by Susan Beck
Downsizing? For many it is an exciting time in their lives. For others, it can be a somewhat sad time. I’m here to tell you that it can be FUN!!!
Some of the clients I have helped downsize during my 21 years as an Interior Design Consultant have been very excited, and some wished they didn’t have to face all the old furniture and big boxes of STUFF that they packed away for many, many years. I tell my friends, “When I get ready to move from my home to smaller quarters, I’ll just rent a large dumpster and have it delivered to my driveway, and with that, I’ll start ‘pitching’ everything that isn’t nailed down!”
Sometimes it is easier said than done. Downsizing can be difficult, especially when new, smaller rooms present issues like where to put your favorite antique linen press, for instance. Remember, your antiques or ‘olde’ favorites aren’t old, they are very valuable in your heart for many fond memories. So how do we ‘pitch’ what is just old, and how do we keep, and place those lovely family antiques and favorites we want to use in our new home.
That is where I can help you. Placing older items with beautiful new home furnishings is one of my favorite things to do when planning a “Downsizer’s” home. Those well-chosen older pieces can take on new importance when combined with properly scaled items that enhance and work with them.
Scale (size), is an element of design that is essential when placing furniture in new rooms. The size of the items has to look right, and has to ‘work’ for you too. Also, not using too much furniture in your smaller spaces will help your downsized home look larger. Blending and combining is the key. Color and light work wonders with older items. All these design elements are instrumental in making your new place, your new Home!
So, when you call and make an appointment with me to help you with your new ‘downsized’ home, don’t forget to bring your floor plans. And please bring pictures and measurements of those wonderful, older pieces we don’t want to ‘pitch’ to the dumpster. We will find a place for them, and lots of pretty new things too!
Click here to read Part II of “Are You Downsizing?”
Susan Beck has worked in home furnishings and interior design for more than 20 years since moving to High Point, NC from her native Chicago. For a short period during that time, she left sales to attain her degree in Interior Design. Her experience ranges from “starter” homes to multi-million dollar residences. Susan states that, regardless of the size of the home, each is equally important to the individual client and she treats each project that way! Her design style ranges from casual to formal, traditional to contemporary - she loves them all, because she feels it is a translation of the client’s personality, not a style that is binding. Her clients appreciate her enthusiasm for their projects, and her attention to the smallest details while making their home special. The by-product of that attention is friendships in business, and Susan values each one!
To contact Susan, call 866.436.8056 ext. 2627, or email susanbeck@furniturelandsouth.com.
