I was preaching the values of a good cup of coffee last weekend. As I was grinding some delightful dark roast and preparing the freshly ground beans to make coffee a friend stated ‘Wow, we usually just use instant when we go camping’. Oh no my friend, not in MY camper! The aroma of freshly ground beans cannot be beat and nothing is more satisfying than an excellent cup of coffee while sitting by the lake.
It made me think of some of the clients I try to help. I say try because sometimes it can be a race against time for people to get what they want. Often when people don’t plan far enough in advance they end up having to ‘pick up’ whatever is on hand and often don’t come out with the look they truly wanted.
I can’t tell you how many people come in to my store on a Friday afternoon wanting installation or product for the next day! It continually surprises me that people are squeezing their timelines that tight.
Now I realize that there are a lot of cash and carry stores in Central Alberta and many of the big box stores carry stock of flooring and tile which is a great thing to have in a pinch. My question to people is usually ‘Did you wake up this morning surprised by a renovation project or have you been planning for awhile?’
Most people will admit to planning but seem to leave certain decisions to the last minute.
The downside of rushing decisions, especially on interior finishes is that you will not get the outcome you were hoping for. I have been through many homes where the homeowner tells me that the bathroom reno is done but the vanity wasn’t what they wanted or the tiles aren’t quiet the right colour.
This makes me so sad, when I could have tied together a perfectly coordinated bathroom within a few weeks. The thought that a project was compromised because of a hasty in-stock decision pains me as a designer; there are so many beautiful items at your disposal if you are willing to wait.
Like the delicious ground coffee vs. instant you need to take the time to develop your plan, let it aromatize if you will. Sure you will still get tile for your bathroom at a big box store but will it be delicious, unique and exactly what you want? Or will you be settling for a generic look that 300 people before you have already purchased?
Time lines with renovations, especially when it comes to ordering products and booking installation usually lie at about four to five weeks. Give yourself plenty of time to choose and consult with a professional before rushing into any orders. Have a clarifying discussion with your contractor and find out their desired time lines (eg. when do they want paint colour chosen). I promise it will decrease your stress if you know what is expected of you ahead of time.
Enjoy the process; carefully select your coffee beans – mix flavours for your own custom blend if you wish. Open the bag and inhale the aroma as you lovingly create the perfect cup of coffee. Rich satisfaction awaits in the perfected finished product you have created by taking the time and planning ahead.
Kim Lewis is an interior designer in Red Deer with Carpet Colour Centre. Contact her at 403-343-7711 ext. 227 or email her at klewis@carpetcolourcentre.com.
