Episode #168: Design Your Dream Dwelling – Deep Dive

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 own home.

You’ll find the podcast posts archive right here.

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Present Notes:

7 Tricks to Design Your Dream Dwelling:

1. Let the house converse to you

• Analysis the period of your own home.
• Discover iconic houses (even buildings/eating places) from this period.
• Turn out to be an knowledgeable in such a residence: what makes it particular, what supplies are sometimes used, craftsmanship, and unique options that stand out from that point. 

2. Outline the sensation you need your own home 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 need to really feel consolation from?

3. Outline the features of how you utilize your own home and the way it can assist your way of life objectives

• Think about your own home in all 4 seasons, as your kids 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 the whole lot that draws you.
• Return by way of and delete the oddball pins till you see cohesion in your scroll by way of.

5. Describe the model to your residence in three phrases 

• Decide three phrases that describe the model you’re going for.

6. Select a colour scheme

• Accumulate paint, tile, and material swatches.
• Order wallpaper samples and small decor objects that assist your model.

7. As you renovate, refer again to your temper board and colour scheme

• This retains you on observe, cohesive, and dealing towards a selected objective and resists new traits.

Bonus ideas: 

1. You want no less than three collections which can be ongoing.
2. Accumulate private decor.
3. Adorning with recollections, pictures, relics from travels, and so on.
4. Go away 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 Stunning Mess Podcast, your cozy consolation hear. 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 own home.

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 we now have constructed an even bigger library, it’s turn into sort 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 sort of mix the whole lot, like all of our recommendation about designing a dream residence into one mega episode that you may re-listen to it subsequent time you’re shifting. I act like that’s like a standard factor that everybody’s like, oh, simply, you realize, the subsequent time you get a brand new pair of sneakers otherwise you transfer.

Emma: Some individuals transfer lots. Some individuals transfer much more than us. I imply, it actually depends upon your life.

Elsie: That’s true. After I was in my twenties, I moved like each six months to a brand new condominium. 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 actually, suggest doing all seven. If you’re, 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 have got a house that you just like, however you don’t like it such as you really feel prefer it’s simply not personalised in the best way that you just dream of it being. Anybody in any of these conditions can use this. I believe it really works for, you realize, your first condominium and it will possibly additionally work to your quote unquote, ceaselessly residence. Though we don’t consider in Eternally Houses. 

Emma: No, we don’t. But additionally, I don’t know if we now have anybody who listens, who’s very younger. You understand, 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 plenty of these tricks to you possibly can apply to totally different areas of artwork, like let’s say vogue. And I simply assume it’s like a enjoyable pastime to get like enthusiastic about various things and even like houses that you just’re by no means gonna reside in, however you research it and it’s simply enjoyable. I really feel that means about vogue and different issues too, the place it’s like, there are specific issues that I’m simply by no means gonna put on or purchase, however I nonetheless wish to learn about what designers are popping out with and the way the development is, you realize, similar 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 believe this might be enjoyable. You possibly can additionally use this in case you are designing one room. You are able to do this entire 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 whenever you transfer, it looks as if that’s the best focus of obligatory purchases rapidly, and it’s simple to make errors. So particularly the half concerning the colour scheme, it’s simply so useful and so useful. I used to be not too long ago at a household dinner over the vacations and somebody who I hadn’t seen in 10 years was there, and so they 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 like it. I like it, I stand by it. However I believe that could be a drawback whenever you simply love the whole lot 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 special means, and you then really feel like you must change the whole lot on a regular basis. I believe 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 executed a colour scheme? 

Emma: Yeah, sort of. I imply, yeah, I’d say sure. However I don’t assume I’ve fairly as dangerous of like FOMO as you in life usually. As a result of I do really feel like that’s a chunk of it with design. As a result of I do have a few of course, so like I believe everybody has it, someplace, you realize, properly we’ll speak about this extra, however such as you begin to put issues in your pin board that’s actually not like they’re sort of wild playing cards, however you like them. After which, I don’t know, I believe generally it may be actually arduous to sort 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 realize? 

