your plan
Plan®
Welcome to your Good Space Plan, Tina and Henry!
This is a comprehensive interior design plan that was created around you, with you and for you, and it should give you everything you need to bring to life the style and vision you’ve always dreamed of for your home.
It’s your plan to do with as you please. So if you’re feeling industrious and want to do it all over the next three months, fantastic; go for it. If you want to go slower, bringing your space together piece by piece over the next couple of years, wonderful. It’s entirely up to you.
Plan®
Before you crack this thing open and get your hands dirty, there are three things we need to gently and respectfully drill into your head.
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FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH YOUR TOTAL PLAN: ALL OF IT.
Really read through it and get the bigger picture before you start work. Understand the details and the nuances and make sure everyone involved in this process does the same. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of this.
The better you understand the entirety of your Good Space Plan, the easier it will be to execute the specific elements within it, resulting in a space you’ll love.
SET REALISTIC TIMING GOALS
Great interiors evolve and take time; so be patient and don’t get frustrated
if things take longer than you’d expected. Things will happen that throw you off schedule once you get going, so plan some extra time for unforeseen situations. You’ll be happy you did.
ABOVE ALL ELSE, STICK TO YOUR PLAN
You’re in the driver’s seat, but every driver needs a map if they’re heading into unfamiliar territory. Consider this plan your map. All the elements within it are designed
to work harmoniously together. So, if you decide to change the paint colour, it might not go with the fabrics we’ve suggested. Or, if you change the size of one piece, it might not fit with the others. Drive as you see fit, but don’t stray from your map.
Now that we’ve gotten that off our chests, we want encourage you to relax and have fun with your Good Space Plan. You’re doing something remarkable here: decorating your home, creating your space, enhancing the way you live. Find joy in it, and take satisfaction and pride in the results. And when someone marvels at your new room and asks if you did this all on your own, don’t hesitate to bask in the praise for a moment before saying confidently and truthfully, “Why yes. Yes I did.”
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you
The most important element of any Good Space is the people inhabiting it. That’s you. No amount of paint, no stylish furniture, no beautiful artworkis going to mean anything unless they’re all a true reflection of who you are and the way you live.
Your space should feel like an extension of yourself, wrapping you in familiar comfort when you’re alone, presenting the best parts of you when you’re with others.
The Good Space process is intentionally built around you, for you. It works from a foundation of your own vision for your home, not someone else’s idea of how your home should be. We’re here to coach, to encourage and to counsel.
But in the end, it’s your space, your style and your energy that’s going to bring it all to life. For without you, none of this means anything.
Plan®
you
The most central element of any Good Space Plan is you. That’s right, you. In fact, this whole process and the plan that’s emerged from it are both designed to give you a space that reflects your style, fits with your personality and works with the way you live.
• You have lived in your home for 8 years. And while there are many things you love about your home, you would like to create a more functional, finished, comfortable space that you can enjoy for many more years to come. Looking specifically at the main living area that we are designing, you would like that space to make you feel happy, relieved, relaxed and creative.
The Good Space Plan takes into consideration all the challenges and opportunities outlined above as well as how you want your home to look, feel and work. As mentioned already, you are the most central element to your Good Space Plan.
Orbiting harmoniously around you are four additional elements of Good Space Design, which we address. These are:
function
The layout, scale and flow of your room and how you plan to use it
surfaces
The colours and textures that cover your walls, floors, ceiling and windows
lighting
The illumination in the room, overhead, ambient
or tabletop
goods
The look and style of the things that occupy
your space, like furniture
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function
Function reflects the way you live in a space and how you need it to work. It takes into account all the spatial aspects of a room – what needs to occupy it; the best layout of furniture; traffic in and out. Function looks at a room in relation to the rest of your home to ensure proper harmony and flow throughout it.
Finally, it considers the people who will use the room and what they’ll be doing when they’re in there. A well functioning room does not happen by chance; it is planned.It encourages desired activities to take place naturally.
When a room is functioning well, it not only meets the needs you have for that space, it provides comfort and style in the process. In the end, it all just works, and that’s a wonderful thing...isn’t it.
