This week, we’re right here with our first deep dive episode, and we’re diving into designing your DREAM HOME.
On this episode, we’ll cowl how to decide on a colour scheme, create temper boards, and develop into an evolving aesthetic as you replace your property.

You’ll find the podcast posts archive right here.
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Present Notes:
7 Tricks to Design Your Dream Dwelling:
- Let the house communicate to you
- Analysis the period of your property.
- Discover iconic properties (even buildings/eating places) from this period.
- Turn out to be an skilled in the sort of residence: what makes it particular, what supplies are sometimes used, craftsmanship, and authentic options that stand out from that point.
2. Outline the sensation you need your property to embody
- What areas have you ever been in that had the sensation that you really want?
- What areas have you ever been in that fell quick for you?
- What’s it that you just wish to really feel consolation from?
3. Outline the capabilities of how you employ your property and the way it can assist your life-style objectives
- Think about your property in all 4 seasons, as your youngsters develop, and different occasions that may occur in your life. Go room by room.
- Mini-journal immediate: Considering of your final residence, had been there any areas that you just had arrange that you just didn’t use? And what are your most used areas?
4. Create a pinboard
- Pin all the things that pulls you.
- Return by way of and delete the oddball pins till you see cohesion in your scroll by way of.
5. Describe the type to your residence in three phrases
- Choose three phrases that describe the type you’re going for.
6. Select a colour scheme
- Acquire paint, tile, and cloth swatches.
- Order wallpaper samples and small decor gadgets that assist your type.

7. As you renovate, refer again to your temper board and colour scheme
- This retains you on observe, cohesive, and dealing towards a selected aim and resists new tendencies.
Bonus suggestions:
- You want a minimum of three collections which can be ongoing.
- Acquire private decor.
- Adorning with recollections, photographs, relics from travels, and many others.
- Depart room for magic – at all times have one thing bizarre and magical in each room.
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Episode 168 Transcript:
Emma: You’re listening to The Lovely Mess Podcast, your cozy consolation pay attention. This week we’re right here with our first deep dive episode and we’re diving into designing your dream residence. On this episode, we’ll cowl how to decide on a colour scheme, create temper boards, and develop into an ever-evolving aesthetic as you replace your property.
Elsie: I’m so excited to do that episode. So one of many explanation why we began this deep dive sequence is as a result of as we like, we’re on episode 168 now. As now we have constructed a much bigger library, it’s develop into type of difficult to love refer again. I do know I’ve talked about this earlier than, however I don’t know when or the place. So on this episode, we’re gonna type of mix all the things, like all of our recommendation about designing a dream residence into one mega episode which you could re-listen to it subsequent time you might be shifting. I act like that’s like a traditional factor that everybody’s like, oh, simply, you already know, the following time you get a brand new pair of sneakers otherwise you transfer.
Emma: Some folks transfer loads. Some folks transfer much more than us. I imply, it actually depends upon your life.
Elsie: That’s true. Once I was in my twenties, I moved like each six months to a brand new house. I undoubtedly have realized that I’m a serial mover. I don’t wanna be, however it’s true. Okay, so anyway, we’re gonna undergo seven steps to design your dream residence. And I truthfully, advocate doing all seven. In case you are, let’s say that you just’re an individual who’s shifting, an individual who’s shopping for your first residence, and that is additionally for somebody who, you’ve got a house that you just like, however you don’t find it irresistible such as you really feel prefer it’s simply not customized in the way in which that you just dream of it being. Anybody in any of these conditions can use this. I feel it really works for, you already know, your first house and it could additionally work to your quote unquote, perpetually residence. Despite the fact that we don’t imagine in Endlessly Houses.
Emma: No, we don’t. But additionally, I don’t know if now we have anybody who listens, who’s very younger. You recognize, they’re like, I haven’t purchased my first residence but, or moved into my first residence, that’s gonna be long run. Like I don’t actually know if anybody listening is that younger, however I’ll say, I really feel like a whole lot of these tricks to you could possibly apply to completely different areas of artwork, like let’s say vogue. And I simply assume it’s like a enjoyable interest to get like enthusiastic about various things and even like properties that you just’re by no means gonna reside in, however you examine it and it’s simply enjoyable. I really feel that manner about vogue and different issues too, the place it’s like, there are particular issues that I’m simply by no means gonna put on or purchase, however I nonetheless prefer to find out about what designers are popping out with and the way the development is, you already know, identical to various things. It’s enjoyable to be taught.
Elsie: Now that you just point out it, I see that utterly, that’s attention-grabbing. Yeah, I feel this can be enjoyable. You might additionally use this if you’re designing one room. You are able to do this complete course of for only one room too. However my factor is I love to do it once I’m shifting if I can earlier than I purchase something. As a result of while you transfer, it looks as if that’s the very best focus of vital purchases rapidly, and it’s simple to make errors. So particularly the half concerning the colour scheme, it’s simply so helpful and so useful. I used to be just lately at a household dinner over the vacations and somebody who I hadn’t seen in 10 years was there, they usually had been reminding me that I had a lime inexperienced painted kitchen in one among my first residences, which is so humorous. And it had so many colours, which I find it irresistible. I find it irresistible, I stand by it. However I feel that may be a downside while you simply love all the things and also you, however you purchase one thing that’s very particular and you then love one thing else and also you attempt to adorn a distinct manner, and you then really feel like you need to substitute all the things on a regular basis. I feel that’s the issue. So once I began doing the colour scheme, I particularly bear in mind it was very life-changing. Have you ever ever completed a colour scheme?