Elsie: Proper. Yeah. No, I believe that’s very true. I believe that you just’re extra decisive and also you’re extra similar to usually okay with like, you sort of have extra of a like, I don’t care. It’s all a great sort of perspective. And I don’t have that in any respect. All proper, so let’s leap into the information. I’ve tried to place these so as. , the primary tip is to let the house converse 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 believe it’s actually vital to analysis the kind of residence that you’ve got and discover the form of to fall in love with it. I do know it’s not at all times possibly potential for like should you’re shifting into a house that simply wasn’t the house you’d’ve picked in any respect. Such as you had a special factor in thoughts, however this residence had like a greater location or a greater value, or, you realize. However I believe it’s essential to only do no matter you possibly can to get enthusiastic about the best way your own home was meant to be. Just like the arrow was constructed within the model of structure. You may actually fall down a rabbit gap. So there are houses which can be extra versatile like should you’re shifting into an condominium constructing that’s form of like, say it’s a two-bedroom condominium with one rest room and an open kitchen and it’s fairly like vanilla. That is sort of a very versatile model of residence and just like the model of residence I reside in now, that’s a nineties McMansion. It’s additionally very versatile as a result of it’s like, sort of like nobody cares. Such as you don’t must honor the historical past of it. I believe you possibly can form of work out what model and what period they had been attempting to emulate once they constructed it, however that’s concerning the closest you may get. After which there are different houses like mid-century residence that was constructed within the fifties or the sixties or historic residence. And should you transfer into a kind of, it might be form of such as you’re swimming in opposition to a lazy river should you attempt to adorn it in a totally totally different model than what it was meant to be, you won’t be proud of the end result and it would end up dangerous. 

Emma: I believe that’s one factor that I take into consideration. So I used to be on the, you realize 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 they’d a very lovely residence yesterday that it’s a Frank Lloyd Wright, one of many final houses 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 possibly can think about. So clearly I’d by no means purchase it. It’s not one thing in my price range, however I used to be simply taking a look at it. However the factor I saved considering as I used to be taking a look at it, apart from what a breathtakingly lovely residence, I’d love to remain there for an Airbnb expertise, however I used to be like, you actually wouldn’t really feel comfy altering sure features of it. As a result of should you’ve ever seen a Frank Lloyd Wright residence and there are different designers who design this fashion, it’s fairly particular. And should you had been to go in and actually change sure elements of it, just like the shelving, it wouldn’t make any sense. I’m not saying it will be incorrect, I’m simply saying it will be actually bizarre like I don’t really feel like should you purchase that sort of residence, you’re feeling like you can also make these. So I suppose what I’m attempting to say is a few houses are actually particular and possibly it’s good to even take into consideration if you would like that sort of factor, or if you realize you need one thing far more clean. And once more like Elsie mentioned, you might not at all times have a selection cuz you might be on a deadline and a price range and there’s solely a lot accessible within the space you’re shifting to. However it’s only a good factor to consider. When you do have the choice. 

Elsie: Sure. So listed below are a few of my strategies for researching your sort of residence. To start with, discover films which have units which can be much like forms of houses 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 realize? And it’s so enjoyable to only sit there and write down all the precise little charming issues that they did of their film set model of the house that you possibly can incorporate in tears. One other thought is to order previous books. So most kinds of structure have many, many books accessible and I often get them from thrift books. So it’s very reasonably priced. Yeah, So discover out what model of structure your own home is, after which order as many books as you possibly can on that model. And I believe the actually cool factor about this, particularly for mid-century houses and older ones, is that you may find out about what individuals had been doing on the time to brighten and furnish the houses. And that’s gonna be actually useful for you cuz it’s one thing that you may emulate the issues about it that you just assume is particular. You may modernize it or replace it to your style or your colours ultimately whereas nonetheless getting impressed by what they’d’ve executed 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 unique 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 elements of the house that, you realize, 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 recommend 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 wish to freak out, you realize, just like the pocket doorways and all these forms of issues. Okay, so the second tip is to outline the sensation you need your own home to embody. So that is tremendous vital and I think about this one a journaling train. So get out your journal, and I’ll let you know the whole lot 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, regardless of how particular or regardless of how random they appear that added to that area. After which the opposite factor is what areas have you ever been in that form of fell quick for you and why? So should you’re doing a mid-century home, I speak about mid-century homes lots cuz I had two of them and yeah, historic houses. That’s like my foremost, the principle homes that I’ve expertise with. I suppose additionally the nineties McMansion. So I believe that, with mid-century, I’d journal concerning the Parker Lodge in Palm Springs. It has the whole lot, it’s just like the decor, the sensation, the fireplaces, even all the way down to the small print just like the painted brick and the ceramics and the server, you realize, the dishes that they use to serve breakfast and like simply the whole lot is form of good 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 in need of that feeling and that magic. So I can determine, why, how, and what are the variations. And I believe that’s the sort of journaling train I’d encourage you to do. After which additionally to only 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 need to really feel consolation from? What’s it concerning the residence that will convey you that immense feeling of being at residence? So possibly it’s the kitchen, possibly it’s a sure sort of sofa, a sure sort of like comfy seating. Perhaps it’s like a puzzle out in your eating room desk. There is usually 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 we now have our journals out and we’re journaling. When you assume you’re going to be in a house for a really lengthy time frame, and naturally, as everyone knows, it’s unimaginable to know the longer term until you have 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 subsequent 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 yr and also you’re enthusiastic about that, no matter. Then I’d additionally, sort 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 canines and youngsters and different issues in life, you realize, they arrive with stuff. We’re gonna speak about operate within the subsequent level. However I believe there’s additionally this sense of residence and household. Nevertheless, you outline that, and that may come out by way of decor and stuff you purchase and colours you decide, and I’d be fascinated with what it’s you need in that sense too. 

