Resolutions and Intentions 2012

“Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right.”

~Oprah Winfrey

It’s the beginning of a new year, a clean slate, a chance to reflect on what we want to accomplish in the coming 12 months.  To this end, each January my friend Amy and I have a lunch date where we discuss our intentions (resolutions) for the upcoming year. When we first started this tradition several years ago I was skeptical.  So many times you make resolutions that only last a short time and then fall by the wayside.  However Amy encouraged me to record my goals and to break them down into achievable steps so I could accomplish them. Furthermore, we agreed to check in with one another periodically throughout the year to revisit our intentions and our progress.  By following Amy’s  lead and being specific and accountable, I was happily surprised to discover that I really did succeed in many of my intentions.

Of course resolutions and goals don’t always have to be personal.  To that end,  might I suggest that for 2012 you compile a list of DESIGN INTENTIONS?

Begin by taking a walk around your home with a notebook and pen and make notes regarding areas you would like to improve.  As you go room by room, try to think creatively and a bit “outside the box”.  Act like a designer and write down your ideas; you can even jot down quick sketches.  Review your notes and come up with a list of specific design intentions for your home.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

~Make a space more colorful.  Fabric, paint, and accessories are a great way to add color.

~If a room  is not working quite right for you and your family, resolve to make it more functional.

~ Invest in a storage system to help  de-clutter and organize that closet that annoys you every time you have to look for something.

Source: Organized closet via wildflower on Pinterest

~Add more art to your home, particularly pieces that transport you to another place or make you feel calm.

Source:  Paige Railsback via Pamela on Pinterest
~Embellish windows with woven wood blinds and  new drapes.

~Change the pillows in one room for that extra punch of color.

~Change the paint color on the walls in a room or two.  A can of paint gives the most impact and it is the most reasonable of all design investments!

By thinking about the overall concept and then breaking  the process down into smaller steps, you can create a manageable, do-able list of intentions.   There’s no time like the present to get started,  it is after all  the 2nd week of January ;-).

Just as personal intentions and resolutions help us grow in strength and character, design intentions will help you to create a home that is personal, stylish, functional and fresh.

Good Luck, Happy New Year and Best of Design in 2012!

xo,

Pamela

  Should you like some professional assistance in compiling or completing your Design Intentions do contact me about my design services.

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