Emma: Yeah, type of. I imply, yeah, I’d say sure. However I don’t assume I’ve fairly as unhealthy of like FOMO as you in life typically. As a result of I do really feel like that’s a bit of it with design. As a result of I do have a few of course, so like I feel everybody has it, someplace, you already know, effectively we’ll discuss this extra, however such as you begin to put issues in your pin board that’s actually not like they’re type of wild playing cards, however you like them. After which, I don’t know, I feel generally it may be actually exhausting to type of decipher or wade by way of like, what needs to be in my residence versus what can I simply admire? And I possibly don’t want to color my home that colour or purchase that sure sofa as a result of it’s simply not gonna make sense. However I can nonetheless admire it, you already know?
Elsie: Proper. Yeah. No, I feel that’s very true. I feel that you just’re extra decisive and also you’re extra identical to typically okay with like, you type of have extra of a like, I don’t care. It’s all a great type of angle. And I don’t have that in any respect. All proper, so let’s bounce into the ideas. I’ve tried to place these so as. , the primary tip is to let the house communicate to you. And right here’s what I imply by that. So each residence that you just’re going to maneuver into has an period when it was constructed and it has pure strengths and pure weaknesses or challenges. So I feel it’s actually essential to analysis the kind of residence that you’ve and discover the form of to fall in love with it. I do know it’s not at all times possibly attainable for like for those who’re shifting into a house that simply wasn’t the house you’d’ve picked in any respect. Such as you had a distinct factor in thoughts, however this residence had like a greater location or a greater worth, or, you already know. However I feel it’s essential to simply do no matter you’ll be able to to get thinking about the way in which your property was meant to be. Just like the arrow was constructed within the type of structure. You possibly can actually fall down a rabbit gap. So there are properties which can be extra versatile like for those who’re shifting into an house constructing that’s form of like, say it’s a two-bedroom house with one lavatory and an open kitchen and it’s fairly like vanilla. That is sort of a very versatile type of residence and just like the type of residence I reside in now, that’s a nineties McMansion. It’s additionally very versatile as a result of it’s like, type of like nobody cares. Such as you don’t should honor the historical past of it. I feel you’ll be able to form of determine what type and what period they had been attempting to emulate after they constructed it, however that’s concerning the closest you may get. After which there are different properties like mid-century residence that was constructed within the fifties or the sixties or historic residence. And for those who transfer into a kind of, it could possibly be form of such as you’re swimming in opposition to a lazy river for those who attempt to adorn it in a totally completely different type than what it was meant to be, you may not be pleased with the consequence and it’d end up unhealthy.
Emma: I feel that’s one factor that I take into consideration. So I used to be on the, you already know that Instagram account that’s like Zillow Gone Wild. I at all times see what’s on there. I suppose the algorithm is aware of I prefer it. However that they had a extremely stunning residence yesterday that it’s a Frank Lloyd Wright, one of many final properties that he designed, it’s just like the round residence. I’m positive you are able to do that. Anyway, it’s on the market and it was very costly as you’ll be able to think about. So clearly I’d by no means purchase it. It’s not one thing in my finances, however I used to be simply it. However the factor I saved pondering as I used to be it, aside from what a breathtakingly stunning residence, I’d love to remain there for an Airbnb expertise, however I used to be like, you actually wouldn’t really feel snug altering sure elements of it. As a result of for those who’ve ever seen a Frank Lloyd Wright residence and there are different designers who design this manner, it’s fairly particular. And for those who had been to go in and actually change sure components of it, just like the shelving, it wouldn’t make any sense. I’m not saying it will be mistaken, I’m simply saying it will be actually bizarre like I don’t really feel like for those who purchase that type of residence, you’re feeling like you can also make these. So I suppose what I’m attempting to say is a few properties are actually particular and possibly it’s good to even take into consideration if you would like that type of factor, or if you already know you need one thing far more clean. And once more like Elsie stated, you could not at all times have a alternative cuz you could be on a deadline and a finances and there’s solely a lot accessible within the space you’re shifting to. However it’s only a good factor to consider. In the event you do have the choice.
Elsie: Sure. So listed below are a few of my solutions for researching your kind of residence. To start with, discover motion pictures which have units which can be just like forms of properties and take notes as you watch them. That is like what we do for our rewatch episodes now, and it’s so enjoyable. My dream residence could be like a father of the bride home, you already know? And it’s so enjoyable to simply sit there and write down all the precise little charming issues that they did of their film set model of the house that you could possibly incorporate in tears. One other thought is to order previous books. So most kinds of structure have many, many books accessible and I normally get them from thrift books. So it’s very inexpensive. Yeah, So discover out what type of structure your property is, after which order as many books as you’ll be able to on that type. And I feel the actually cool factor about this, particularly for mid-century properties and older ones, is which you could study what folks had been doing on the time to brighten and furnish the properties. And that’s gonna be actually useful for you cuz it’s one thing which you could emulate the issues about it that you just assume is particular. You possibly can modernize it or replace it to your style or your colours ultimately whereas nonetheless getting impressed by what they’d’ve completed in that period. It’s simply extra pure. For almost all of individuals, it’s going so as to add extra worth to the house to do one thing that like suits with the house’s authentic options.
Emma: It’ll in all probability be cheaper too as a result of you’ll in all probability find yourself altering much less or getting to save lots of sure components of the house that, you already know, possibly you’re gonna paint it one thing, however you get to maintain the very particular molding or no matter it’s.