Elsie: Yeah. I really like that. So quantity three is to outline the features of how you utilize your own home and the way it can assist your way of life objectives. So this one I’d actually spend a while on and I’d make a room-by-room record. And I believe it’s vital to think about you’re residence in all 4 seasons. Think about your own home if in case you have kids, think about your kids 5 years older than they’re now. Issues like that as a result of existence can drastically change in your children’ youthful years of life, as everyone knows. Simply actually record out room by room the way you see your self dwelling there. And I believe step one in direction of having a dream residence and likewise a dream way of life, I suppose, is simply determining what you even need it to be.

Emma: Yeah, and I believe too, like at this level, the outline the features time it’s additionally actually vital 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, properly you possibly can if it simply makes you cheerful to see that within the nook, cool and if in case you have the area for it, alright. You understand? However possibly it will’ve been higher to do one thing else should you might have been just a little extra sincere with what you actually do need 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, properly you would possibly as properly have made it a comfy film room as a result of it’s simply no less than you then’ll use it. You understand? When you by no means ever entertain, you don’t want a giant sprawling eating room. 

Elsie: I believe that’s an ideal 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 area close to our eating room and lounge. So you possibly can 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 might see it on a regular basis. Within the meantime, for like 5 or 6 years, we had a visitor bed room that I believe acquired used possibly twice. And in direction of the tip 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 friends that usually, and it’s sort of annoying that I can’t have a gathering with out my canines barking always, or I really feel the stress to maintain my workplace actually clear although there are days you simply barely get your work executed earlier than It’s time’s up. You don’t have time to place the whole lot away on a regular basis. And my work might be sort of messy generally cuz I make issues. So anyway, I simply sort of notice I’m not prioritizing what I actually do on a regular basis and as an alternative I had this concept of oh, individuals are gonna go to us lots and it’s like, properly that’d be good. I like it when individuals go to. However the reality is that they simply didn’t after a yr or two that will’ve been fairly apparent and I used to be like, properly, we don’t want this visitor’s bed room as a result of no one 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 houses, 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 longer term. And what are your most used areas as a result of yeah, clearly for us, ceaselessly, 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 an alternative 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 rather more vital to me to have a giant residence workplace that was good and felt inventive than to have a TV or no matter and we simply watch TV in mattress for these years. No matter. You understand, individuals do what they must do. Yeah, I believe that’s a very good level. I do defend to the loss of life that regardless of how large your own home is, you possibly can and may use all of it repeatedly, and if there is part of it that you just simply by no means use, then change the operate, undoubtedly. So yeah, defining the features I believe is without doubt one of the most vital steps as a result of particularly whenever 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 greatest errors I made in my entire life, that precipitated me to have to maneuver in a short time was considering that I didn’t want a delegated workplace.

And it simply occurred to be earlier than the pandemic hit, and I discovered in a short time that was Not simply not wholesome, not superb, however it was really like on the road of not potential for me. I couldn’t do my job within the area that we had been in. So I believe 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 way of life treats, stuff you need to do extra of, issues just like the particular person you need to turn into. 

