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Cabin fever is real.
BEND. THE. SLURRY.
Chief
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Pro
Here’s a few things I have done over the years
1. Asked them what they wanted help with (organizing, layout of furniture, uncomfortable or old furniture
2. Asked them what type of style they like
3. Used Pinterest as a reference
4. Small steps like rearranging the furniture so it can be easily undone if they hate it
Pro
I’m going to sound like an ass when I say this but I’m pretty good at it, due partially to being naturally inclined and experienced e.g. I’m in my mid 40s, have made some decorating mistakes and have spent time looking at decorating sites eg. Apartment Therapy, Remodelista, Pinterest.
So while I don’t use a template/room planner, here are the things I’ve learned to think about before rearranging things.
First and foremost, what is the room used for?
Does it have a lot of traffic, is it for conversation; studying, tv watching?
Get a basic understanding of how the room is structured: where sun comes in and when; where light and electric fixtures are.
Are there any pieces of furniture that are beloved? My dad has this one chair he has had for years and it’s always got to be in a certain place. But the last time I rearranged the living room, I did it so he would then have the couch facing him when he was in the chair and talking to people.
Also, anything that isn’t used much? Is it because its uncomfortable, broken or not well made? If so It might be time to get rid of it.
Based on all of that, you want to create a space that is easy to move around, visually and physically.
@OP - here are some basic things you can do without fucking everything up:
- less stuff: a cluttered home looks dated. you can have a smaller amount of old things placed nicely, and it’ll look sooooo much better.
- organize: start with the above thing, then start organizing where everything goes. chances are, they’ve frankensteined stuff over the years, piling them on top of each other and “finding a spot”. take this as an opportunity to create visual focus and again, less stuff.
- light: you’d be amazed at what the right amount of light can do. natural light is best (remove things obscuring windows), but then think about the right lamps in the right spots.
- openness: along with the organization of stuff, organize the furniture so you create more open space. it’s not always the most appealing thing, but arrange furniture so that there’s a flow to the room and less of pieces cutting off areas (like a couch floating in the middle of the room, unless it helps the space).
- walls: a little more work, but if there’s wallpaper, take it down and paint. you’d be amazed at what that does.
- overall lightness: if it’s anything like my parents old place, everything was beige and dark. they painted and got lighter furniture (with some previous darker accent pieces) and it modernized it a lot.
hope it helps!
that’s always the issue. they likely don’t need as much stuff in there as they’ve got. convince them to right-size the amount they’ve got.
Chief
First most important question: do your parents think they need a home makeover?
You can makeover my place.
Most modern new construction homes are all “open concept” where you’ve got the sofa, tv, dining and kitchen all in one big room. Your parents “grandma house” was ahead of its time 😉
Haha you’re right! I don’t mind the layout, but it just looks very disorganized and lacks coziness! It’s weird because it’s so tiny, but still not cozy!
EDIT: looks like some people are really twisting things around a little. I don’t know why I have to give this background, but here it is: my parents have talked about changing up the house for YEARS but they never follow through because they’re the type of people who are “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” and “bang for your buck”. They won’t do it unless someone kickstarts the process. I’m back home during quarantine, and thought I can take the lead on this and help freshen things up since I’m young and have the money.
Please stop making negative assumptions about me! Hate that I even had to give this back story, but please let’s stick to the original post! 🥺☹️😔
Thanks D1 ☺️ looks like I have some things I need to work on.
I will take a look at wayfair...thank you!!
Enthusiast
why has no one said how weird it is for OP to force a makeover on their parents house versus just getting a place to stay of their own?
It might be easier to start with a professional organizer rather than a full redesign. They probably have a lot of clutter. Clearing it out will make the house feel bigger. So will a fresh coat of paint.
Hire an interior designer. I made the mistake of beginning to redecorate a house without one and would have saved a lot of time and money (and happiness) the other way!
What did they do differently?
Lots of tightly placed cubicles will make you feel right at home.
Haha my office is open layout!
Chief
If you don’t know what to do, I agree that you should get help. There are even online blogger types who will do a design for you and source items. Cheaper than a real decorator. If you have style and are capable, you can do it yourself...but if you were those things you’d not have asked this question!
Haha I have the worst style 🙈 my family (me included) doesnt have an eye for design 🙈
Assuming it is now your house and you can make these changes ... most home decor stores nowadays offer free design services. Pick one you like— for example, West Elm— and they will help you choose paint colors and a few pieces to transform your space, better define spaces in open concept, etc.
If you get the store credit card you can save a good bit, get some rewards freebies, etc.
Sherwin Williams stores also give really good paint advice for free.
There are also some online/app decor services but I have never tried one.
Decorators can be very expensive, or difficult to to find the right one for you. Worth it, though, if you have zero vision or DIY skill.
Here’s an example (if WE isn’t your thing, other stores like PB, Z gallerie, living spaces, etc all do this). https://www.westelm.com/m/pages/style-and-service/
Modsy is the online service I was thinking of before. It looks promising.
Either way, download the Houzz app and start curating photos that you love. It will help give anyone who helps you a sense of what you like.
First you need to select. 1/3 of all your parents stuff and make a pile of everything and get rid of it. You hire the junk haul people. Once you’ve done that come back for advice.
Yep, they’ll be thrilled! ☺️