Create Your Dream Home

Have you created a sacred sanctuary that you love to come home to?

Your home is your castle. As you step into the front door it should embrace you, comfort you, and support you whatever life style you have.

As I sit writing to you, I look around and wonder why I feel so wonderful in my home. I see a beautiful vase of pure white roses and yellow freesias. This vision and smell not only appeal to my senses but truly lift my spirit.

When I glance at my window a stream of sunshine hits a crystal ball that in turn reflects the most beautiful colours into my room. The soft drapes hanging from my contempory curtain pole soften the window frame and give the room an air of elegance and light.

The rich deep piled carpet is content to be the back drop to the flame red and orange rug in front of the fire place. A snug and welcoming spot especially on a chilly night!

That feeling of a home that's cosy and comfortable, and lighting that is easy on the eye, with an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity - all this can only be achieved when we create it.

Heather's Story
Earlier this year I met a client called Heather. Her face was pale and stressed as she described her feelings towards her home, which she could neither sell, nor feel relaxed in. So Heather asked me to come and look at her house.

As I stepped into her home it was clear to me why things were not as good as they could be. The Budget was £500. We spent £40 on paint and £460 on mirrors, lighting, soft furnishings, accessories and flowers.

After a couple of weeks of work on the house the transformation was very evident. Heather sold her house in the first week after the transformation.

Your Dream Home - Right Here, Right Now!
Are you waiting for your dream home? Why wait? Unlock your home's potential. Make the best of what you have. You might even find you are living in your dream home. You just have not used your possibilities or spotted your home's potential.

1. Make a fresh start.
Plan one room at a time. Find something beautiful, or something that captivates your imagination. It could be a painting, an ornament, a vase of flowers, a piece of fabric or clothing or something as simple as a post card. Look at it and write down what you like so much - for example its colour, its shape or its style.

This is a great way to start you off on choosing a colour scheme and might even lead you into another style you had not imagined living with.

2. Clean.
Have you ever heard of the saying 'Cleanliness is next to Godliness'? Be your very own Gods and Goddesses! Clean your home well - don't spare on the hot water, soap and elbow grease.

If you have no time to clean yourself - Call in help! Start with cleaning your windows.

3. Keep your rooms clear and give them purpose.
Here's a checklist - adapt it to your own needs, but don't leave anywhere out!

Hallways and entrances - Keep clear from clutter; remember first impressions are very powerful. What does your entrance hall say about you? Flowers always make a nice welcome.
Kitchen - Throw away stale food that has past its "sold by" or "use by" date. Sort out kitchen appliances. Keep only the ones in good repair and that you use. A beautiful bowl of fresh fruit is an instant blast of good. Buy fruit you like. Lemons or oranges look very effective on their own.

Dining room - Don't dump junk in the dining room. This is a place to retreat, eat and share with our family and friends. Collect things you would like to decorate your table with. For example: Shells, candles, crystals and serviettes. Collect things in groups of one colour as they will look more effective when used decorating your table.

Living room - Replace old and tired soft furnishings. Make sure this is a fabulous part of the house you love to spend your time in. Buy an Up-lighter with a dimmer to add atmosphere with a wonderful wash of light to transform your living area.
Bedrooms - Don't compromise! Clear out the unuseful. Your bedroom should be your very own sanctuary. For a child that might mean having to hand their favourite toys and books - look at their room from their perspective. Men and women appreciate an attractive, warm welcoming space. Make your bedroom your very own temple.
Bathrooms - Throw away old make-up, after shave and stale perfume. Purposely collect morning things and night things. Have to hand all that you need for a great start to the day. And have to hand the ready things that will help you relax at the end of a tiring day! Set the stage… make this room work for you to the maximum.

4. Be confident and resourceful.
We humans don't always find change easy, especially in our home. Have the confidence to make positive changes! Take control of your personal environment, by looking at what you have and building onto the good parts.

If you always do the same you will always get the same. Make no excuses. Make an action plan today! Don't make things a chore, work with an element of fun - expect the best!


5. Home Office.
When setting up a home office give yourself at least 6 to 9 square metres space.

Buy the most comfortable chair you can afford. Choose an area in your house where you will be least disturbed. If you share your home with other people don't plan your home office spot to be in the main living area of the house. Balance between work and home can be achieved if you design it that way.


Good luck!