Elsie: Hell yeah. Yeah, after which the very last thing I’d counsel is to be taught what the unique options and craftsmanship from this time interval had been like the last word most fascinating particulars. The kind of factor that if individuals who love previous homes discover it in a home, now they prefer to freak out, you already know, just like the pocket doorways and all these forms of issues. Okay, so the second tip is to outline the sensation you need your property to embody. So that is tremendous essential and I take into account this one a journaling train. So get out your journal, and I’ll let you know all the things to consider. So the very first thing to journal about is what areas have you ever been in that had the sensation that you really want and attempt to bear in mind as many particulars, irrespective of how particular or irrespective of how random they appear that added to that house. After which the opposite factor is what areas have you ever been in that form of fell quick for you and why? So for those who’re doing a mid-century home, I discuss mid-century homes loads cuz I had two of them and yeah, historic properties. That’s like my essential, the principle homes that I’ve expertise with. I suppose additionally the nineties McMansion. So I feel that, with mid-century, I’d journal concerning the Parker Resort in Palm Springs. It has all the things, it’s just like the decor, the sensation, the fireplaces, even right down to the small print just like the painted brick and the ceramics and the server, you already know, the dishes that they use to serve breakfast and like simply all the things is form of excellent and magical, and I can use that as a template. And there are such a lot of different locations that I’ve been in my life which have like a fifties retro theme that fell wanting that feeling and that magic. So I can determine, why, how, and what are the variations. And I feel that’s the type of journaling train I’d encourage you to do. After which additionally to simply think about your self, so that is an creativeness train. Think about you’re getting residence from a weekend journey or an evening out and it’s late at evening and also you stroll into the house, you place down your keys, you place down your bag. What’s it that you just wish to really feel consolation from? What’s it concerning the residence that might deliver you that immense feeling of being at residence? So possibly it’s the kitchen, possibly it’s a sure kind of sofa, a sure kind of like snug seating. Perhaps it’s like a puzzle out in your eating room desk. There could be a hundred various things, however take into consideration what are the issues that simply make it really feel like residence to you.
Emma: Perhaps just a little bit since now we have our journals out and we’re journaling. In the event you assume you’re going to be in a house for a really lengthy time period, and naturally, as everyone knows, it’s unattainable to know the long run except you’ve got a crystal ball. However let’s simply say you’re assuming for now that you just’re gonna be on this residence for the following 10 years and also you’re gonna watch your child develop up or have a child. No matter you assume is gonna occur, you’re gonna get a canine subsequent 12 months and also you’re enthusiastic about that, no matter. Then I’d additionally, type of take into consideration a few of these issues, like what you need the home to really feel like for them, additionally for you with them. As a result of issues like canine and kids and different issues in life, you already know, they arrive with stuff. We’re gonna discuss operate within the subsequent level. However I feel there’s additionally this sense of residence and household. Nonetheless, you outline that, and that may come out by way of decor and stuff you purchase and colours you choose, and I’d be occupied with what it’s you need in that sense too.
Elsie: Yeah. I really like that. So quantity three is to outline the capabilities of how you employ your property and the way it can assist your life-style objectives. So this one I’d actually spend a while on and I’d make a room-by-room checklist. And I feel it’s essential to think about you’re residence in all 4 seasons. Think about your property in case you have youngsters, think about your youngsters 5 years older than they’re now. Issues like that as a result of life can drastically change in your children’ youthful years of life, as everyone knows. Simply actually checklist out room by room the way you see your self dwelling there. And I feel step one in the direction of having a dream residence and likewise a dream life-style, I suppose, is simply determining what you even need it to be.
Emma: Yeah, and I feel too, like at this level, the outline the capabilities time it’s additionally actually essential to attempt to be actually sincere about that as a result of there are occasions you’re like, I’m gonna arrange a portray studio on this nook, and also you by no means paint. And it’s like, effectively you’ll be able to if it simply makes you content to see that within the nook, cool and in case you have the house for it, alright. You recognize? However possibly it will’ve been higher to do one thing else for those who may have been just a little extra sincere with what you actually do wish to use and plan to make use of and can use. Kinda like establishing an enormous residence fitness center and you then by no means, ever use it. It’s like, effectively you would possibly as effectively have made it a comfy film room as a result of it’s simply a minimum of you then’ll use it. You recognize? In the event you by no means ever entertain, you don’t want a giant sprawling eating room.
Elsie: I feel that’s an excellent level.
Emma: I’ll give an instance. Perhaps that’ll make it extra clear. For years and years at one among our final homes, my residence workplace, which I make money working from home on a regular basis and have for years and years, my residence workplace was in this type of open house close to our eating room and lounge. So you could possibly see it on a regular basis. So it was not clear on a regular basis, however it felt prefer it needs to be since you may see it on a regular basis. Within the meantime, for like 5 or 6 years, we had a visitor bed room that I feel obtained used possibly twice. And in the direction of the top of dwelling in that home, I simply form of realized I’m gonna transfer my workplace into the visitor bed room and we’re simply not gonna have a visitor bed room. As a result of the reality is we don’t actually have company that always, and it’s type of annoying that I can’t have a gathering with out my canine barking continuously, or I really feel the strain to maintain my workplace actually clear though there are days you simply barely get your work completed earlier than It’s time’s up. You don’t have time to place all the things away on a regular basis. And my work might be type of messy generally cuz I make issues. So anyway, I simply type of understand I’m not prioritizing what I actually do on a regular basis and as a substitute I had this concept of oh, individuals are gonna go to us loads and it’s like, effectively that’d be good. I find it irresistible when folks go to. However the fact is that they simply didn’t after a 12 months or two that might’ve been fairly apparent and I used to be like, effectively, we don’t want this visitor’s bed room as a result of no person visits us and we are able to simply put out an air mattress in the event that they do.