Emma: Yeah, and I believe too that is the brainstorming and dreaming and a few of it’s gonna turn into actual, however as everyone knows, as a result of we’re adults, life is stuffed with trade-offs. So you might not get each single factor, that’s simply how life works, however no less than it’s gonna allow you to perceive the priorities and what you need to attempt for. And also you in all probability received’t get the whole lot, nobody will get the whole lot. Elsie and I don’t get the whole lot 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 realize, what are the highest priorities? How can I work in 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 the whole lot and that’s okay too.

Elsie: So yeah, I believe you might be very inventive too should you want room to operate in two or three or 4 methods, these issues are all potential as properly. As an individual who spent my youthful years finding out IKEA catalogs, I can let you know there are such a lot of other ways. The entire IKEA catalog within the early two 1000’s was like, how you can make a one-room condominium do all of the issues in your entire life. Yeah. And it’s so fascinating and actually cool how a lot you can also make out of 1 area. So let’s transfer on to tip quantity 4. We’re stepping into extra design and stuff. Step one is to create a pin board, and I imply a pin board. So if in case you have time, if you realize you’re gonna transfer in, Six months or a yr, or three months, I believe you have got time. I’ve a pinboard that has over a thousand pins on it. That’s really sort of extreme, however it’s been a great inventive train for me to actually, actually work out what I would like. So I believe pinning each single factor that draws 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 pc since you mentioned you had a thousand and I used to be like I guess mine’s hilariously smaller and I actually have 21 pictures 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 the whole lot that draws us and doesn’t take into consideration why. Pinning, I believe it will possibly turn into very intuitive the place you’re simply going off of the sensation that the photograph offers you. So in a while you should use extra discretion, and I’ll train you ways to do this too. However at first, you’re simply gonna gather the whole lot. You too can do a folder if you would like. I’d recommend both a pin board or a folder in your desktop. When you’re an individual who simply solely makes use of your cellphone, you possibly can additionally do a folder in your cellphone, or you possibly can additionally do a favorites folder in your Instagram. It’s simply sort of like no matter you utilize. For me, pinning is the most effective as a result of I simply really feel like I can see extra choices for the whole lot suddenly, it’s simpler to search out and navigate for me. So then the subsequent step after you have got your big pin board is to, I wish to let undergo my large pin board and simply pull it out right into a folder on my desktop similar to my prime picks. 

Emma: That’s what I’ve, that’s what my folder on my desktop is. It’s simply the 20 pictures. It’s simply the like last, we’re making the home appear to be 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 special home. Get it to the purpose the place your entire 21 footage or extra, appear to be they might be from the identical home, this is essential. That is the method of defining what model you’re going to decide to. As a result of in case you are like me and you like sort of like each totally different model, you’ll have a hell of a time adorning should you haven’t dedicated down just a little bit to a mode and a colour scheme. And should you do the dedication, you’ll really have the ability to focus and create a house that’s cohesive and the place you don’t waste issues or change your thoughts lots. In order that’s the subsequent step. 

Emma: And in addition, I really feel like that is the stage the place in case you are designing a house with somebody, so you have got a ceaselessly roommate, a husband, a associate who’s gonna reside with you, and so they’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. Mainly, you possibly can sort of get their buy-off. Or should you’re about to take away a few of the oddballs however they love them, then that is likely to be sort of informative. It is likely to be like, you realize what, possibly I’ll lean just a little extra in that route. As a result of it is a good stage to sort of be like, we’re not making the million particular choices we’re gonna must make all through the home. However should you like this general folder of 21 pictures that I’ve put collectively, you then’re gonna like plenty of these little choices like what {hardware} I’m gonna decide for this or that, you realize, all of the little issues and you may sort 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 believe that it’s a good time to do this as properly. And each associate’s totally different. We get plenty of questions on this, and I believe that if in case you have a associate who seems like they want or need to be equally concerned, then you need to undoubtedly allow them to. I do you assume it’s lots simpler if in case you have a associate like I’ve the place they’re like, appears to be like nice, you realize? However I additionally assume that’s one thing that modified over time, we constructed belief over time. It wasn’t like that at first of our relationship, however now that we’ve executed so many homes collectively, he sort 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, no less than in my life that has occurred, it’s as a result of anyone acquired their coronary heart set on one thing earlier than they actually talked to the opposite particular person about it. After which once 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 fascinated with it now. I’ve already pinned 50 pictures which have this kitchen colour. And so that you sort 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 sort of loosely holding issues, you possibly nonetheless have some like odd stuff within the general board and also you’re beginning to name it down, then I’d convey 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 fascinated with it. Now. It’s like, oh no. So, simply attempting to keep away from that the place you possibly can speak extra to start with and if anybody actually desires one thing or actually hates a sure colour or no matter, then you possibly can hopefully uncover that early on after which preserve shifting ahead. 

