This week’s episode is a good one. For the first time ever, I’m walking through the changes that my clients home needed before it could be decorated. Because when Jenn first applied for my makeover series, I declined because none of her fixed elements related to each other.
The pink-beige carpet. The dated fireplace surround. The dark mantel. The kitchen finishes going in yet another direction.
I honestly thought I couldn’t pull off a decorating makeover without correcting the envelope first.
What decorating can do
Then, after we walked through everything that needed to be updated, Jenn showed me what she had hidden in another bedroom. And honestly there are times when I surprise even myself. We created magic by just re-arranging furniture and finding a place for so many decor pieces the homeowner has stopped displaying because they just don’t know where they should go.
This is Part One: what I thought needed to change before we could decorate, what it would cost, and the discovery that changed the direction of the entire makeover.
Watch the full episode on YouTube.
Want Your Home Featured?
I’m looking for homeowners in the Fraser Valley or Lower Mainland who are willing to appear on camera for an episode of Decorate or Renovate!? Maybe your room feels unfinished, your furniture layout isn’t working, or you’re stuck wondering whether you need to renovate—or simply decorate differently. Submit your home for consideration and tell me what isn’t working, what you’ve already tried, and what you’d love the room to become.
And if your home is chosen for a renovate episode, the consultation and design direction won’t cost you anything—just like you’ll see in today’s video. Apply here.
Related posts:
10 Critical Decisions for a Timeless Home Renovation
Holding my breath for Part 2 –Hurry!!
Maria, your work as a Creative – with thoughtful and well articulated plans continues to be … INSPIRING!
Thank you for sharing your gifts!!!
🏡
Thanks Susanne! xoxo
Looking forward to part 2! Question about the kitchen: Why not have the granite counter in the seating area replaced with another solid surface that would work with the
existing cabinets and backsplash? In my area, painting the cabinets and backsplash would be much more expensive than replacing that smaller piece of countertop. Just curious!
That’s a great question. In this case, I’m really splitting hairs for the purpose of the lesson so you can see exactly how I analyze undertones and fixed finishes. In real life, the granite is actually my client’s favourite thing about the kitchen, so replacing it was never the goal. The cabinets are also coated IKEA cabinets, so painting them isn’t a practical option either. The real exercise here is: given the fixed elements she wants to keep, how do we make the room feel more cohesive? And in Part 2, that’s exactly what we do—we decorate around what’s already there rather than ripping out something she loves.
Definitely suggest they cut the “scrolly” parts off the stair railing. It’s a pretty easy DIY project and would be a huge improvement for no money. Can’t wait to see part 2! Wow, that is an amazing “secret room” filled with treasures.