Need remodeling and decorating help!

[Chicago526]

DH and I bought a house in August that needs some updateing. We can handle the actual work (plumbing, electric, drywall, etc.). My problem is, I can't make up my mind what I WANT!

We decided to re-do the upstairs bathroom. Ugly was not the word for what the previous owner had done to it and I just couldn't look at it anymore. So I pulled down all the wallpaper and have scraped off all the wallpaper glue. I suffered through picking a paint color (some kind of cream) without too much trouble. But yesterday, we had to pick a new sink and vanity!

By the time we were done, DH was ready to kill me. I couldn't make up my mind, and we wound up returning my first choice and going with my second choice. It took half the afternoon!

We will be doing more renovating as time goes on, every room in the house needs something done. I've never really had to decorate before and I'm terrified I'll make a mistake and will waste time and money on something we'll hate or will look stupid.

Please tell me this gets better!!! How do I pick out what I want with more confidence?

 

[golfgal]

It would be worth your time and money to call a decorator. They will help you pick out colors, coordinate flooring, countertops, etc. If you are specifically doing kitchen/bath stuff, there are kitchen and bath stores that usually employ decorators to help with color choices, etc. For the rest of the house start asking around for referrals to area decorators. It is well worth the time. I know the decorators around her will come into your home and help you pick stuff out and if you buy from them, their isn't a consulting charge, if you don't then they charge about $50 or so for the consultation.

 

[QT Pooh]

Hi, I know what you're going through. We spent this past weekend picking out new everything for the kids' bathroom. We've renovated all but 3 rooms in our house now (the house that didn't need any work!). The trick I've found is to make sure you start researching long before you start tearing out or even thinking about tearing the room apart. Look through magazines to find a color scheme you like/furniture or appliances you like/etc. Make a list of the functions, style and sizes you'll need for everything. Oftentimes, size and function will rule out whatever style you might want.

Does it ever get easier? Yes, you'll get more proficient at it. You'll learn to be more patient with the 'little things' that happen. Remember that wall studs and floor joists can either be your best friends or your worst enemies. Keep a good attitude and think about all the value you're creating in your house...not to mention the fact that you're making it yours. You'll be fine. Good luck!

 

[chrissyk]

We've renovated twice and built new once. I can honestly say that what you pick out needs to depend on what you are doing with this house. Are you going to resell it in the next 5 years and move up? Are you planning on staying there for the long haul? Renovating for maximum resale value can be a lot different from renovating to make a house your long-term home.

FWIW, the main thing that I try to do is to stay neutral on things that are difficult to change...no pepto-pink countertops in other words If you want pepto-pink walls, go for it, though...paint is cheap and easy to change. That's pretty much the standard of how we make our renovating decisions.