Elsie: Yeah, and I believe 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 will not be very concerned, that there are gonna be these moments the place there are misunderstandings or there’s like, oh, however why would we decide that? Or, however I like that, you realize, and that’s tremendous regular. It’s like sort of nothing to fret about. I believe simply being ready to indicate numerous examples is crucial factor. So we’ve made the pin board, and I’ll say after you have got the board, it’s vital to place it on a, like make a temper board with it. So a few methods to do that. The best one is you possibly can simply put it in a folder in your cellphone and take a screenshot of the folder and you then’d have a straightforward do nothing temper board that you may refer again to. One other approach 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 sort of like should you already knew how you can use it, you realize, however individuals 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 how you can use it, so I are likely to gravitate in direction of it, however should you’ve by no means used something, Canva could be very simple to make use of. 

Elsie: Canvas is less complicated than Photoshop. However whichever one, actually. And there are in all probability additionally 1,000,000 different apps and I don’t assume we now have an app that may make collages in that means, however I do know there are numerous. So anyway, make some sort of a temper board and that is going that can assist you a lot. So the subsequent step is to explain the model of your own home in three phrases. And I do know that is form of a tacky train, however I believe that it will possibly assist a lot. So lots of people do phrases like transitional bohemian, eclectic like phrases like that. However I believe additionally you possibly can describe extra private issues, the three phrases that I wrote down are cozy, inventive, and peculiar. So I do need it to be cozy. I would like it to be principally a Nancy Meyers home, level clean that’s what I would like. After which inventive, I need to have a big designation of Do-it-yourself and craft. I wanna have a complete pantry for my bakery stuff. I wanna have a complete room for artwork with my children. Like issues like that. It’s a really excessive precedence for me, the inventive dwelling actions that we are able to do. After which bizarre is just about my classic collections that I simply assume {that a} residence will not be full till you have 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 an alternate simply because generally I really feel like that may turn into actually summary and possibly you’re wanting one thing just a little extra like, you realize, I consider this as your elevator pitch to your residence. So, you’ve met somebody, you have got 15 seconds to inform them the way you’re designing your new residence. That is what you’d say, you realize? And I believe the three phrases are the right quantity. However then additionally I consider it like everytime you’re pitching a ebook, you do that factor referred to as comparative titles. So that you say, my ebook is clean and clean. So that you decide two various things and also you match them collectively. So for a house you possibly can, it might be one thing like, my House is the downtown correct lodge meets its difficult 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 try this one as properly. 

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 blended with the comfy colonial revival from Father of the bride. 

Emma: That’s how I’d actually describe your own home. Instantly, I’m like, yeah, your own home is the Knives Out home and the Father Of The Bride home. It truly is a mashup of these two issues, which is basically humorous and cute and comfortable and spooky and enjoyable. 

Elsie: The dream, okay, that one is enjoyable. This step can be one other approach to totally decide to the aesthetic, and I simply wanna remind you that it’s so regular to produce other aesthetics that you just love even nearly as a lot because the one you picked. However you continue to have to choose one or else it’ll be difficult to make the whole lot move collectively. However I believe one a part of designing a dream house is deciding what it’s and actually totally 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 consider is crucial a part of making a cohesive residence. I really assume you may get away with floundering in your model lots simpler than you possibly can flounder in your colour scheme. I believe that should you keep inside a colour scheme, even when your model is, quote-unquote eclectic, the place it’s like a combination of so many various kinds. You actually haven’t dedicated to something. When you keep inside the colour scheme, you possibly can 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 vital step, and I utterly perceive loving 100 totally different colours. However I believe narrowing it all the way down to a scheme of colours, you possibly can 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 suggest? And I really feel like plenty 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 sort of just like the complimenting accent colours. If somebody’s like, I actually don’t know what number of colours to choose, or no matter. So what could be your suggestion for that particular person? 