Elsie: Yeah, no, that’s attention-grabbing. Okay, let’s add just a little little bit of a mini journaling immediate right here. Considering of your final residence, your final two properties, had been there any areas that you just had arrange that you just didn’t use I do assume that’s helpful data for the long run. And what are your most used areas as a result of yeah, clearly for us, perpetually, having a house workplace is my primary precedence. I’ve at all times had a house workplace and even in a few of my smaller residences, I’d use the entire lounge as a substitute of, I had no lounge. I solely had a bed room and an workplace. And that labored for me as a result of it was way more essential to me to have a giant residence workplace that was good and felt artistic than to have a TV or no matter and we simply watch TV in mattress for these years. No matter. You recognize, folks do what they should do. Yeah, I feel that’s a extremely good level. I do defend to the loss of life that irrespective of how large your home is, you’ll be able to and will use all of it often, and if there is part of it that you just simply by no means use, then change the operate, undoubtedly. So yeah, defining the capabilities I feel is likely one of the most essential steps as a result of particularly while you transfer into a brand new residence and also you haven’t actually thought by way of the place you’re gonna be, one of many largest errors I made in my complete life, that precipitated me to have to maneuver in a short time was pondering that I didn’t want a delegated workplace.
And it simply occurred to be earlier than the pandemic hit, and I realized in a short time that was Not simply not wholesome, not excellent, however it was really like on the road of not attainable for me. I couldn’t do my job within the house that we had been in. So I feel ensuring that you just prioritize the issues that you just use closely after which additionally prioritize for your self some form of like treats, like some life-style treats, stuff you wish to do extra of, issues just like the particular person you wish to develop into.
Emma: Yeah, and I feel too that is the brainstorming and dreaming and a few of it’s gonna develop into actual, however as everyone knows, as a result of we’re adults, life is stuffed with trade-offs. So you could not get each single factor, that’s simply how life works, however a minimum of it’s gonna enable you perceive the priorities and what it’s best to attempt for. And also you in all probability gained’t get all the things, nobody will get all the things. Elsie and I don’t get all the things both. Life is a trade-off and that’s okay too. And that’s high-quality. You shouldn’t view that as, oh, I didn’t get my dream residence. It’s simply extra, you already know, what are the highest priorities? How can I work in the direction of that? As a result of that’s gonna equal essentially the most happiness for myself and my household. Cuz now I’ve a helpful and delightful residence to reside in as a result of I prioritize, however I didn’t get all the things and that’s okay too.
Elsie: So yeah, I feel you might be very artistic too for those who want room to operate in two or three or 4 methods, these issues are all attainable as effectively. As an individual who spent my youthful years learning IKEA catalogs, I can let you know there are such a lot of other ways. The entire IKEA catalog within the early two hundreds was like, the way to make a one-room house do all of the issues in your complete life. Yeah. And it’s so fascinating and actually cool how a lot you can also make out of 1 house. So let’s transfer on to tip quantity 4. We’re moving into extra design and stuff. Step one is to create a pin board, and I imply a pin board. So in case you have time, if you already know you’re gonna transfer in, Six months or a 12 months, or three months, I feel you’ve got time. I’ve a pinboard that has over a thousand pins on it. That’s really type of extreme, however it’s been a great artistic train for me to essentially, actually determine what I need. So I feel pinning each single factor that pulls you is step one. And don’t fear about if it matches or if it’s cohesive at first.
Emma: I simply checked my pin board on my laptop since you stated you had a thousand and I used to be like I wager mine’s hilariously smaller and I actually have 21 photographs that I labored with earlier than we hire outed and moved into this home that I’m in now. So there you go a thousand or possibly 20, it’s all good.
Elsie: Anyplace in between these two numbers, let’s simply say. Oh my gosh, that’s humorous. So we’re gonna make a large pinboard. We’re going to pin all the things that pulls us and doesn’t take into consideration why. Pinning, I feel it could develop into very intuitive the place you’re simply going off of the sensation that the photograph offers you. So afterward you should utilize extra discretion, and I’ll educate you ways to try this too. However at first, you’re simply gonna gather all the things. You can even do a folder if you would like. I’d counsel both a pin board or a folder in your desktop. In the event you’re an individual who simply solely makes use of your cellphone, you could possibly additionally do a folder in your cellphone, or you could possibly additionally do a favorites folder in your Instagram. It’s simply type of like no matter you employ. For me, pinning is the very best as a result of I simply really feel like I can see extra choices for all the things , it’s simpler to search out and navigate for me. So then the following step after you’ve got your big pin board is to, I prefer to let undergo my large pin board and simply pull it out right into a folder on my desktop identical to my prime picks.
Emma: That’s what I’ve, that’s what my folder on my desktop is. It’s simply the 20 photographs. It’s simply the like ultimate, we’re making the home appear like this type of factor.
Elsie: Yeah. That’s what we’re attempting to get to is one thing that’s form of cohesive. So at that time, undergo all of them and delete something that doesn’t match. Like, I like this, however this goes in a distinct home. Get it to the purpose the place your entire 21 photos or extra, appear like they could possibly be from the identical home, this is essential. That is the method of defining what type you’re going to decide to. As a result of if you’re like me and you like type of like each completely different type, you’ll have a hell of a time adorning for those who haven’t dedicated down just a little bit to a mode and a colour scheme. And for those who do the dedication, you’ll really be capable of focus and create a house that’s cohesive and the place you don’t waste issues or change your thoughts loads. In order that’s the following step.
