It was to be built Dec. 2009, but I was prepared for the wait. A loft style terrace home, it has gorgeous high ceilings, a huge entertainment worthy patio, a quaint kitchen, 2 bedrooms and (joy!) 2 bathrooms. I didn't even mind the trek up one floor...thought of it as my daily excersize :S (pls note that the images below are NOT of my place but that which makes up my thoughts and dreams).
After our wedding, I went full speed getting everything I wanted for our little place. I had moved so many times in my life, I had never done up my room just the way I wanted it...now I had my very own place and I wanted to get it over and done and just kick back and enjoy living in it!
We moved in Dec. 16, 2009 and, to me, it was a blank canvas just waiting to be done up!Painting, wallpapering, furniture shopping, accessory shopping, lighting, rewiring...we had our ups and downs but in the end, I realized it will always be a work it progress...something that evolves along with us.
Here are some tips on renovating and redecorating with your partner, and enjoying every minute of it!
Talk, talk, discuss, talk, talk, discuss and repeat!
Reno-ing is something that you both need to live with, and although you may feel inclined to have everything your way...choose your battles. Even though it may seem as though he doesn't care, its his home too. And if you expect him to do most of the manual labour, let him have his say and help him make his dreams a reality!
Although I did everything else in the house exactly how I like it, Daanish got the bathroom and his 'man room' where he can do whatever he wanted. Okay, maybe not the bathroom so much, but its a guest bathroom :( But the manroom, I am proud to say, is floor to ceiling deep red, with his guitars hanging on the walls, a huge tv, and distinctly showcasing his interest (fine, our interest) in travel. In a house of crystal, silk and mother of pearl...it does stand out as completely his!
We agreed on it beforehand to avoid any future battles over it, so I had to actively try to keep my mouth shut on the decor of his man-room and let him handle the situation in whatever way it makes him happy!
Knowledge is Power
Do. your. research. It is so easy to go over budget or do your room up completely in one way only to find out something better (and more economical) the next day....you don't want to live with your regrets encompassing you within the walls!
Don't be Unrealistic in your Expectations
Know your timelines (factor in delays) and your budget. So you want the room exactly like they showed Jennifer Lopez's in Vanity Fair....well honey, then get that jelly growing and work on making them millions! If you don't have it, you don't have it....don't expect your partner to work another job or overtime because you just have to have custom Italian silk drapes.
And if you really want to have it just the way you want it, then expect delays. If you want to start sending out invites for fab dinner parties, don't make it so you both are scrambling to get things done. Be ALMOST done and then give yourself plenty of leeway so you're happy when you have people over. I'm pretty sure I'm still sleeping on a mattress on the floor of my bedroom because the bed is unreasonably back-ordered. Sh*t happens my friends, don't blame him or freak out over it!
You + Me + (We)= A Job Well Done
Face it, he's not gonna always see things your way and you're not always gonna get the painting right like he can. Separate tasks to keep your sanity....but if you can, do them together!
I can wallpaper and like it perfectly straight and even and like to put up all my wall accessories, my man is good at painting and finishing and putting everything up. So in the same room, we work together as a team but in our own separate ways so that we're not falling over each other (not in the good way). I cut wallpaper, he hangs it, I move it so that it lines up the way I want. He does wiring, after he moves out of the way I straighten and fret over the right lightbulb to give the right 'ambiance'. We can laugh with each other (mostly at each other) and do our own thing, but are able to help each other as we're in the same room.
BUT shop together....can't stress it enough! Whether or not you think he's not the type to have an opinion, if he's sharing the mortgage...respect him enough to get his opinion. Even if he's busy! I hated it, but I swear the people at stores thought I was crazy because I would buy and return like anything! Buy like 10 styles of curtains, take them home for him to see and then return the rest. I know its annoying but it'll make him happy :)
Be Happy
After its over and done, kick back and enjoy it together. Don't whine to him about how you WISH you did it like this or that. Its done....for now...until you move to your next house!
But bright, fresh cut flowers everywhere, decorate slowly and fill that home with love and laughter.
Have fun!
xox
-A-
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