Elsie: So I consider the colour scheme because it’s very free and I just about by no means fear about getting the precise colour. I believe it’s useful for paint, particularly should you’re gonna paint in your house suddenly, all earlier than you progress in. When you’re gonna rent a painter and also you’re gonna must make plenty of choices rapidly, then it’s in all probability good to have, I’d say like 4 to 6 paint colours the place you have 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 intense, cheerful, pop of colour with plenty of white, that’s one other factor. And people two kinds wouldn’t actually play properly collectively in the identical residence, you sort 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 might be darkish. It might be mild, however it’s not essentially extra of an earthy, muddy inexperienced. You understand? That may be a special vibe.

Elsie: I believe it’s nearly cool to think about your own home as like a film set or one thing like that, the place it’s like we now have totally different scenes and there are totally different emotions. And you may have a room that’s very brilliant in a room that’s very darkish, however you continue to need the colours to enhance one another and also you simply don’t need them to really feel like they’re from totally 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 speak about what occurs after you’ve dedicated whenever 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 have got dedicated to your colour scheme, however then there’s you realize a launch at Goal the place they, come out with all this actually cool yellow stuff. It’s like actually brilliant and enjoyable and it’s like, oh, possibly I might simply, you realize? You must commit. That is the factor, that is crucial factor. 

Emma: And even worse, there’s a giant sale, and it’s so near the colour you needed, however it’s on sale. That’s the place I get trapped, the place I’m like, oh, it’s such a great value. And it’s like, Emma, it doesn’t match with what you’re doing. 

Elsie: Yeah, I kinda assume you simply have to choose your little color-storied universe and keep inside that universe and evolve in direction of that objective, 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 pattern you want or one thing new that comes up, you’ll at all times discover a approach to work it in. Don’t fear about that, however I believe you simply don’t wanna get issues that don’t match with it. Let’s speak about a few of the benefits. So should you do that, then after a yr or two on zero price range, you possibly can transfer issues round and swap issues from throughout your own home and just about redecorate your entire residence simply by swapping, and the whole lot matches. To me, that is like the last word money-saving hack. 

Emma: Yeah, I agree. I additionally assume if wanted, you possibly can tailor or tweak your colour scheme, the best one which is likely to be in your head in direction of issues in your house that possibly you possibly can’t change or don’t plan to alter. So should you 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 value it to you. Then you possibly can tweak it to work with that too. I’d take into consideration these issues as you decide the colour scheme versus attempting to love force-fit one thing with an current characteristic 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 converse to you. There’s at all times one thing about your own home that could be a standout characteristic that you just wanna spotlight and one thing about your own home that could be a problem that you just need to decrease, and you may undoubtedly use your colours and your furnishings to do these issues.

Emma: I believe too should you’re feeling like kinda bummed about one thing this the place you’re like, oh, it’s limiting, that is simply, you realize, telling me what I can’t do. I’d undoubtedly reframe it in your thoughts. Cuz I believe it’s extra considering 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 instrument that’s serving to you craft the area that you really want. 

Elsie: One hundred percent utterly agree. So that is my favourite step out of the whole lot. You’re gonna love this step. That is when you realize that you just’ve nearly 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 decide 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 objects that characterize the colour. I don’t personally like often purchase only one piece of {hardware} as a result of I don’t know. I simply haven’t executed 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 objects in with mine simply cuz I do know I like lots. I believe 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 believe you possibly can inform from it if that is like the sensation and the quantity of texture and the quantity of climate you need to be like busier, clear. Like you may get a really feel for should you’re on the suitable path simply from this pattern purchasing. 

Emma: It’s actually value 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 once 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 seemed like on-line. So I’m actually glad I didn’t purchase a complete bunch of it and simply fill our rest room with it as a result of I don’t like it. And there was one other time I purchased a complete bunch of wallpaper samples and the one which I used to be actually leaning in direction of when it got here in, the pattern was simply kinda blurry, nearly prefer it hadn’t been uploaded appropriately or one thing. And so then it was like, I’m not gonna try this one. So I used to be actually glad I didn’t purchase a complete bunch of rolls of it after which be attempting to return it or no matter I’d’ve executed cuz it simply wasn’t fairly there. So I really feel like should you’re apprehensive about, like, I don’t wanna purchase all these samples, it’s some huge cash, is that this actually even value it? It’s like, properly, possibly not, however for me, I’ve had instances the place it saved me some huge cash and heartbreak as a result of I acquired to see it in particular person and it wasn’t fairly what I used to be considering. 

