Interior Design with Julia Luttrell
Renovating a retirement retreat
So Martha, you say your kids are now grown and gone, and this summer you will renovate the �camp� to become your final dream home. Wow, what an exciting way to ward off the snowbound woes of winter, by planning your perfect retirement retreat!
There are many implications to the adjustment from town to country, from a larger, to a smaller home. You�ve been looking forward to your move, however paring down a lifetime�s acquisitions to a scaled down space can be stressful, so careful planning is paramount.
An appropriate design plan is the key to a hassle-free transition, and will make your renovation a pleasurable experience that saves you money. Comfort, function, and easy maintenance should be major considerations, however a few basic design tricks will also create the illusion of spaciousness in your new, scaled down space.
It is important to keep the design adage �less is more� in mind for your new home�s makeover. For a minimalist approach, start by making your furnishings as multi-functional as possible.
Think of the many functions a custom storage ottoman can provide for example. It�s fully upholstered body, flip-top storage, and hidden casters are ideal for more than double-duty d�cor. Roll it around for occasional, additional seating anywhere in the house, or use it to store bedding in a guestroom for instance.
Place a large tray on it�s top, and it becomes a coffee table in the living room, or a night stand in a guestroom. It�s handy storage capacity gives welcome and willing service in almost any setting.
Beyond the usual design guidelines, optical illusions that trick the eye into stretching spaces often require �thinking outside the box� and doing the unexpected. Sometimes a whimsical idea that provides a serviceable function can be just the right conversation piece to inject personality into a place, so don�t be afraid to be creative. In a very tiny washroom, I once used a charming birdbath for a pedestal sink for instance!
One tried-and-true trick to increase visual space is to hang the rod for your window treatments as close to the ceiling as possible. This �stretches� the floor-to-ceiling height. You can widen your window as well, by extending your window treatment onto the wall on either side. Covering the least amount of glass makes the window seem to be wider than it is.
Also, pull your furnishings away from the wall and �float� them in the middle of the room. This exposes the walls from floor-to-ceiling and tricks the eye into perceiving an expanded �visual� space. Angling your area rugs and furnishings will not only enhance this effect, but improves your traffic patterns as well.
Yes Martha, it�s all in the planning and a qualified designer will arm you with knowledge, help you visualize the outcome, and let you know exact costs before you begin. So, plan your project with a professional, give yourself time for the transition and have fun with the process.
