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Design first, demolish second
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Move
over "measure twice, cut once." There's a new home improvement axiom
in town: "It's easier to erase lines on paper than take out 2x4s."
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Too often, demolition precedes
design, says a designer and trend spotter who routinely sees home
improvers tiptoe their way to results that are long on skills but
short on aesthetics.
Homeowners should copy the user base
approach taken by professional designers, says Melissa Birdsong,
director of trend forecasting and design for Lowe's, a national
chain of home centres. This process examines the relationship of
design to who will use the room and how they will use it.
"People need to begin, always, with the purpose of the
project," says Birdsong. "They must decide if the project will
increase value, livability, function or their happiness and well
being."
Once seen as "woman's work," design decisions now
reflect family dynamics and decision sharing. Adults and children
often perceive project scope, materials and results differently.
Everyone with a stake in the project must be on board to avoid
post-improvement finger pointing. "The purpose for making home
improvements should be driven by family needs and wants," says
Birdsong.
In the case of bath remodelling, design questions
should revolve around the familys daily routines and cleanup habits
-- if users are right- or left-handed, how many will use the
bathroom, or if it is a child or guest bath.
"Only after the
old vanity is removed and the great new pedestal lavatory is
installed do they realize they forgot to think about where towels
will be stored. Some people don't realize those things until they
are well into the job," says Birdsong. "Then they have the reaction,
'Oh, I didn't think about that.' Despite perfect workmanship, the
results can be less than hoped for."
She suggests homeowners
retreat to the three Rs -- reading, research and reconnaissance.
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