Emma: And likewise, I really feel like that is the stage the place if you’re designing a house with somebody, so you’ve got a perpetually roommate, a husband, a associate who’s gonna reside with you, they usually’re not Uber concerned. Some individuals are gonna wanna design like from scratch with you, and that’s cool, but when your associate’s like, I care, however I’m not doing all of the pinning such as you, then at this level, as you’re beginning to name it down, that’s once I would begin displaying issues to whoever’s gonna reside with you, your associate, no matter. Principally, you’ll be able to type of get their buy-off. Or for those who’re about to take away a number of the oddballs however they love them, then that is likely to be type of informative. It is likely to be like, you already know what, possibly I’ll lean just a little extra in that path. As a result of it is a good stage to type of be like, we’re not making the million particular choices we’re gonna should make all through the home. However for those who like this total folder of 21 photographs that I’ve put collectively, you then’re gonna like a whole lot of these little choices like what {hardware} I’m gonna choose for this or that, you already know, all of the little issues and you’ll type of get an overarching approval or no matter you wanna name it, like, we’re on the identical web page at this stage.
Elsie: Yeah. I feel that it’s a good time to try this as effectively. And each associate’s completely different. We get a whole lot of questions on this, and I feel that in case you have a associate who appears like they want or wish to be equally concerned, then it’s best to undoubtedly allow them to. I do you assume it’s loads simpler in case you have a associate like I’ve the place they’re like, seems nice, you already know? However I additionally assume that’s one thing that modified over time, we constructed belief over time. It wasn’t like that firstly of our relationship, however now that we’ve completed so many homes collectively, he type of is aware of what to anticipate and he actually simply doesn’t even barely want to love take a look at something.
Emma: Plenty of the fights, a minimum of in my life that has occurred, it’s as a result of any individual obtained their coronary heart set on one thing earlier than they actually talked to the opposite particular person about it. After which after they’re like, oh, I don’t actually love that colour for the kitchen or no matter, and also you’re like, oh, however I’ve been occupied with it now. I’ve already pinned 50 photographs which have this kitchen colour. And so that you type of really feel like they’re, stopping this factor that was already in your coronary heart. So I’d say earlier than you get to that section the place you’re nonetheless type of loosely holding issues, you possibly nonetheless have some like odd stuff within the total board and also you’re beginning to name it down, then I’d deliver them in in order that principally nobody’s getting their coronary heart set earlier than another person can veto it. It additionally sucks in case your associate’s actually enthusiastic about one thing and also you’re like, oh, I actually don’t like that, however I can inform that you just’ve been occupied with it. Now. It’s like, oh no. So, simply attempting to keep away from that the place you’ll be able to discuss extra at first and if anybody actually desires one thing or actually hates a sure colour or no matter, then you’ll be able to hopefully uncover that early on after which hold shifting ahead.
Elsie: Yeah, and I feel that it’s simply very regular in a renovating or adorning state of affairs the place one particular person is doing most of it and essentially the most concerned and one particular person shouldn’t be very concerned, that there are gonna be these moments the place there are misunderstandings or there’s like, oh, however why would we choose that? Or, however I like that, you already know, and that’s tremendous regular. It’s like type of nothing to fret about. I feel simply being ready to indicate plenty of examples is a very powerful factor. So we’ve made the pin board, and I’ll say after you’ve got the board, it’s essential to place it on a, like make a temper board with it. So a few methods to do that. The simplest one is you could possibly simply put it in a folder in your cellphone and take a screenshot of the folder and you then’d have a simple do nothing temper board which you could refer again to. One other solution to do it’s to make use of Canva, which works rather well. We use it for work. And one other factor is Photoshop, I really feel like Photoshop is turning into type of like for those who already knew the way to use it, you already know, however folks aren’t studying it for the primary time as a lot. Is that true? Like individuals are studying different issues?
Emma: I don’t know. I already know the way to use it, so I are likely to gravitate in the direction of it, however for those who’ve by no means used something, Canva may be very simple to make use of.
Elsie: Canvas is less complicated than Photoshop. However whichever one, truthfully. And there are in all probability additionally one million different apps and I don’t assume now we have an app that may make collages in that manner, however I do know there are lots of. So anyway, make some kind of a temper board and that is going that can assist you a lot. So the following step is to explain the type of your property in three phrases. And I do know that is form of a tacky train, however I feel that it could assist a lot. So lots of people do phrases like transitional bohemian, eclectic like phrases like that. However I feel additionally you’ll be able to describe extra private issues, the three phrases that I wrote down are cozy, artistic, and bizarre. So I do need it to be cozy. I need it to be principally a Nancy Meyers home, level clean that’s what I need. After which artistic, I wish to have a big designation of Home made and craft. I wanna have an entire pantry for my bakery stuff. I wanna have an entire room for artwork with my children. Like issues like that. It’s a really excessive precedence for me, the artistic dwelling actions that we are able to do. After which bizarre is just about my classic collections that I simply assume {that a} residence shouldn’t be full till you’ve got like brass bugs statues and that simply brings pleasure and texture and it’s form of, humorous, I don’t know. It’s the form of the classic oil work and stuff that’s just like the soul of the house for me.
