The Miracle of a Makeover

Author-JoAnne Lenart-Weary

One Day Decorating

Recently, I was flying to Oklahoma to teach a class.  The plane leveled out and I reached down and pulled out my computer, set it on my lap, and turned it on.  Sitting by the window, I couldn't help but notice my reflection in the computer screen and what I saw reflected...wasn't pretty!  Life has been rough on me, and even though I keep trying to convince myself, I hide my age fairly well, the shocking reality was, it isn't so. My roots were showing, (no, I am not a natural blonde) my wrinkles on my neck from early workshiping of the sun with baby oil and iodine were prevalent, my eyebrows needed shaped, I think I saw some hair on my upper lip, and I can't even go on anymore, it was depressing. The moment my plane landed, I called my hairdresser and scheduled a makeover for the following week.  I was tempted to keep a bag on my head all week until I could have my makeover.

The next week, my miracle worker, Debbie, colored my hair, gave me a facial, did my eyebrows (yep, there was hair on that upper lip that she removed), updated my make-up colors, and even gave me a spray tan. I walked out of there feeling like a new woman.  Okay, still older than I want to be and 20 pounds overweight, but she used what I already have, and made it look so much better. And then it hit me, this is exactly what I do on a regular basis for my clients.  I use what they have, polish it up a bit, add a few new things, and Voila, I present the magic of a makeover. So let me share with you a few tips that can help you to give your home a quick makeover as well.  It will feel like a brand new room! I always encourage my clients to apply the three R's to their room-Rearrange, Recolor and Repurpose. 

1.  Rearrange-Placement is the most important component of a beautiful room.  Even if you think you have had your room every possible way, I promise you, that moving things with a purposeful plan will transform the room.  A couple of critical placment components:

• Empty the Space
• Determine the Focal Point
• Place the Largest Piece First
• Complete your Core Group
• For best conversation, remain within a 8-10' space
• Furniture first, then art and accessories

2. Recolor-Bring on the color, just like a spray tan made me look better, color on the walls will instantly take 10 years off your room. (okay, maybe it was only 5) Color tips:

• Work within 1 or 2 levels of saturation for a cohesive space
• Stay within 3-4 values to expand the space
• Use a color at least 3 times at 2-3 different levels to make it belong
• Create triangles with color placement to make the room feel cohesive
• Consider using full spectrum bulbs to show off your new color

3. Repurpose-Take a walk through your house and take off the "have-to" glasses.  In other words, does that chest really have-to stay in the bedroom or would it make an interesting foyer side table or server in the dining room.  Does that room really need to be the dining room, when you never use it as such?  Perhaps it is time to convert it into a home office or a special nook just for Mom to scrapbook, knit, or read a book.  Enjoy everything you have, but think of new ways to repurpose what you already have, and give your home a brand new look.

Okay, off to see if my husband notices my new look.  Why don't you go give your room the gift of a makeover, or call a decorating professional listed on our ODDAA Directory to help you.

Happy Decorating!

About the Author-JoAnne Lenart-Weary is the founder of One Day Decorating, The Decorating Academy, and along with Carol Bass, ODDAA.  She has appeared on HGTV, had a weekly local TV segment, and is currently writing a book called, "Decorating in the Zone." JoAnne is a respected industry leader who is frequently featured in industry magazines and webinars.  She also is the co-developer, along with Cyndie Stefanik, of the unique patent pending color selection system, Color with No Regrets.