Interior Re-design – “Using What You Already Own” – Guest Post by Heather J Bonawitz
I have had the privilege of not only getting to know those in the wedding community here in Central Virginia, but through our local RMA and social media networking groups, I have had the fun of getting to know fellow business owners. Heather Bonawitz of Becoming Designs is such a sweetie, and she even staged one of my Hill City Bride booths last fall (click here to see the facebook album).
She is what is called an “Interior Redesigner”, which is someone who can take what you already own and make your home look amazing. I love that … recycling in your own home! With many couples being getting married after they have already established many of their furnishings, Heather can help to blend your two styles into one, and here are a few of her tips on how to do this on your own.
Interior Re-design
Using what you already own to set up a new home!
The wedding planner has been paid, the presents have all been opened (a few of them returned), and the once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon is only a photographed memory. You have returned back to work, rested and relaxed after months of wedding planning, only to find that your now “home” does not feel like a refuge at all. In fact, there is nothing about it that reflects you or your beloved spouse.
The very fact is that it feels more like you are back in a college dorm trying to blend somebody else’s style and stuff into the space, yet it stands in vast contrast from your personal preference. You are the type of gal that likes silk drapes, dozens of floral chintz pillows, and beautiful antiques that can become family heirlooms. Contrast that with him. He has a La-Z-Boy recliner, a super modern sofa, and sports memorabilia to decorate for his soon-to-be prized “man cave”.
Does any of this sound familiar? Are you concentrating heavily on planning a wedding right now and yet somewhere in the back of your mind you are wondering how your two very different styles can or ever will mesh together to create a home that you both love and enjoy, yet one that reflects each of your personalities, tastes and interests?
Our homes incorporate many components that affect our mood, our lifestyle, and even the way that we interact with those around us. Interior Re-design is the artful arrangement of existing furniture, artwork, and accessories that results in a Fresh New Look using what you already have.
As newlyweds trying to establish your home, start by finding what elements that you both have in common. Perhaps you have a color that you are both drawn to. Consider using that as the basis to start from and paint that hue on your walls. Now what about furniture? Blending antiques with more contemporary elements is a very chic look in the design industry right now, so how about designing a room that is “transitional” in style, incorporating both traditional & modern elements?
How can you accessorize with contrasting interests? Well, perhaps you both have a favorite travel destination. Why not blend your interests by showcasing these passions into the artwork you display throughout your home? Just like in a marriage, there will be moments of compromise with our decorating selections, not every component will be a perfect fit, but the beauty of re-designing a space is that sometimes an eclectic array of things can all be used together with just a little creativity, proper space planning, and artful accessorizing.
Every home has a story to tell! A story is comprised not only by the people involved, but also by the surroundings those people find themselves in. The end result of a well-designed room should always reflect you, your family, and the interests and needs of each one living there. Use this suggestion of finding common elements rather than things that you differ on, as a guide to determine what you want to display as important in your lives together. In so doing, your home will become a beautiful blend of styles that showcase what is truly valued and honored in your lives as a couple!
Heather J. Bonawitz is an Interior Re-designer & Home Stager that takes what you already own & re-purposes it! She is the owner of Becoming Designs, an Interior Design consulting company in Lynchburg, Virginia specializing in Interior Re-design, Home Staging & Professional Organizing. For more inspiring design ideas, visit www.becomingdesigns.com, call 434-352-1334 or email: becomingdesigns@mail.com. Thank you again, Heather!!
I’m all for this and totally love the concept. Any creativity you have pent up will no doubt come to the forefront with a project like this . . .