Real Simple Redecorates

If you've read May's issue of Real Simple, you can imagine there was a feature article that I loved this month. All about "re-decorators"...hey, that's what I do! It was really fun to read about redecorators and look at the four New York living rooms that got the professional touch. The article started out this way:

"If your living room looks the same as it did during the Reagan Administration…well, first of all, you’ve got a lot of company. Second, you don’t have to splurge on a fancy sofa or area rug to give it new life. Real Simple asked redecorators — you heard that right, redecorators — to whip four tired spaces into shape, using only the stuff that was there, and provide a play-by-play along the way. With their truly transforming tips, you, too, can usher in a new era."

To see the complete article, with all the befores and afters, read here. It's just refreshing to read about redecorating (especially in a major print publication), when it seems that every magazine I read is all about purchasing. The beauty of redecorating (if I may preach for a moment) is that it's OKAY not to have money to buy a new room or even a new couch. It's okay that some of your stuff is old and you keep it around for sentimental value. What makes your house a home has nothing to do with how much money you have or how frequently you purchase new items for it. You and I know that even though our homes may not look like a page out of a magazine, they are, by nature of the people in them, the central hubs of our families...filled with the light, love and warmth that comes from the relationships of their inhabitants.

That being said, I'm a firm believer in the way that a little redecorating can really lift your spirits. For those of you who've had the same furniture arrangement since the Reagan administration (you know who you are) or...let's face it...even the Clinton administration (hitting too close to home now?), don't underestimate the kind of lift you can get when you do a little rearranging. Try looking at your home objectively (I know it's easier said than done) and look for corners that are dark or wall spaces that are empty...then do something about it. Try to think outside the box on your furniture arrangement. And if you get really desperate, call someone like me (or someone like me who's located near you). I think you'll find it is SO worth it! I just want to see your home reflect who you really are, and I don't want to see people depressed or discouraged because they don't have money for expensive changes.

****

Okay, preaching over. Have a wonderful day, my friends, and head on over to the Real Simple article to get the full effect! And read here if you'd like to catch up on some of my own before-and-afters.