Visualize your décor
To some people, redecorating is an endurance test, to others a passion and for most of us, in the middle. It's an eventual necessity particularly if you're thinking of selling your home. And like all things digital in this century, your home decorating and design can be done on line with the help of a virtual decorator.
I've written before about many of the major paint manufacturers providing on line color visualizers on their websites. Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams and Glidden among others have areas on their websites providing sample rooms that can be "repainted" with any of the colors they have available. You can also upload a picture of your room and try out different color schemes. It's a productive and fun way to get comfortable with different colors without testing it on a wall and committing to an expensive gallon of paint and it doesn't cost a penny.
Now the digital world has gone a step further, except this time you'll have to pay for it. Digital decorating services have sprung up in the last several years, offering services ranging from base line recommendations to full blown renovations. Starting at around $200, you are provided with a minimum number of decorating schemes based on particular information provided. The fee charged is based on the experience of the designer you opt to work with and the amount of service required, like a 3-D room rendering.
All of the companies work pretty much the same in that you provide photos of the room you would like to redesign, provide a layout and outline particular problems you may be having. Most of them ask you to pick a look that best fits your taste from options provided, point out existing pieces of furniture or features you want to retain and provide a budget. Then like magic you'll receive renderings and an approximate cost to achieve the new design. The time frame, as well as the number of changes allowed, are all part of the initial cost that you have contracted for.
Sounds like fun right? This is right up my alley. You can get some really good advice for not much money and then go ahead and make your own decisions. It's especially fun for busy people who don't have the time or disposition to spend touring furniture showrooms, antique shops and flea markets looking for something, but not really knowing what that something is. The virtual designer at least gives you a place to start before walking your little tootsies off on your first free day off.
This is not, however, for the digitally challenged or those who have the time and money to sit and have their hand held by a designer who will certainly guide you to their best wholesalers. This is for the do it yourselfer who just needs a little out of the box creative advice to get their juices moving.
A few of the designers who provide this service are NousDecor, Laurel & Wolf, Chell Design Group Studios and The Decorista. Check out their websites if this is a service that appeals to you.
It's not unusual for homeowners to put off the expense and stress of redecorating or remodeling until they decide to sell their property when it may become a necessity. But it doesn't have to be like that,. Small affordable updates made on an ongoing basis will not only give you the pleasure of enjoying the upgrades, but also make your home ready when it's time to sell. Just point and click, and you're on your way.
