Before you start a DIY Project - Think Aesthetic

Aesthetic Continued

• Do you have features outdoors that need to be viewed, (or hidden)?
  
  
• Sometimes the view can dictate what you choose to do. If you look out at a concrete block wall through a window, perhaps it is better to use shutters as decoration or drape some fabric across so you don't have to see it. The opposite can also be said, why use window dressings if you have a spectacular view of the harbour!

• Does your family (or your clients) have the same taste? Do they dictate a certain style?
  
  Often it is obvious what you like, you always select similar things in magazines that you like, gravitate to particular forms of furniture when shopping, or love to feel textures. Try and pin point what vein of design suits you best - aesthetically as well as practically. This can be done by flicking through magazines and picking out what you like, if you all do that then find the common underlying theme. It could be you all like a similar group of colours ie warm colours, a similar look, uncluttered Minimal or Eclectic - a combination of numerous styles subtly combined, Pacific - bold florals with cane furniture. What ever it is write it down and try and follow that style or look including what you want to keep from your existing space.

• Do you want the space to be the backdrop and the furniture and fixtures to be central focus, or vise versa?
  
  Do you live in your house or is your house a work of art? You may want to keep one room the central focus for guests and display your artwork and your sense on style, and "live" in the rest ie keep it fashionable and functional.
  
• Do you have an existing style and want to create a new style?
  
  Starting from scratch can be expensive, but wow, wouldn't it make a huge difference to your life, so do it! If you have the jitters, you could always put your old stuff in storage - just in case!
  
• Have you see something you like in a magazine or book and have photographs of it for ideas?
  
  This is a great way to start especially if they tell you where you can purchase everything - a great time saver. Just remember, make sure you don't "copy" the magazine, after all it is your own house and you have to spend time there, and it should reflect your style and personality to a degree.