Where to Begin?

On a recent career evaluation, it listed that one of my favorite things to do was to accomplish something that others thought couldn't be done. I think tackling clutter and accomplishing home projects rank way up there with things we think can't be done. Major world issues excluded.

To me, there is nothing more exciting than thinking about how to transform a space that others can't seem to get a vision for, or taking a space that isn't being used well and making it work.


Here are some suggestions for those of you think "it can't be done".

1) Plan to live in your home now, and stop waiting for that dream project which may not ever happen, or if it does, will not necessarily impact how you live now. "Five year plans" often change. Our five year plan was to go to Quebec City for our last hoorah before having kids and come home and....have kids. It's been six years and we don't have kids and have yet to go anywhere on a romantic vacation. But we have a house. Point: Work with what you have and make the most of your home now. Especially those of you who don't have kids yet.

2) Take photos. My mom decided to color her gray hair after seeing the Mii character she made on Wii Sports- she saw a cartoon version of herself with grey hair and she was so shocked she went and colored her hair! Sometimes seeing your home or room in a photo can be the first step to getting motivated to take action.

3) Do you have a friend with solid color and decorating sense? Ask for their advice. Their advice doesn't cost a thing. If you are really good friends, they might even help you with the project- it's way more fun that way.

4) Put it on paper. When I get fed up with a room but can't seem to figure out what to do, I take a blank piece of paper, make the shape of the room, and start drawing. It's rectangles and squares, not graphic design. It's a way to start envisioning something different without ever moving a piece of furniture.

5) Pop into design stores or furniture stores and just browse around. Having more time than money, I do this often. When you can't spend anything, you are free to browse and get ideas without the pressure of having to buy "just the right thing." Take some photos on your cell phone of things you like that inspire you, or write down a store name or item. Again, free.

6) Set aside the a day or time of each week to do house projects. For me, it's usually on my day off. I make it fun by going out and getting a huge coffee, and then I put music on or some TV shows. (HGTV of course!)

I look forward to seeing my husbands' reaction when I say- what's different? And he says...your hair?

7) Make it fun. Invite some friends over to help organize your tool room, or have a painting party-be sure to provide food. or no one will come.

8) Focus on what you can do right now, not on what could happen if you only had "______"

9) Be realistic. Don't go knocking down walls you don't know how to put back up. Don't start something so big you can't finish for your first project. 

10) When you do tackle something, for the sake of everyone else, try not to just take everything out and make a big mess. Be systematic. More on that later.

You have to start somewhere. Then you can build on your initial successes. But please, start!