Funny things about our spaces. 350 days of the year +/- they’re ok. Maybe not “ideal” but they work just fine. But those other days, when we’re preparing for and welcoming holiday guests, wowzer, we sure see our spaces and our things differently:

• You’ll see the clock has run out on the family room sofa, and the guest room needs a real and comfortable bed, not a futon
• Maybe notice that impulsive ‘bright’ paint color in the Kitchen suddenly looks kind of harsh
• See a walk-in shower with a double vanity makes more sense than a(nother) tub and single vanity
• Even realize that 7′ china cabinet just takes up too much space holding stuff you never use. Or, conclude that your 5 BR house just doesn’t suit you 350 days of the year.

It happens.  Why should you be different from everyone else?

As time passes our needs and tastes evolve. We’re all busy living our lives, and we just don’t see it. Seeing how your space and things serve your holiday guests brings clarity and perspective.

So even if you’re not actively planning any updates, being aware of what worked, what didn’t work, and what needs help lets you confidently plan, prioritize, and make your best decisions when that time comes.

So grab some paper and a pen. Now is the best time to take stock and reflect on your space and your things:

• Go through each room, and write your thoughts: what makes you feel good, what stresses you. No judgement!  Just observe: what works, what doesn’t, and how does it all make you feel?  Put your needs, wishes, hopes, and even fears to paper. There are no wrongs. This doesn’t have to be pretty, or even in full sentences. It’s just for you.
• And realize planning and prioritizing are internal processes. They commit you to nothing and cost nothing.  They’re a valuable prequel to, but separate entities from deciding and doing.

Many have never worked with a design professional, so a quick, big-picture view of the business: The 1.0 version of interior design work usually involves nuking and re-inventing spaces. Typically managed by a professional, often for a percentage of the costs.

That model still exists and is valid for some. But today, for many reasons, that degree of change/management might not be necessary. This is where an independent design agency like The Refreshed Home or its digital sister Orange Boom comes in.

Like an attorney, we are fiduciaries. We represent you and your best interests in the way you want, for as long as you want. We work by our time. Listening, then asking questions lets us present ideas that make sense. And like the above exercise, we help you and show you how to come to your own best decisions.

At TRH and Orange Boom we specialize in helping you untangle, and find the way so your space and your things align with your heart and your soul.  OK, so you might not be fluent in the law (or be able to ‘see’ a better way to set up a room).  You don’t want to make a mistake. But you know what you like or need, just need help to get you there.

Color consults and space planning are typically our most-requested services for both design and pre-listing prep clients,  but coaching on budgeting, planning, and products as well as logistics and prioritization are part of almost every interaction, and Orange Boom’s specialty.

New project in the wings? Or maybe you’re just re-committing to finishing a project in 2025?  The best results come from collaborative planning. You just need to start the conversation!