Remember the old days, when you used to think: “Wouldn’t it be nice to work from home?” You had visions of peaceful days at the kitchen island, swaddled in a soft sweater with a steaming cup of tea to your right, a healthy snack to your left, and the cat purring at your feet.
Instead, if you’re like a lot of people 19 months into the pandemic, the thrill of working from home is gone — that cozy vision replaced by annoying reality. You’re working in your bedroom because the kitchen is too dirty, the kids are home from school with a sniffle again, the cat is scratching at the door, you have a Zoom in six minutes, and you’re trying to find a dress shirt to wear with your pajama bottoms but you can’t open the closet door because your “standing desk” (the ironing board) is in the way.
Let’s face it — work life and home life have never been more intertwined. Expectations for being physically present at work have changed, likely for good. Plus, our colleagues can literally see into our lives through our computer screens, and sometimes it’s a little too much information!
Using our homes in these new ways is now normal. No matter when COVID-19 is behind us, we’ll continue to work where we live — and spend a lot more time at home. Our living spaces need to be versatile and functional, allowing for separation between work and family time while still making the most of the space available.
This is where an Interior Designer comes in. A Registered Interior Designer helps you focus on your lifestyle, optimize your space with proper storage, and solve functionality problems with a more organized home layout.
Remember that spending money on your home is a good investment. As a professional celebrating 25 years in business, I have a few recommendations for getting a jumpstart on your home improvements and renovations:
1. Patience is a virtue. Hoping to renovate next spring or summer? Start planning now. Call your Interior Designer, research products, make a list of contractors, and review your budget.
2. Your Interior Designer is now your best friend. You have the time to plan now, so let’s plan! Because she sees space differently from the people who live in the house, your designer can analyze your space and show you what’s possible. These creative options are going to solve problems you hadn’t even recognized were problems.
3. Drawings first, contractor second. Contractors are swamped, and they need drawings before they can quote. If you hit the ground running with drawings from your Interior Designer, you’re already several steps ahead.
4. Be flexible. The rumours are true. The cost of home improvement has gone up, and while lumber is affordable again, the supply chain can be unpredictable and it’s important to be open to your second or third choice. Don’t get hung up on that one perfect light fixture or stuck on that one style of tile. Being open-minded and flexible will keep your renovation running smoothly.
5. Order your appliances and furniture early. Fridges, stoves, and dishwashers that used to take six weeks to come in can now take six months. Same goes for furniture, especially custom items. Once you and your Interior Designer have finalized your space plan layouts, you’ll know exactly what to order.
Our clients say they had no idea what was possible until we showed them. Making your home functional, comfortable, flexible, and beautiful is more than an investment in future value — it’s an investment in yourself and your family, today.
halifaxinteriordesign.com
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