Emma: Yeah, and I really like the three phrases factor, however I’m gonna supply up another simply because generally I really feel like that may develop into actually summary and possibly you’re wanting one thing just a little extra like, you already know, I consider this as your elevator pitch to your residence. So, you’ve met somebody, you’ve got 15 seconds to inform them the way you’re designing your new residence. That is what you’d say, you already know? And I feel the three phrases are the right quantity. However then additionally I consider it like everytime you’re pitching a guide, you do that factor known as comparative titles. So that you say, my guide is clean and clean. So that you choose two various things and also you match them collectively. So for a house you could possibly, it could possibly be one thing like, my House is the downtown correct resort meets its sophisticated kitchen. So that you simply say, I’m smashing these two issues collectively. And people are the 2 worlds that I wanna work in.
Elsie: Oh my gosh, I really like that. Okay, I’m gonna do this one as effectively.
Emma: Yeah, comparative titles, however it’s simply comparative areas as a result of it’s not titled, clearly.
Elsie: I’m Gonna Do My Dream House is the Spooky Mansion from Knives Out combined with the comfortable colonial revival from Father of the bride.
Emma: That’s how I’d truthfully describe your home. Instantly, I’m like, yeah, your home is the Knives Out home and the Father Of The Bride home. It truly is a mashup of these two issues, which is actually humorous and cute and comfy and spooky and enjoyable.
Elsie: The dream, okay, that one is enjoyable. This step can also be one other solution to absolutely decide to the aesthetic, and I simply wanna remind you that it’s so regular to produce other aesthetics that you just love even virtually as a lot because the one you picked. However you continue to have to select one or else it’s going to be difficult to make all the things move collectively. However I feel one a part of designing a dream house is deciding what it’s and actually absolutely committing to that. Okay, we’re attending to the enjoyable half. So step quantity six is to decide on a colour scheme, so selecting a colour scheme I imagine is a very powerful a part of making a cohesive residence. I really assume you may get away with floundering in your type loads simpler than you’ll be able to flounder in your colour scheme. I feel that for those who keep inside a colour scheme, even when your type is, quote-unquote eclectic, the place it’s like a mix of so many various kinds. You actually haven’t dedicated to something. In the event you keep inside the colour scheme, you’ll be able to nonetheless end up with a room that’s like bizarre, attention-grabbing and works collectively. For anybody who has issues with dedication, that is the important, most essential step, and I utterly perceive loving 100 completely different colours. However I feel narrowing it right down to a scheme of colours, you’ll be able to nonetheless have 100, however all of them have to suit collectively on the identical temper board.
Emma: Yeah, like what number of colours do you advocate? And I really feel like a whole lot of instances once I see temper boards you’ve made, or simply different issues from the web, there’s three which can be like large. You get a giant swatch after which there are these smaller ones which can be type of just like the complimenting accent colours. If somebody’s like, I actually don’t know what number of colours to select, or no matter. So what could be your advice for that particular person?
Elsie: So I consider the colour scheme because it’s very unfastened and I just about by no means fear about getting the precise colour. I feel it’s useful for paint, particularly for those who’re gonna paint in your house , all earlier than you progress in. In the event you’re gonna rent a painter and also you’re gonna should make a whole lot of choices rapidly, then it’s in all probability good to have, I’d say like 4 to 6 paint colours the place you’ve got two whites and 4 or so colours which can be enjoyable colours or accent colour, moody colours, no matter your theme is. However actually it’s simply staying with issues that match inside your scheme. Finally, it’s not likely prefer it at all times colour matching precisely. If we’re doing the earthy moody tones, that’s one factor. If we’re doing the brilliant, cheerful, pop of colour with a whole lot of white, that’s one other factor. And people two kinds wouldn’t actually play effectively collectively in the identical residence, you type of have to decide on your path.
Emma: Yeah, even understanding the tone, like that is gonna be extra earthy, or I’m going with extra like jewel tones. Prefer it’s actually emerald inexperienced, however it could possibly be darkish. It could possibly be mild, however it’s not essentially extra of an earthy, muddy inexperienced. You recognize? That might be a distinct vibe.
Elsie: I feel it’s virtually cool to think about your property as like a film set or one thing like that, the place it’s like now we have completely different scenes and there are completely different emotions. And you’ll have a room that’s very shiny in a room that’s very darkish, however you continue to need the colours to enrich one another and also you simply don’t need them to really feel like they’re from completely different film units. I love to do in all probability like 10 colours although, simply to really feel like I’ve some freedom. After which after, let’s discuss what occurs after you’ve dedicated while you discover one thing that simply doesn’t match as a result of that’s at all times gonna be a factor that occurs. So you’ve got dedicated to your colour scheme, however then there’s you already know a launch at Goal the place they, come out with all this actually cool yellow stuff. It’s like actually shiny and enjoyable and it’s like, oh, possibly I may simply, you already know? You must commit. That is the factor, that is a very powerful factor.
Emma: And even worse, there’s a giant sale, and it’s so near the colour you wished, however it’s on sale. That’s the place I get trapped, the place I’m like, oh, it’s such a great worth. And it’s like, Emma, it doesn’t match with what you’re doing.
Elsie: Yeah, I kinda assume you simply have to select your little color-storied universe and keep inside that universe and evolve in the direction of that aim, not away from it. You’ll find so some ways to discover colour inside your palette when you’ve dedicated to it. You’ll at all times discover if there’s a development you want or one thing new that comes up, you’ll at all times discover a solution to work it in. Don’t fear about that, however I feel you simply don’t wanna get issues that don’t match with it. Let’s discuss a number of the benefits. So for those who do that, then after a 12 months or two on zero finances, you’ll be able to transfer issues round and swap issues from throughout your home and just about redecorate your complete residence simply by swapping, and all the things matches. To me, that is like the last word money-saving hack.
