If you are anything like us, the minute the Christmas Tree and Holiday decor are put away we have the urge to re- vamp our living space! We want change and we want it NOW!

… but what exactly do we want changed? How big of a project are we talking? What style/look/vibe to we want to achieve?! Sometimes figuring out where to start is the hardest part!

We’ve enlisted the help of Interiors Guru, Jennifer Woch, of House of J Interiors to help us figure out where to begin, and what steps to take in order to get our living space feeling fantastic!

First things first, ask yourself how BIG you want to go.

When starting with a client, Jennifer always begins with the scope of the work. What would you like to do, and where are you wanting to do it? For example, are you looking to renovate a kitchen? Or maybe develop the basement? Jennifer recommends prioritizing the projects you most want changed, then assessing what degree you want them changed to. Therefore, if you want to re-do your master bedroom, will a fresh coat of pain suffice? Or are you wanting to rip out walls?!

Once you decide on the scale of your re-vamp, the next step is to look at your lifestyle.  Pull out a pen and paper and answer these questions.

1. Do you have kids or pets?
2. Will you entertain in the space ? And if so, how do you entertain?! Do you want people socializing in the Kitchen? In a formal living room? Formal dining room? Games room/ bar?!
3. What is on your wish list? AKA what do you dream about for your space? Steam shower in a spa bathroom? Double wall ovens? Glass walled wine room?
4. What are your needs? What absolutely has to be in the space?
5. Function. What is the purpose of this space, what will make it most functional? What is currently driving you nuts because it is NOT functional?!
6. Budget. Not necessarily a dollar amount, but are you looking to find everything as inexpensive as possible? Do you want to splurge on some parts, but keep the rest inexpensive? Do you want to make it perfect and spend what’s necessary to get the dream?
7. Timeline- When do you want it done by? Are you okay with slow incremental improvements or do you want it all finished at once?  

Once you’ve answered these questions the next step is to determine what STYLE you are going for.

Jennifer suggests looking for images of things you like on Houzz or Pinterest to assess if there a common theme running through what you have gathered. This is super helpful for getting an idea of the style you are hoping to acheive! Jennifer identifies the following as the most popular current design styles:

Mid Century Modern – clean functional in yet warm style with retro elements (pictured below). 

Industrial -Edison bulbs, exposed beams, pipes and brick. It’s a more raw style (pictured below)

RGE Road Restaurant, Designed by House of J Interiors

Transitional – some of the curves and details of traditional furnishings and marries it with cleaner more contemporary elements and then sets it all in a neutral coloured back drop.

Transitional Space, Renovated by House of J Interiors.

Boho- Probably the most eclectic of the styles- mixing and matching various textures and colors- definitely the most vibrant! (Pictured Below)

Once you’ve established what Style you are looking for, the hardest part is over! You are ready to take action! Now you’ll just need to find the elements for your room refresh. If you are looking for professionals/ trades/ products to make your project a reality, head down to the Edmonton Renovation Show at the Edmonton Expo Center January 25-27, 2019!

 

 

Jennifer started in the field of interior design in 1999 after completing her Bachelor’s Degree. She went on to apprentice with a prominent interior designer in Edmonton. In 2002, she took the plunge and started her own design business. In 2010, she moved to London England. It was a whole new world for her. Upon returning, she decided to pick up her design business again and rebrand it to align with her style. House of J Interior Design was established in 2013. Jennifer began doing more work for local boutique style business’ such as restaurants and hair salons, but she also continued to work with her residential clients on new builds, home renovations and re-styling. Jennifer gathers her inspiration from her client’s and works to transform their dreams for their space! You can see more of Jennifer’s work on the main stage at the Edmonton Renovation Show.

More on Jennifer’s Vision for the mainstage at the upcoming Edmonton Renovation Show!

*This post was created in partnership with the Edmonton Renovation Show. As always, the opinions and content is our own.