Plan®
function
SIZE DOES MATTER. SO DOES WHERE YOU PUT THINGS.
One of the most common mistakes people make when trying to design a room on their own is that they buy furniture that does not fit well in the space. The Function element of your plan has been designed around the specific size and shape of your room(s), and the furniture laid out in your space plan has been drawn to scale. The size and placement of these pieces have been intentionally determined so that they work together. Individually, each piece serves a specific function. Taken and laid out together, they ensure proper flow and movement throughout your room.
If you are inclined to choose furniture
for the room different than those that we recommend — which we would counsel against doing (see point #3 on page one of your You section) — be sure you are very conscientious about the dimensions of the pieces we have specified. Stick to those dimensions, because a few inches too big or too small can be the difference between a space that works and one that doesn’t. Exact size specifications for each item specified in your plan can be found in the following Surfaces, Light and Goods sections.
MEASURE TWICE, ORDER ONCE. Although this might seem obvious, before you purchase anything — measure your elevators, hallways, stairwells and doorways to make sure whatever you buy can actually make it into your home. It’s heartbreaking when the delivery of something you’ve bought gets rejected by the physical limitations of your space.
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Plan®
surfaces
Surfaces consider everything that envelops a room – the walls, floor,ceiling and windows. The materials and colours you use can enhance details and frame views. They add layers of texture and interest, and can be used to both camouflage and highlight.
Human interaction with Surfaces is visual and tactile; therefore selections and solutions must be carefully thought through.
When we select and mix Surfaces, we need to not only consider the style of your space, but also the function. The correct material must be selected for safety and durability as well as its aesthetic appeal. For the Surfaces of your space have a job to do, and they must do it beautifully. All you need to do is enjoy.
Plan®
surfaces
DON’T WORRY SO MUCH ABOUT THE WALL COLOUR!
People often agonize over what colour
to paint the walls of a room. With tens, if not hundreds of thousands of options to choose from, it’s no wonder. For example, who knew there were so many shades
of white? (Well...we did...but still, we can sympathize.)
Trying to find that one, perfect, works- on-every-level colour can be a daunting, sometimes paralyzing task. Make no mistake, wall colour is important, but we often find that people place way too much responsibility on it, and thus have a lot of anxiety around it.
We encourage you think about wall colour as a backdrop for everything else that is
in your room, not some bold statement about your character or your view of the world. If the colour on the walls is the only thing a person notices upon entering a room, then the room is not working as a whole. Wall colour is best when it is a more subtle, overall enhancement to a room, not the main feature of it. This is not to
say that having one wall or two treated in a bolder colour or different texture can’t strike the perfect chord. We just want you to remember that, in general, wall colour should gently support the space and enrich your experience of living in it, not overshadow it.
LOOK UP! People generally don’t pay much attention to the ceilings in a room. But they are a large surface that plays a big role in a how a room looks and feels. Many builders and developers apply a stucco texture to room ceilings. If your room has
a textured ceiling, we always recommend having it scraped and smoothed. High texture on a ceiling absorbs precious light and attracts dust. It also makes a room feel dated. In contrast, a smooth ceiling is more luminous and timeless.
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Plan® Area Rug
ROOM: LIVING ROOM
Product: Koldby Cowhide 402.229.33 Size: 63” x 78-3/4”
Finish: Brown
Quantity: 1
Manufacturer: Ikea
Note: Layer over the shag carpet shown below. see floorplan for placement
Available through Ikea
Area Rug
ROOM: LIVING ROOM
Product: Vibrations Shag Rug Size: 8’ x 10’
Finish: 100% New Zeland Wool Quantity: 1
Manufacturer: CB2
Note: Layer under the cowhide shown above. See floorplan for placement.
Available through CB2
Plan®
Fireplace Millwork - Wood Finish
ROOM: LIVING ROOM
Cedan - Evolution HD - Dark Walnut - FLQ4537 Finish: Flat Finish - Low Sheen, Millworker to Determine Onsite with Client.
Available through Millworker.