Emma: Yeah, I agree. I additionally assume if wanted, you’ll be able to tailor or tweak your colour scheme, the perfect one which is likely to be in your head in the direction of issues in your house that possibly you’ll be able to’t change or don’t plan to alter. So for those who had a rest room that was already filled with tile that you just didn’t plan to alter, you prefer it, possibly it wasn’t what you’d’ve picked, however you don’t wanna rip all of it out, it’s not price it to you. Then you could possibly tweak it to work with that too. I’d take into consideration these issues as you choose the colour scheme versus attempting to love force-fit one thing with an current function that possibly simply isn’t gonna work.
Elsie: Yeah, no, I agree with that. That’s referring again to the 1st step. Let the house communicate to you. There’s at all times one thing about your property that may be a standout function that you just wanna spotlight and one thing about your property that may be a problem that you just wish to reduce, and you’ll undoubtedly use your colours and your furnishings to do these issues.
Emma: I feel too for those who’re feeling like kinda bummed about one thing this the place you’re like, oh, it’s limiting, that is simply, you already know, telling me what I can’t do. I’d undoubtedly reframe it in your thoughts. Cuz I feel it’s extra pondering of it like, the colour scheme’s gonna assist me from making errors from shopping for one thing that’s possibly costly that isn’t gonna work and I’m gonna remorse it. It’s not that it’s a limitation that’s like holding you again. It’s a device that’s serving to you craft the house that you really want.
Elsie: 100% utterly agree. So that is my favourite step out of all the things. You’re gonna love this step. That is when you already know that you just’ve virtually made it and it turns into like actually gratifying. So that you get to spend your evening ordering paint samples. To start with, it’s also possible to simply run to the shop and choose them up. Tile samples, materials, swatches, and wallpaper samples. So something that you just assume you would possibly use, attempt to get a pattern of it, after which if you may get gadgets that characterize the colour. I don’t personally like normally purchase only one piece of {hardware} as a result of I don’t know. I simply haven’t completed that. However one thing that represents the colour of the {hardware}, the forms of, like I at all times put like a number of of little brass gadgets in with mine simply cuz I do know I like loads. I feel it’s a giant assortment that I’ve. The colour that you’d use for a body, issues like that. And attempt to simply put all of them out in your desk and take a look at all of them collectively and see. I feel you’ll be able to inform from it if that is like the sensation and the quantity of texture and the quantity of climate you wish to be like busier, clear. Like you may get a really feel for for those who’re on the fitting path simply from this pattern procuring.
Emma: It’s actually price it as a result of I’ve undoubtedly had a number of instances simply once we renovated this home that I’m dwelling in now, I purchased a few tile samples and I used to be so glad I did as a result of they didn’t look superb after they got here in. And so I rapidly modified to one thing else trigger I used to be like, this simply isn’t the standard that it appeared like on-line. So I’m actually glad I didn’t purchase an entire bunch of it and simply fill our lavatory with it as a result of I don’t find it irresistible. And there was one other time I purchased an entire bunch of wallpaper samples and the one which I used to be actually leaning in the direction of when it got here in, the pattern was simply kinda blurry, virtually prefer it hadn’t been uploaded accurately or one thing. And so then it was like, I’m not gonna do this one. So I used to be actually glad I didn’t purchase an entire bunch of rolls of it after which be attempting to return it or no matter I’d’ve completed cuz it simply wasn’t fairly there. So I really feel like for those who’re fearful about, like, I don’t wanna purchase all these samples, it’s some huge cash, is that this actually even price it? It’s like, effectively, possibly not, however for me, I’ve had instances the place it saved me some huge cash and heartbreak as a result of I obtained to see it in particular person and it wasn’t fairly what I used to be pondering.
Elsie: I’d say it’s 100% price it to order as many samples as you’ll be able to. Okay, so the final step is, as you renovate, refer again to your temper board and colour scheme. This can hold you on observe, cohesive, and dealing in the direction of your chosen aim. This can enable you resist new tendencies or issues that catch your eye however simply don’t match. It’s really easy, particularly for somebody like me to get distracted by one thing new. But when it’s not what you selected in your lengthy planning section of narrowing down what you really need, then I feel which you could take consolation in the concept you picked this theme and this dream home for a motive. And there’s at all times gonna be different issues which can be good for different homes. Oh, I made some bonus suggestions too. I used to be actually into this. Okay, after which one final thing is that I feel if you end up home procuring after which choosing your theme and stuff, attempt to discover a temper board and inspiration that you just really feel like you’ll be able to develop into over time. One thing that form of surpasses tendencies and surpasses one thing that you just really feel like, I’d’ve cherished this once I was a child. I’d’ve cherished this once I was 20. I feel I’ll love this once I’m 50. One thing that simply kinda is extra deeply linked with it and it doesn’t actually matter what’s happening within the design world proper now as a result of truthfully, the design world is actually annoying. I feel it’s entertaining and enjoyable, but additionally just like the issues which can be, just like the out and in stuff, it could get previous as a result of all of it modifications completely continuously and there’s at all times gonna be like a brand new factor that may be very completely different from what you’re doing that you just nonetheless recognize. It’s not like vogue the place you’ll be able to attempt each development if you would like.
Emma: No, no. It’s loads greater dedication than vogue.
