Rethink approach to remodeling

Remodels don t always have to be a complete overhaul. If you have furniture that is still in good shape, like this flamestitch chair, work the rest of your remodel around it. Changing the wall color is a good place to start. SUN/DEBBE DALEY

Deciding to redecorate a room can be a big deal, one that comes with at least a tinge of anxiety and perhaps an overwhelming feeling of not being able to pull it all together. You have to worry about what style is in for furnishings, how you should pull it all together and, as always, how much to spend.

To help ease the trepidation, consider first which pieces are going to cost the most. It could be the sofa and chairs or the area rug. How much do you really love the existing furniture? If it is in great shape, in a living room for example, and of good quality, but a bit dated, can you work around it and still pull off the new look? In most cases, the answer is yes.

Adding new items around the existing furniture is easy if you have fabric samples.

When it comes to window treatments, be willing to go out of your comfort zone. SUN/DEBBE DALEY

Once the walls are transformed, it may be easier to see the rest of the picture. Move on to the next major piece of the puzzle: the area rug. Again, to make the job easier, always bring along your upholstery and paint swatches.

As you add items to the room and get that boost of confidence that a job well done brings, that tinge of anxiety will subside.

If you're adding window treatments to the room, keep an open mind. Don't go with the most obvious patterns or solids that you think would work. Step out of your box. Try something new.

Accessories are the icing on the cake. End tables, a coffee table, lamps and artwork will complete the new room's look. Once that's done, all that remains is to create the entertaining and social schedule, sit back and enjoy the praises of your newly decorated room.

Debbe Daley, owner of Debbe Daley Designs and RAW Furnishings, is an interior designer with more than 25 years of experience. Follow her blog at blogs.lowellsun. com/daleydecor. She also blogs at debbedaleydesignsllc.blogspot.com.

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Rethink approach to remodeling