I’m not going to lie to you… The design process can be a long one — but it’s worth it, I promise! A detailed, meticulous approach leads to results that are fully customized and tailored to your lifestyle and your home, and that takes time. However, not every design problem needs a bespoke solution. Here, I’m sharing a few impactful design changes that can be made in a minimal amount of time, plus how we can tackle them together.

First… Can Small Projects Really Make a Difference?

Yes! There’s no substitute or shortcut for the magic we can make when tackling full-scope design projects and renovations, but noticeable changes can be made and executed on a smaller scale. You’d be surprised how much a few simple swaps can affect the way you feel and live in a space.

What Kinds of Quick Changes Pack a Punch?

I have always felt that paint is the single greatest and most cost-effective tool in a designer’s arsenal. Changing a room from a bright white to an earthy green, freshening up trim to match the accent colors in a statement wallpaper, or adding a soothing gray to the walls can all make dramatic differences in both the look and feel of a space. Bonus idea: Painting the ceiling not only offers a big change but also ensures your home will stand out from the crowd.

 

A few more ideas:

• It’s a classic for a reason — change out your throw pillows, blankets, window treatments, bedding, and other linens.
• Add new accessories and collected goods to your shelves and coffee tables. Better yet — rearrange what you already have, rediscover existing hidden treasures, and fill in gaps with fun new pieces.
• Move artwork around, allowing for different emotions and feelings in each room.
• Rearrange your furniture to allow for a better flow of movement — focusing on how you really live in your home as opposed to how you’re supposed to.
• Update and/or replace light fixtures, hardware, outlet covers, and light switch covers. Changing these “accessories” is like switching out the jewelry to go with a favorite outfit. 
• Strip out carpeting to reveal the wood floors beneath, or change flooring altogether. (Ok, this one might be categorized just outside of the “small project” realm, but it really does make a massive difference.)

And if all that sounds exciting but daunting, you’ve come to the right place…

How AKD Can Help With Smaller-Scale Design Updates

As you can clearly see, my passion for helping homeowners is not limited to big projects — which is why I created the Design in a Day program. This service is designed for the client who needs direction and help making decisions but wants to implement this list as their time and budget allows. Through the Design in a Day program, for 3.5 hours, one of my associate designers and I work with the client through any design-related questions, all the way from paint color, fabric, and hardware selections to space planning and furniture arrangement.

What Can a Client Expect from the Design in a Day Program?

Before we even meet, I’ll ask you to create a prioritized list of all of your design questions, ideas, and dreams. Maybe you want to talk through a full refresh of your primary suite, but you also want to swap out the accessories and linens in the kids’ playroom. No problem, we can tackle it all! I’ll ask you to send that list to me ahead of time so that my team and I can solidify our recommendations, prepare samples, and consolidate resources for you. Once we’re together, we’ll engage in a collaborative experience, leaving you feeling empowered and educated about the next phase of your home. 

 

Remember: Small changes can make a big impact, and you deserve to feel comfortable in and proud of your space.