Elsie: Okay, so I did have three bonus suggestions and these are identical to private issues, like issues that from my experiences of attempting to make my very own dream residence, I made my mid-century dream residence. I’m at present making up, I suppose, making up one from scratch for my Nineties McMansion, and sometime sooner or later, I’d hope to do a historic residence, form of like my fantasy residence. So these are my suggestions primarily based on what I’ve realized to date. Tip primary, it’s good to have a minimum of three collections ongoing always. You possibly can inform me for those who agree or disagree. However for me, they’re all classic collections, however they don’t should be all classic. I feel amassing one thing that’s like artwork, one thing that’s leisure, like books or video games and even, I don’t know, I began amassing these like classic cube, classic dominoes, simply I don’t know, fairly issues which can be additionally helpful in your house I feel makes it attention-grabbing. And it’s a decor merchandise in your house that nobody else has. That’s not accessible at Goal that’s prefer it’s particular.
Emma: Additionally, that is very random. When you’ve got collections, it additionally offers folks one thing to purchase you as a result of everybody is aware of that you just gather classic dominoes. Let’s simply say Elsie simply talked about that one. Then if you already know somebody occurs to be at a flea market or someplace they usually see a extremely fairly distinctive domino set, then they know, oh my gosh, this is sort of a actually particular current for Elsie who collects classic dominoes. Simply in case you’re like on the fence I don’t know if I need collections as a result of that’s identical to me getting stuff. It’s simply so you already know, it offers different folks one thing to purchase you, which is definitely kinda good.
Elsie: I do assume that for those who present as much as a birthday celebration with the classic present, you might be so cool. The subsequent tip is to gather private decor. So adorn your property along with your photographs, your recollections, and bizarre little relics out of your travels, like stunning rooms that you just see on the web, on Pinterest. It doesn’t matter how fancy and costly and stylish. It lacks one thing earlier than it has private particulars. There’s an enormous distinction and so I feel you’ll be able to have essentially the most stunning room on the planet, however till they put out their bizarre puzzle or their bizarre guide assortment or one thing like that, it simply doesn’t really feel like a house.
Emma: Yeah. I additionally assume this may be household recollections or journey. It additionally might be issues out of your profession. For instance, the opposite day I saved this verify from my husband’s enterprise, he’s been constructing one thing. However principally, the factor that it made me take into consideration was I actually want I had like my first quote-unquote paycheck from Pink Velvet Artwork, just like the enterprise that Elsie and I personal. You in all probability consider it as a gorgeous mess, however the identify of it’s really Pink Velvet Artwork. And anyway, I don’t even know what it was or how a lot it was or something, it was so way back. However I want I had it, I may body it and have it in my residence and it will imply a lot to me now. So even when little issues like that appear mundane for the time being, they could turn into actually particular later in life. However for those who’re an artist or a graphic designer, like the primary time you bought paid for doing the factor that you just’re enthusiastic about, or your first guide deal. I feel paperwork and checks and issues like that clearly mark out any non-public data or write void on it. However I feel it’s actually particular like these issues might be actually cool too. Issues out of your profession, issues from accomplishments. So I’m occupied with it and wanna do it extra in my life and I simply wanna put it on the market for anybody listening. Dangle up your accomplishments, it’s cool.
Elsie: That’s true. After which one other factor I head down is my grandmother’s glasses, eyeglasses from highschool after which I even have this swimsuit that she wore on her honeymoon. And I’ve been planning that I ought to actually body these as a result of though like I can put on them, it isn’t one thing that I actually do or will put on. And I feel that it will be extra significant and particular. Like I can at all times take it out of the body, however I simply assume it’s one thing cool and issues like which can be extra particular than type of something. After which my final tip is to go away room for magic. So at all times discover a place in each room to do one thing magical or bizarre. So basically every room will get its personal social gathering trick. I feel that there’s something to be stated once we began doing our hidden library, we did debate whether or not or not it was price it as a result of it was financially not price it. Like I feel on paper you could possibly in all probability make a great case that this isn’t price it, it doesn’t add actually any sq. footage, and it doesn’t add any worth. It doesn’t actually add something to our residence moreover like a closet that was the costliest closet of all time. However, now that we did it and when folks come over, I can inform, it’s just like the factor in our residence. It’s the social gathering trick and I’m so glad that we did it. So I feel that leaving just a little little bit of house, doesn’t should be costly, however for issues which can be bizarre and funky and distinctive. I feel that is rather like actually particular.
Emma: Additionally, for those who’re on a finances and you’ll’t construct Elsie’s Hidden Library or Hidden Nia Wardrobe Library, there are all types of choices. No matter suits, like simply purchase a disco ball and put it someplace the place the sunshine hits it at a sure time of day. I swear to God, that can be like greenback for greenback that’s a whole lot of magic for just a little bit of cash. You can even make it, you, there are all types of choices. I at all times lean on, you’re unsure, like one thing with lighting, one thing with lights that you just both activate at evening or that the solar hits in a particular manner. These are simply actually enjoyable little issues to have all through your home, they usually can price virtually nothing. So you already know, that’s an possibility. I additionally assume the magic can come out generally in your collections or within the issues that you just set round the home. Like a extremely particular espresso desk guide. Like I’ve this David Bowie espresso desk guide and anytime folks come over, they at all times flip by way of it and it’s simply principally photographs of him onstage and backstage, like preparing and placing make-up on and the costumes that he would put on and issues like that. And he’s a kind of musicians that may be a actual chameleon. So he has so many various kinds all through the guide and it’s enjoyable.
Elsie: Nicely, I had a lot enjoyable doing the deep dive episode. Make sure to be part of us once more subsequent week. We’re going to replicate on dwelling half our lives offline and half our lives on-line, which I feel is a extremely enjoyable subject. So we’ll be again subsequent week.
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