Fireplace Face - Tile
ROOM: LIVING ROOM
Product: Coem Sequoie
Size: 18” x 36”
Finish: Dark Stagg Line
Quantity: as required by site measure Manufacturer: Coem Sequoie
Note: Install as per drawings - see grout line placement in elevations
Grout: minimal grout lines - Custom Building Products - #335 Winter Gray
Available through Tile Installer via Tierra Sol
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Plan®
Fireplace Millwork - Painted Finish
ROOM: LIVING ROOM
Benjamin Moore - CSP-80 - Gothic Arch Finish: Flat Finish - Low Sheen, millworker to Determine on-site with Client.
Available through Millworker.
Ceiling Paint
ROOM: LIVING ROOM/DINING ROOM/ENTRY
Surface: Ceiling
Colour: CC-40 Cloud White Finish: Flat Ceiling Paint Manufacturer: Benjamin Moore
Sample available through:
www.benjaminmoore.ca
PLEASE NOTE: DESIGNER HIGHLY RECOMMENDS SCRAPING THE CEILING SMOOTH
Plan®
Wall Paint
ROOM: LIVING ROOM/DINING ROOM/ENTRY
Surface: Walls
Colour: HC - 173 - Edgecomb Gray Finish: Regal Matte Manufacturer: Benjamin Moore
Sample available through:
www.benjaminmoore.ca
Wall to Wall Drapery
ROOM: LIVING ROOM DRAPERY
Item: Wall to Wall 3-Pleat Lined Drapery
Product: Lined, Pleated Drapery
Lining: Textile Trimmings, LN800.25 Off
White, Fabric: Pace - Citi - Oatmeal - 100% Linen, 55” w, No Repeat
Size: Site measure required
Fullness: 2x, Split: Centre, Fling Rod: Clear Hardware: Textile Trimmings - DS Design System, White Finish
Note: Drapes to sit 1/4” AFF
Available through Arlene’s Interiors or Various Window Treatment Suppliers.
As an alternative, use www.theshadestore.com
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light
Light plays many important roles in a room – it helps set a tone;
it showcases and highlights; and it helps the room and those within it function better. It is central to the ambiance and enjoyment
of your space. And while its structural framework is more permanent, its desired effect can be more immediate, shifted quickly and easily to change the mood of a room.
Light typically consists of four layers – natural, ambient, task and accent. These four layers together serve as your palette as you look to create a certain atmosphere in your space or stimulate a specific activity. Turning up one area and turning down another can change the aura of a room considerably. The room is your canvas; the layers of Light are your paint as you look to create the perfect image... you artist, you.
Plan®
light
LET THERE BE LIGHT.
All lights are not created equal. In fact, four layers of lighting are used when illuminating a room. These can be combined and adjusted in a variety of ways to set the perfect tone for your space, or to support a specific function or activity.
Natural — The light from windows, skylights and glass doors, controlled by window treatments
Ambient — The broadest, overall spread of light throughout a room, usually created by overhead lighting. It is controlled by the wattage and type of bulb, and the use of dimmer switches (see below)
Task — Light that is focused for a specific task or purpose, like the illumination of a counter top, a piece of art or a book when someone is reading. This layer of light is controlled by the wattage and type of bulb, shades and dimmer switches (again, see below)
Accent — Decorative light created by lamps, sconces or candles, controlled by the wattage and type of bulb, shades and dimmer switches (have we mentioned this already?)
IT’S ALL ABOUT CONTROL. In case you missed it, we are big on dimmer switches. In fact, we like to put dimmer switches on as many lighting sources as possible. Dimmer switches give you maximum flexibility with your lighting, allowing you to adjust brightness and intensity, depending on the mood, time of day, event or task at hand. They are bit more expensive than regular light switches, but they are relatively easy to install and so worth the effort and the money.
