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| Professional Design Adds a Whole New Spin to the Same Old Stuff
(WMS) - Deciding to try a new look for your home may be the easiest part of any interior design project. However, one trip through your local home center and the hundreds of options available is often all it takes to leave you feeling more than a little overwhelmed. The truth is, the key to adding new life to a dull old room can be accomplished pretty simply with creative room rearranging and just a few accents and accessories. Low-risk, low-budget and -- if done correctly -- high-impact, room rearranging has been around for years according to design experts, but the trend is enjoying renewed popularity as many families stay home more to entertain or just relax. To that, add a still uncertain economy and there are plenty of people looking for less expensive ways to make their interiors look new and fresh. "Room rearranging or 'house fluffing' has always been popular," says Carol Morrow of The Art Institute of Phoenix. Morrow, a faculty member in the Interior Design department, sees many reasons for the rising popularity of room rearranging. "Our world is changing so quickly, and sometimes scarily so, that it is only natural that we'd want to maintain control of our most intimate spaces," she says. But how can simply rearranging furniture and accessories make a room look dramatically different? The truth is, a whole different look for a room can be achieved by switching pieces from one room to another, re-hanging artwork or selecting different accessories. "Personal items that speak to travel, or family heirlooms and personal collections such as Depression glass, when re-arranged, can give your room an entirely new perspective," says Kelly Spewock of the Interior Design faculty at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. "And using what has meaning to you will let your interiors show-off your personality." GETTING STARTED Working with a professional designer, even on a small project, doesn't have to be intimidating. In fact, says Bonnie Bierbaum of The Art Institutes International Minnesota, "Most designers like a small, quick project." After rearranging your room, a designer can also offer suggestions for simple upgrades, like a new paint color or window treatments. "If you decide to make more of an investment in your home sometime in the future, you've already established a good relationship with a professional who can save you time and money by helping you make the right choices," Bierbaum adds. While "house fluffing" has become increasingly popular, some designers still don't like the term. "'House fluffing' sounds too trite," says Marilynn Ward of The Art Institute of Seattle. "Even a room rearrangement, when done correctly, takes talent, experience and a good eye. A trained, educated and experienced ASID interior designer can add efficiency, skill and cost effectiveness to any project, with wonderful results," says Ward. |
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for larger view "HOUSE FLUFFING" Room rearranging with the aid of an interior designer and just the right accessories is an easy, affordable way to add a fresh new look to a dull room. Local Resources Visit our local resource center for links to Home & Garden services in your area. To advertise your business here, contact the SentinelSource Design Team by email or phone 603-352-1234, ext. 290 |
