Such a busy few months in the Studio over the last season has left the blog a bit empty of input. So much has been going on from upholstery to redecoration to a project management job and as often happens, the days fill up and something gets left until last. It's all too easy to lose your way, whatever the job. However, in the last few months I've been working on a task diary for a client and it's made be realise that this is an easy tool for anyone wanting to take on their own DIY project. That could be as simple as putting up some shelves or a total redecoration of a room, or a garden project. I recommend writing down where you are starting and what you'd like the finish to be. Writing it down isn't something we do so much of these days and yet it focuses the mind allows you to add and subtract a detail, or draw a little sketch. You don't have to have an architects skills to draw out the dimensions of your room and it's possibly easier to do than trying to learn how to manipulate a new app. Having said that, they are particularly useful tools and if you have the time, then do take a look at what's out there, they can help you 'see' a 3D plan if you aren't that way inclined.
By writing out your plan, you can start to list all of the key points, the colour of the paint, the type of flooring, changing the electrics, choosing a new light - your list will get longer the more you think of what needs to be done. At this point you could feel quite daunted, but in fact, if you take a deep breath, what you'll find is that you can often put all the individual notes under separate headings. You can begin to develop a time line and then you know, for example, at what point the lighting needs to be done, which means you can note when the painting has to be finished. It might also be the case that if you're having new flooring fitted, you find that the fitter needs six weeks notice. Or just because the plumber can fit your new taps next week he can't actually finish your bathroom as connecting to the mains is a two man job and his assistant is on holiday next week. As your project manager or interior designer, it's part of the job to find out what the lead time is for any fixture or finish, and not just the delivery but also the fitting. There's no point in having the tiling done in your kitchen if you haven't had the sockets installed at the first fix, newly painted skirting boards need time for the paint to cure before carpets go down, ceilings need to be painted before the new light fitting is attached. In recent years, there's been shortages, delays and extra costs due to taxes on imports from Europe, all of this needs to be considered and most importantly, what is your budget and how soon do you want your project finished. By drawing up your task diary you can answer these questions before you even start.
I had fun at the beginning of the year designing and decorating a new TV room, a guestroom, and nursery/guestroom; especially the Photowall, and the final room was just as I'd envisioned. It was great to know when I started the projects that although the house was in disarray for a couple of weeks, I had a timeline to follow and all main features for the room in place before I started.
As with most rooms it takes time for all the finishing touches to be done because you can't always get what you're looking for at the time you're looking. However, it does make a shopping trip that much more fun when you find the throw in just the right colour for a newly decorated bedroom !
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