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Plan® Fixture #1
ROOM: DINING ROOM
Product: Firefly Pendant Light Size: 26.75”Wx6”Dx39.25”H Finish: Black Iron
Quantity: 1
Manufacturer: CB2 Available through CB2
Fixture #2
ROOM: LIVING ROOM
Product: Monolith Stone Table Lamp Size: 12”w x 7”d x 21”h
Finish: Black + Grey Stone Base Quantity: 2
Manufacturer: West Elm Available through West Elm
Plan®
Fixture #3
ROOM: LIVING ROOM
Product: Astronomy Floor Lamp
Size: 29”Wx29”Dx60.5”H
Finish: Shade: Iron with brushed nickel finishBase: Solid white ash wood with medium brown stain97” black cloth cord
Quantity: 1 Manufacturer: CB2
Available through CB2
Fixture #4
ROOM: LIVING ROOM
Product: 755594BN
Size: 35”L x 4-3/4”W x 6-1/4”H Finish: Brushed Nickel Quantity: 1
Manufacturer: Galaxy Lighting
Available through Light The Store
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Plan® Fixture #5
ROOM: LIVING/DINING ROOM
Product: Brass Ion Lamp - Box Set Size: 4.25” Dia x 3.25” H
Finish: Brass
Quantity: 1
Manufacturer: Schoolhouse Electric
Available through Schoolhouse Electric Online
Plan®
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goods
Beauty, proportion and pleasure are the stuff that great rooms are made of. Goods incorporate the size and structure of the things you put into a room, ensuring they fit with everything else that shares the space. Goods also reflect the look you’re going for, supporting and enhancing your vision, bringing your personal style to life.
Goods should be selected with focus, intent and a healthy dose
of whimsy to ensure your pieces not only work, but delight. Some pieces are deliberately chosen to serve a functional need. Others take on a more creative role, serving as a point of interest, intrigue or sheer folly.
Regardless of the role, each object should be considered with care, presented with purpose and light up your heart every time you walk in the room. Now smile!
Plan®
goods
NOT ALL PIECES ARE CREATED EQUAL.
We hope that you adore everything we recommend. But you might not fall madly in love with every single lamp or every single table we suggest. And that’s...ok. It’s also to be expected. A well-designed room has a multitude of different pieces within it, so it’s unrealistic to think that you will feel equally passionate about each and every one.
When we select each item for the Goods section of your plan, we certainly focus in on that one item. But while doing that,
we never take our eyes off the complete picture — i.e. the larger context in which that item fits.
We want you to do the same thing when you’re looking through the various pieces of furniture we’re proposing. Consider
each piece in isolation, but make certain you also consider that piece as one part
of a larger whole. And trust that when that piece is in place, it will look fantastic, work well and fit beautifully with everything that surrounds it.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BIG PICTURE. Think about the design of your space as a movie. Some pieces need to be the star, capturing our hearts and our imaginations. But every piece of furniture can’t be a star, nor would we want them to be. Some pieces will be supporting players, with their own moments of brilliance while playing a secondary role. And other pieces will be extras, there to perform a specific task or fill needed space. You won’t gravitate towards every piece in the way you take notice of the stars of your space. But we are confident you will respect and appreciate them all as an ensemble cast, and that you will love the movie, the big picture, they’re a part of. And we’re certain it will be one of those movies you want to see again, and again, and again.
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Plan® Custom Mirror
Console Table
ROOM: LIVING/DINING ROOM
Custom mirror for wall mount installation. To be installed on a metal J Rail or Cleat.
Tina + Henry to decide on a wood finish that they love. A unique, reclaimed frame similar to the one in the photo is recommended.
