much space you can free up!

2. Think about scale.  If your current home has high ceilings and large open rooms, but your downsized home doesn't, you may need to purchase smaller furniture.

  3. Get creative with your stuff.   

Don't use things the way you always have.  After all, you're moving to a new space, so use this opportunity to “shake up your style.”  For example- all those photos that filled your built-ins and tabletops could be grouped together for a gallery wall, OR…that wrought iron bistro table and chairs from your patio could look great in your new breakfast nook!

Want more great visuals and ideas?  Visit the Polka Dots & Rosebuds Interiors Portfolio page and...enjoy!

Holiday Prep 101, continued: Don't forget about the Bathroom!

More Holiday Prep 101:  Don't forget about the Bathroom!

You’ve de-cluttered your entry hall and hallways, positioned mirrors to get the best possible Feng Shui, and even given your kitchen a makeover with new cabinets or a cabinet paint job and/or a backsplash, or simply by changing the lighting scheme.  You’re ready to throw a holiday bash, right?   

Maybe—but don’t forget to take a long, hard look at the room that all of your guests will most likely visit at one point during the evening:  The Bathroom.  Some tips:

 *Function is top priority in bathrooms, but there is still room for some beautiful form.  Your towel bars and faucets and storage units don't have to be boring. To get a new look for less...consider re-purposing materials you already have, or can find at a local flea market.  Here are a few great examples:

  http://www.pinterest.com/pin/447404544201776253/

 http://www.pinterest.com/pin/106327241174974168/ 

 

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/45669383695029166/

Want more design ideas?  Visit Polka Dots and Rosebuds Interiors and check out our Portfolio!

Holiday Design Prep 101, continued: More Polka Dots & Rosebuds Interiors tips!

Holiday Design Prep 101, continued:  More Polka Dots and Rosebuds Interiors tips!

The kitchen—it’s where your guest will gather—and stay a while.  But if you’re hoping for a major redo, you’d better check your pocket book first.  According to Better Homes & Gardens, even minor DIY kitchen remodels can average approximately $5,000, and you can expect to spend as much as $25,000 and beyond for more extensive projects. Here are a few solutions to potential budgeting problems:

*First—we’ve got to say it:  the careful planning attention to details provided with an Out of the Box Room Design space plan becomes even more crucial when you’re considering a large project—and want to keep your budget under control. 

*No time or money for a full redo?  You can still make a fairly large change, but stay on the lower end of those estimates, by putting your redo dollars into your cabinets.  You can always go back later and update the counter tops.

 

*Looking for the same impact that new cabinets would give—but not enough money and even less time than new cabinets would take?  Devote a weekend to painting your kitchen cabinets.  We love this video how to:  

http://www.bhg.com/kitchen/remodeling/kitchen-projects/

 *Happy with your cabinets, but still missing that WOW?  Think about lighting and backsplash--two elements that can make a big impact and express your style—without spending a fortune. Here’s one of our favorite backsplash options on Pinterest.   

Want more? Visit Polka Dots and Rosebuds Interiors to check out a few of our favorite kitchen designs.