Remember that old song Sleeping Single in a Double Bed? Are you waiting for Prince Charming to come along before you create a home for yourself that is a comfortable and nurturing haven that supports your life? Why not create a special place for yourself in the home you live in now?! Who knows, if your place is one of genuine self-expression, you just might attract that special male someone who loves your sense of personal style. Some strategies to get you started: The Real Deal. Some self-examination will help you determine where you are currently at, home dcor-wise, in your life. Its time to be you! When youre single, you get to call the shots. I know married people who have never had the luxury of complete self-expression in their homes, so enjoy this time in your life; its all a matter of perspective. Timely Timing. If you are recently divorced or widowed and are still living in the home you once shared with your mate, empty walls where memories once stood can evoke sadness. Thats okay. If youve moved on to a new space, panic can strike when looking at bare white walls. Never fear. This too shall pass. And when it does, youll be energized and ready to re-create a nest that suits your life now. Nifty Notebook. Now is the time to create your Fantasy Home Notebook--your power tool for your new space. Buy a 3 ring notebook, divider tabs, and clear sheet protectors. Label the tabs by room. Your notebook will keep your projects organized. Picture Pretty. Peruse a stack of home magazines and start clipping. Do any pictures in the magazines especially catch your eye? A certain house style? An upscale chic urban apartment? A particular color? A zebra print rug? Dream! Anything that makes your heart jump with joy, cut out and paste on a piece of 3-hole-punched white paper and insert it into your notebook. Take as long as you need to do this creative process. Furniture Fantasy. With your notebook in hand, browse through several high quality furniture stores with no agenda other than to look. Skip the cheap stores because youre indulging in a fantasy. Forget about the high price tags. And dont take your girlfriend along--this is a self-examination process for you to decide what makes your heart sing! Furnishings Fun. The minute you hear your heart say, I love that! about a certain piece, youve hit a bingo. Ask a salesperson for the item number and any literature or photos of any pieces you love. Dont buy today! If its a one of a kind piece, you can ask that it be put on hold for 24 hours. Delicious Taste. Just one piece of furniture you fall in love with can become the foundational piece for your whole new space. If you once had modern style with a mate youve now parted with, and your real love is French Country, go for it! When I was a professional organizer I worked with a woman who had a huge 4 bedroom colonial house with a lot of junky furniture left by her former husband. Selling that large house freed her financially and emotionally to create a charming French Country getaway for herself in a small two bedroom apartment. Her beautiful new surroundings reflected her true personal taste, and enabled her work to flourish. Evolving Evaluation. Once youve determined what new style suits you, evaluate what furnishings and accessories you already own. If theres anything you dont absolutely love, either consign it or donate it. Money from consignment sales can be used toward new purchases. Consumer Savvy. Now set a real life budget and do some comparison shopping. Unless you are very wealthy, check out moderately priced stores, the internet, consignment stores, and even garage sales. Take your notebook with you and show it to the salesperson. Youll be amazed at how you can duplicate a champagne look on a soda pop budget. Dont buy cheaply made furniture; buy the best quality you can afford within your budget. Now that youve purchased your new furnishings and accessories, its how you arrange it and pull it all together artfully that makes it feel like home. If that process is daunting for you, read some good interior redesign books, or hire an interior decorator to help you get it all just right for you, because its time to enjoy and celebrate your beautiful new home and lifestyle! c2005 Kathryn Bechen. All rights reserved worldwide. |