Size: 60” w x 72” h
Contact: Framehouse Boutique 34 East 6th Avenue, Vancouver Tel: 604-879-9163
ROOM: LIVING/DINING ROOM
Product: Mill Mini Console Table
Size: 38”w x 8”d x 28”h
Finish: Iron with Raw Antiqued Finish Quantity: 1
Manufacturer: CB2
Note: Place in front of the mirror Available through: CB2
Plan®
Box
ROOM: LIVING ROOM/DINING ROOM
Product: Quilt Box Small
Size: 11.5”w x 6.75”d x 3”h
Finish: wood with grey and black pattern Quantity: 1
Manufacturer: CB2
Available through CB2
Wine Storage
ROOM: LIVING/DINING ROOM
Product: Cellar Wine Rack
Size: 14”x 14”x 8”d
Finish: Gunmetal Finish
Quantity: 2 or more - to be decided by Tina and Henry
Manufacturer: CB2 Available through CB2
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Plan® Guitar Hanger
ROOM: LIVING ROOM
Product: Plywood Guitar Hook Size: 5-1/2” tall x 3-1/2” w Finish: Walnut, saddle leather Quantity: 2
Manufacturer: One Forty Three
Note: n/a
Available through onefortythree.com
Dining Table
ROOM: DINING ROOM
Product: Williams Dining Table Size: 46”l x 40”w x 30”h Finish: Walnut, Black
Quantity: 1
Manufacturer: Tronk Design Available Through Y Living
Plan®
Dining Chairs
ROOM: DINING ROOM
Product: Austin Chair
Size: 22.5”w x 23”d x 31.5”h
Finish: Fabric: Polyester/acrylic in cream puff Frame: Solid sustainable acacia wood Quantity: 2
Manufacturer: CB2
Available Through CB2
Bench Upholstery Back Only
ROOM: DINING ROOM
Pattern: Artusi
Code: #1013 Pera
Width: 53” - 54”
Manufacturer: Maxwell Fabrics
Available through an Upholsterer.
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Plan®
Bench Upholstery Seat Only
ROOM: DINING ROOM
Pattern: Elephant
Code: #01 Pearl
Width: 54.3”
Manufacturer: Maxwell Fabrics
Available through an Upholsterer.
Photo Wall
ROOM: LIVING/DINING ROOM
Use this image as an inspiration for the gallery photo wall. Use the program on www.picturewall.com to create your own layout and template.
Plan®
End Table
ROOM: LIVING ROOM
Product: Taurus End Table Size: 24”H x 24”W x 16”D Finish: Natural Wood, Steel Quantity: 2
Manufacturer: Mercury Row
Available through Wayfair.com
Baskets
ROOM: LIVING ROOM
Product: Link Basket Size: 14” x 16” x 12.75” h Finish: green
Quantity: 2 Manufacturer: CB2
Available through CB2
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Plan® Toss Pillows
ROOM: LIVING ROOM
Product: Dream 18” Pillow Size: 18” x 18”
Finish: 100% Cotton Quantity: 1
Manufacturer: CB2
Available through CB2
Toss Pillows
ROOM: LIVING ROOM
Product: Copper Metallic Pillow: Luxury Italian Wool Blend
Size: 20” x 20”
Finish: rust, cream, black and copper Quantity: 2
Manufacturer: EarthLab on Etsy Available through Etsy
Plan®
Toss Pillows
ROOM: LIVING ROM
Product: Green Pillow, Velvet
Size: 20” x 20”
Finish: velvet pillow in moss green and natural linen
Quantity: 2
Manufacturer: EarthLab on Etsy
Available through Etsy
Pouf
ROOM: LIVING ROOM
Product: Leather Pouf
Size: 17.5” x 17.5” x 13.5”
Finish: 100% top grain dyed buffalo leather Quantity: 1
Manufacturer: CB2
Available through CB2
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Plan® Tray
ROOM: LIVING ROOM
Product: Shiro Rattan Tray Size: 18.5” dia x 3.25” h Finish: Black Lacquer Quantity: 1 Manufacturer: CB2
Available through CB2
Firewood Storage
ROOM: LIVING ROOM
Product: Chuck Log Holder Size: 20”Wx12”Dx20.5”H Finish: Antiqued Zinc Quantity: 1
Manufacturer: CB2
Available through CB2
Plan®
Occasional Chair
ROOM: LIVING ROOM
Product: Uta Mid Century Lounge Chair Size: 33.7”H x 24.4”W x 30.3”D
Finish: Forest Green and Oak
Quantity: 1
Manufacturer: Bryght Available through bryght.com
Guitar Stool
ROOM: LIVING ROOM
This is an image of a vintage stool that can be found online. Search local vintage stores or online suppliers to find a similar stool.
