It is early a.m. and I am on the bright edge of not getting enough sleep – again.
Whether it is the heat or my over active brain which won’t shut off, my sleep patterns are off and finding rest these past few days has been difficult. Some nights the ideas come fast and furious and I lay awake in frustration at all that I want to accomplish but never seem to have the time.
I am perplexed at the resistance to change when it comes to changing our home space.
I can’t tell you the number of times I am out in the world and I overhear a conversation about renovating, building or buying and selling.
Perhaps I am tuned to these conversations but it seems that people are always talking about their homes. From time to time someone will catch me eavesdropping and say, ‘Are you the lady from the paper?’
The questions always flow after that with a common discomfort and dismay about the change in their home environment.
Change is difficult and uncomfortable and many of us will only change when absolutely necessary. How many of you have started sprucing up your home only after deciding to sell?
I know I have done this many times and have stood back and wondered why I didn’t do this sooner so I could have enjoyed the transformation. I have worked with clients for YEARS who are always in the planning process and who never seem to make a decision to make a move or start a renovation.
It makes me wonder if they lay awake at night like I do rolling over scenarios and possibilities and I worry for them if they have been in this distracted and confused state for several years. Sleep deprivation is not a good thing!
Go to the end of the prospected project and try to visualize the outcome. Write down pros and cons regarding your plan and see if the end result will be beneficial and will fulfill your expectations. Too often we get mired in the details which may not even be a possibility.
One client was worried about a potential bathroom renovation in her home which she planned to sell in 10 years!
She spent hours worrying over whether the bathroom she was decorating today would be liked in 2025 when she decided to move. Get some sleep, dear woman, you are borrowing worry from way too far in the future.
It is usually a quick decision for me when it comes to home improvements or changing locations.
I have moved 22 times in my life and have not left one home without my personal touch. Some people tell me I have an addiction to real estate and I believe this to be true. I won’t spend too many nights in sleepless indecision but one or two may grab and take hold of my imagination.
I hope that if you are contemplating a move or a renovation or building project that you can go boldly into your decision and not lose too much sleep in the process.
If you need advice or comfort or even a distraction I am always available to lend an ear and some advice over coffee. If you are dreaming it (regarding your home) I have probably done it and would be happy to share my experience and expertise.
Kim Wyse is local freelance designer. Find her on facebook at ‘Ask a Designer/Ask a Realtor’.
