I know that this is strange to say, but I have always loved the act of moving to a new home. The endless possibilities of decorating an unfamiliar room and adding my personality to it always made the chore of carrying my things in boxes completely worth it. It is an awareness I developed early since, by the age of 15, I had moved 8-9 times. Like many families, we moved in the spring and summer when apartment leases were renewed, and while the tiny New York City apartments my family inhabited were far from impressive, that first night in our new home meant I could finally make my surroundings fabulous. This year has been filled with extraordinary change and has been tumultuous and unusual at best. I cling to the hope that one day in the future, spring and summer may once again be the time when LPI can help families to visualize their new home environments as they embark on an adventure.
At times, the process of designing an entire apartment or house is overwhelming, as each room serves a different purpose, thus making the idea of coordinating its design difficult. Occasionally, before a family even moves in, we help them to visualize a space and take the guesswork out of furnishing and decorating. Planning is the key to creating coordinated spaces that feel welcoming and unique and helps to manage the budget by eliminating the purchase of excess decorative items that will later be stored away or donated.
The casual living room above & below is an example of a space that is in good shape but not to the new owner’s taste. The various openings and the location of the windows mean that the placement of furniture requires careful thought. This room needs to be a comfortable space for the new family to unwind and more reflective of their modern style.
Providing clients with a floor plan of the proposed layout and virtual rendering is key. Prior to choosing the finishes, it is important to know how much furniture will be included in the room, what elements will need to be manufactured, and of course the budget. We created the floor plan and 3D rendering below to demonstrate how this space could be transformed into a wonderfully warm and inviting room that is both functional and modern.
In the model, we added built-in bookcases to either side of the fireplace, creating a dedicated space for the new Frame TV that will double as a work of art when not in use. Updating the floors and the fireplace surround also serve to modernize the space and elevate its look.
Creating a mood board is an important step to further verify the budget. In this living room, we wanted a large sectional in a durable fabric and neutral color. We also included two accent chairs with a brass base and added a lovely Serena & Lily floor lamp to create a dedicated area where the clients can read or relax. As per their request, we included a small writing desk and chair in this room as well. We framed the large windows with linen curtains (in classy pinch pleats!) to really make a statement and add a soft touch to the room. My favorite piece is this amazing rug, the Deven, from Magnolia as it makes such a difference and ties into the room’s classic vibes.
When we want to offer our clients additional choices for a particular element in the room, we create design boards with options that vary in style and price. In this case, we created a board for the picture lights that will be installed above the bookcases and for the floor lamp.
The final part of the package? A budget that itemizes each furniture piece and decor item to provide the future homeowners with a clear idea of the total cost, allowing them the freedom to choose how much to alter at the start of the project and which aspects of it can wait until a later date.
If you liked this E-Design project and are interested in seeing more just like it, let us know in the comment section below. We love taking on these virtual projects as it allows our clients to work at their own pace and to continue to stay safe at home. We would love to share more of these with you – our audience.
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