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Plan® Guitar Chair
ROOM: LIVING ROOM
Product: Roadhouse Leather Chair
Size: 16.5”w x 18”d x 30”h
Finish: Black Powdercoating, Leather Composite Quantity: 1
Manufacturer: CB2
Available through CB2
Wall Mount Microphone Holder
ROOM: LIVING ROOM
Use this as an inspiration image to purchase a wall mount microphone stand from a music specialist.
Plan®
Fireplace Screen
ROOM: LIVING ROOM
Product: Vent Fireplace Screen Size: 39”Wx8”Dx30”H
Finish: gunmetal
Quantity: 1
Manufacturer: CB2 Available through CB2
Fireplace Tools
ROOM: LIVING ROOM
Product: 3-Piece bend gunmetal standing fireplace tool set
Size: 4.75”Wx7.75”Dx31.5”H
Finish: gunmetal
Quantity: 1 Manufacturer: CB2
Available through CB2
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Plan® Throw
ROOM: LIVING ROOM
Product: Overlook Throw Size: 48”Wx76”H
Finish: Wool Blend Quantity: 1 Manufacturer: CB2
Available through CB2
Storage Pockets By Desk
ROOM: LIVING ROOM
Product: Leather Wall Mounted Catchall Size: 8”w x 2”d x 10”h
Finish: Hand Stictched Leather Quantity: 1 or more as required Manufacturer: CB2
Available through CB2
Plan®
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Plan® Balcony Sectional
ROOM: BALCONY
Product: Arholma Sofa 499.041.20
Size: 55 1/2/111x29 7/8x26 “
Finish: Frame: Steel, Polyester powder coating Seat: Polypropylene, Polyethylene
Quantity: 1
Manufacturer: Ikea
Note: Place the ottoman on the right hand side Available through Ikea
Toss Pillows
ROOM: BALCONY
Product: Solid Outdoor Throw Pillow Size: 20” x 20”
Finish: Lime
Seat: Polypropylene, Polyethylene Quantity: 2
Manufacturer: Blazing Needles Available through Wayfair.com
Plan®
Toss Pillows
ROOM: BALCONY
Product: Pine Cone Hill Fresh American Stripe Flower Pillow SFNLBDP22
Size: 22” x 16”
Finish: Navy/Light Blue
Quantity: 2
Manufacturer: Pine Cone Hill
Available through decoratorsbest.com or many other online retailers
Side Tables
ROOM: BALCONY
Product: Ikea PS Sandkar Tray Table 901.746.42 Size: 19-5/8” dia x 20-7/8” h
Finish: White
Quantity: 2
Manufacturer: Ikea Available through Ikea
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Plan® Planters
Green Wall Option
ROOM: BALCONY
Product: Metallic Series Rectangular Planter Box Size: 38”w x 30”h x 10”d
Finish: Black
Quantity: 2
Manufacturer: Veratek
Note: Contact Kevin Sarrazin from mybeautifulgarden.ca for professional assistance on choosing and planting the proper plants
Available through Wayfair.com
ROOM: BALCONY
Option One: Woolly Pocket http://canada.woollypocket.com
Note: Contact Kevin Sarrazin from mybeautifulgarden.ca for professional assistance on choosing and planting the proper plants
Plan®
Green Wall Option
ROOM: BALCONY
Option Two: Rectangular Wall Planter by Palram 22.5”h x 20.5”w x 4.25”d - use as many pieces as possible
Note: Contact Kevin Sarrazin from mybeautifulgarden.ca for professional assistance on choosing and planting the proper plants
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implement
“GIVE ME SIX HOURS TO CHOP DOWN A TREE AND I WILL SPEND THE FIRST FOUR SHARPENING THE AXE.”
– ABRAHAM LINCOLN
If you’ve made it to this section of your Good Space Plan, it’s because you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get busy. You’re excited.
You should be. And we’re excited for you, as you take that first step to bringing to life the designs and directions outlined on the preceding pages, moving closer and closer to having the space you’ve always dreamed of.
As comprehensive, instructional and well-thought-through as
your Good Space Plan is, it can still seem a little intimidating when you first start thinking about implementing it. With this in mind, we created this Implement section, intended to provide you with some guidance, insight and encouragement, setting you off on the right path and keeping you on it as you see this project through to completion. Good luck!