Elsie: I’d say it’s 100% value it to order as many samples as you possibly can. Okay, so the final step is, as you renovate, refer again to your temper board and colour scheme. This can preserve you on observe, cohesive, and dealing in direction of your chosen objective. This can allow you to resist new traits 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 believe that you may take consolation in the concept that you picked this theme and this dream home for a purpose. And there’s at all times gonna be different issues which can be good for different homes. Oh, I made some bonus ideas too. I used to be actually into this. Okay, after which one last item is that I believe if you find yourself home purchasing after which selecting your theme and stuff, attempt to discover a temper board and inspiration that you just really feel like you possibly can develop into over time. One thing that form of surpasses traits 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 believe I’ll love this once I’m 50. One thing that simply kinda is extra deeply related with it and it doesn’t actually matter what’s happening within the design world proper now as a result of actually, the design world is basically annoying. I believe it’s entertaining and enjoyable, but in addition just like the issues which can be, just like the out and in stuff, it will possibly get previous as a result of all of it modifications completely always and there’s at all times gonna be like a brand new factor that could be very totally different from what you’re doing that you just nonetheless recognize. It’s not like vogue the place you possibly can attempt each pattern if you would like. 

Emma: No, no. It’s lots larger dedication than vogue.

Elsie: Okay, so I did have three bonus ideas and these are similar 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 Nineteen 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 ideas primarily based on what I’ve discovered thus far. Tip primary, you’ll want to have no less than three collections ongoing always. You may inform me should you agree or disagree. However for me, they’re all classic collections, however they don’t must be all classic. I believe 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 believe 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 have got collections, it additionally offers individuals 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 realize somebody occurs to be at a flea market or someplace and so they see a very 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 would like collections as a result of that’s similar to me getting stuff. It’s simply so you realize, it offers different individuals one thing to purchase you, which is definitely kinda good. 

Elsie: I do assume that should you present as much as a party with the classic present, you’re so cool. The subsequent tip is to gather private decor. So adorn your own home along with your pictures, your recollections, and peculiar little relics out of your travels, like lovely 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 believe you possibly can have essentially the most lovely room on this planet, however till they put out their bizarre puzzle or their bizarre ebook 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 Crimson Velvet Artwork, just like the enterprise that Elsie and I personal. You in all probability consider it as a phenomenal mess, however the title of it’s really Crimson 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 might 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 in the intervening time, they could change into actually particular later in life. However should you’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 ebook deal. I believe paperwork and checks and issues like that clearly mark out any non-public data or write void on it. However I believe it’s actually particular like these issues might be actually cool too. Issues out of your profession, issues from accomplishments. So I’m fascinated 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 although like I can put on them, it isn’t one thing that I actually do or will put on. And I believe 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 sort 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 believe that there’s something to be mentioned once we began doing our hidden library, we did debate whether or not or not it was value it as a result of it was financially not value it. Like I believe on paper you possibly can in all probability make a great case that this isn’t value 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 individuals 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 believe that leaving just a little little bit of area, doesn’t must be costly, however for issues which can be bizarre and funky and distinctive. I believe that is rather like actually particular. 

Emma: Additionally, should you’re on a price range and you may’t construct Elsie’s Hidden Library or Hidden Nia Wardrobe Library, there are all kinds 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 might be like greenback for greenback that’s plenty of magic for just a little bit of cash. You too can make it, you, there are all kinds 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 means. These are simply actually enjoyable little issues to have all through your own home, and so they can price nearly nothing. So you realize, that’s an choice. 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 very particular espresso desk ebook. Like I’ve this David Bowie espresso desk ebook and anytime individuals come over, they at all times flip by way of it and it’s simply largely pictures 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 could be a actual chameleon. So he has so many various kinds all through the ebook and it’s enjoyable.

Elsie: Properly, I had a lot enjoyable doing the deep dive episode. You’ll want to be part of us once more subsequent week. We’re going to mirror on dwelling half our lives offline and half our lives on-line, which I believe is a very enjoyable subject. So we’ll be again subsequent week.