Plan®
It’s in your hands now – you Project Manager you!
You are now officially your own Project Manager, so it’s best if you fully understand what’s involved with the project you’re about to manage. While interior design and decorating projects are rarely, if ever, the same, there is a somewhat natural and logical order to doing things. So, consider the suggestions below and try to adhere to the activities we suggest. Your hard earned money is at stake, so we encourage you to take this seriously. But through it all, don’t forget to flex your inner ‘interior design diva’ and have some fun along the way!
Before you dive in, please take into account the following counsel, insight
and guidance:
Familiarize yourself
with your total plan, all of it.
We cannot stress this enough. Get the big picture, making sure you understand all aspects of your plan before you begin executing it. If your spouse, partner, children, friends or pets are involved, discuss the details of the plan with them.
Avoid changes
Remember all the elements in your plan have been selected to work harmoniously together. So, if you decide to change something in your plan, understand it will most likely affect other elements of it, and not necessarily in a good way.
Get organized
Make a complete list of all the tasks that will need to be done, and the items you’ll need to purchase. And write it all down! You’re dealing with a lot of different information so it is important to put it
to paper (or iPad or Smartphone) in an organized way. Use this information to guide you through your project.
Assign tasks
Decide which projects you are going to do yourself, and which ones you will hire out to others. Then decide amongst your immediate team who is responsible for seeing which task through to completion.
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Plan® implement (cont.)
Set your budget
Understand the project budget as a whole by getting detailed quotes and estimates before you start purchasing items or hiring trades. All these different things can add up quickly, so it’s best to get a good sense of the total financial commitment before you dive in versus getting unpleasantly surprised by it in the middle of the project.
Budget for deliveries
Most of your items are coming from a wide variety of locations and you will need to have most items delivered to your home. Sometimes deliveries are included in the purchase price; but most of the time, they are not.
Budget for styling and décor
Don’t forget to budget for your styling
and décor items. This is the jewelry and accessorizing that adds the right finishing polish to your space—e.g. artwork, toss cushions, throws, chachkas, plants, flowers, etc. You’ll find some helpful suggestions on styling in the Tips section of your Good Space Plan.
Hire good trades
If you’re involving trades in your project, make sure you hire good ones. Get detailed line-item estimates from them. In the
Tips section of your Good Space Plan we provide detailed information on how to hire good trades.
Have trust in your designer and the opinions you paid for
You have just paid for and received
a comprehensive design plan from profesional Interior Designers, giving you all the designs, direction and information you need to manage this project on your own. Once you do get started with your project, however, everyone will have
an opinion about what you’re doing: everyone. Do with these opinions what you will, but at the same time, we encourage you to stick to the professional opinions you paid for.
Plan®
Measure twice... no, three times... order once
We have mentioned this earlier in your plan but we can’t stress it enough, before you purchase anything—including furniture, custom built items and carpet that comes in large rolls—check your elevators, hallways (inside and out), stairwells, tight corners, doorways and windows to make sure whatever you buy for your space is actually going to make it in there.
Set a timeline
Get time estimates from all your trades and suppliers and remember that good interiors take time to come together, don’t expect it all to fall into place in a couple of weeks.
Be realistic and flexible
Please keep in mind that in this day and age of on-line retailers and access to an almost unlimited variety of products, finding local retailers that stock the exact items we
have specified for you may be difficult. Purchasing items you cannot touch or sit on requires a certain leap of faith on your part.
Understand that, no matter how well
you do your homework, your budget
and timeline will fluctuate once you start working. Things will happen that throw you off schedule and budget, so plan some extra time and money for unforeseen situations. You’ll be happy you did.
AND FINALLY, TAKE OWNERSHIP OF YOUR PROJECT. We have taken great care
to ensure that if you follow your Good Space Plan, you will end up with a fully functional and beautifully finished space. That said; as Project Manager you are now the one that is ultimately responsible for the items you are purchasing and trades you are hiring. Remember you are the one that will be living with them, so before you proceed, be sure you are happy with the colour, size and proportion of the things you are ordering.
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