We recently shared a post that outlined several scenarios in which we were able to assist our clients with some major changes in their lives through the renovation of their homes. Hopefully, it helped you identify some areas in which you could improve your lifestyle through modifications to your own space. It doesn’t have to be an entire overhaul because something as simple as adding a wall-mounted organizer* by the entry can alleviate the stress of the all-too-common “mail stack on the counter” scenario. 

But sometimes you need a full shift. Sometimes we find that the space we have no longer serves who we are and whether you have started a family, are recently empty-nesters, or the way you service customers has changed overnight (hello covid!), your spatial needs have changed. Sometimes it happens so gradually, that we don’t even realize it until the realization hits you that you need something different and maybe you aren’t even sure where to start. As a business owner and total efficiency nerd, I always try to start with a SMART goal. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. 

A good example of a SMART goal would be: I want an open kitchen with plenty of storage and space for my little ones to sit at the counter while I cook. I would like to have this finished by the summer when they will be home with me all day and I will forgo my dream marble countertops to keep this affordable, as I know we will have to replace the cabinets to tweak the layout. 

Once you’ve identified your SMART goal, it’s time to start thinking about implementing the necessary changes. When we work with small business owners or homeowners alike, we employ a change management system to help guide the process. Rule #1, get everyone on board. It’s great to have dreams and ideas, but you’re creating a change that will affect everyone in the space timewise, financially, and how the end product is utilized. It is important to get buy-in and it is also helpful to get ideas from the other people who will use the space. When we work with clients, we require that all of the decision-makers and end-users be present at this stage. Buy-in and feedback from all involved is essential to a smooth process and also yields a better end product. 

Now you have your wishlist and are preparing for the beautiful, yet functional kitchen of your dreams. What’s next? While many say that a shift in mindset is required to successfully prepare for change we would like to offer that action, coupled with the guidance of an expert, can actually get you to that mindset quicker. Sticking with the example above, some great next steps would include: Going through all kitchen/pantry items to determine how much storage you actually need, donating items you don’t need (AKA Marie Kondo* your space), visiting a showroom to get ideas and rough pricing or contacting an Interior Designer to just handle it for you. We will ALWAYS recommend hiring a designer before a General Contractor. A good designer provides a plan and will work alongside the GC to help provide a code-compliant renovation and realistic budget. 

With these few simple steps, you have surpassed the decision limbo that so many get caught up in. You have also clearly identified what you want and how to get there and once you are in good hands with either a showroom or Interior Designer, you are actually done with the heavy lifting and on your way to your desired goal. 

At BMor Creative, we love to make life easier for our clients. Our expertise in planning and project management makes the interior design process go as smoothly as possible. And while there is no reason you couldn’t see this process through on your own, even a consultation with our team will give you the confidence that you’re on the right track (or help you correct) while assisting to narrow down your options much more quickly.

*Affiliate links: We occasionally use affiliate links to direct readers to examples of products for your projects. And while purchasing through these links does not cost you any more, we disclose that as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. 

As an NCIDQ certified designer, we are often asked what it means to have this appellation and what is the benefit to you as a client? Let’s start with what this means. There is a huge difference in an Interior Designer and an Interior Decorator. And while both can be extremely talented and creative, a Designer must hit certain milestones that demonstrate a certain level of experience and knowledge in the field especially in regards to public health, safety and welfare. As a student of Interior Design the goal is often to receive a degree, complete an internship under a licensed designer or architect in order to sit for the NCIDQ exams and secure licensure of their own.

This is especially important for those of us who work on commercial spaces, hence the public health, safety and welfare focus. This certification in most states allows the Designer to become a registered design professional and be able to sign and seal their own construction documents for permit, without the involvement (or expense) of an architect. Disclaimer: This will depend on the state and the size/scope of your project. A qualified and experienced Designer will let you know when you need to get an architect and/or engineer involved and will probably have a few good ones to recommend.

Do you need an NCIDQ certified Designer for your project? First and foremost, selecting an NCIDQ designer may not always be required or necessary for your project. If you only need some paint color selections and styling, then a decorator would suit you just fine. But when it comes to renovations requiring anything beyond updating finishes, a designer with the NCIDQ credentials will be your best bet. They have been vetted, tested and have already proven their experience in this realm in order to receive this certification. NCIDQ has put together a great series of videos covering this topic, should you want to learn more.

One of the most important areas to consider when designing successful workspaces is Environmental Psychology which is basically how your environment affects you physically, mentally and emotionally. As a designer, I am always looking for how to create the best outcomes through design. Successfully designing workspaces means that the final product is not just photo-worthy, but ideally will improve the mood and productivity of the staff which makes for a better business environment when you work from home. 

So for those of you who find yourself working at home (like most of us have these last couple of weeks) then these tips are for you. I’m sharing a few considerations that have helped me stay on track and actually enjoy working from home. I hope they will give you a few productive ideas for how to optimize your current setup. 

Try Not to Work in Your Bedroom 

I’ve heard this is feng shui but it’s also my personal preference. Rest/romance + work is not a good combo. The bedroom should be peaceful and relaxing with no reminders of daily tasks. Work focus is hard enough without a comfortable bed tempting you with a nap. If the bedroom is the only place you can find peace and privacy to concentrate, then at least try to make sure your work materials are put away each evening. Also, it helps to make your bed in the morning to reduce temptation.

Find a Dedicated Work Space

Find the sunniest space and make it your dedicated workspace. Having a dedicated space to work is key to staying focused on your tasks and not being derailed with other household chores nagging to be finished. While it’s fine to surf the web on the sofa in short intervals (hey, who doesn’t?), I would recommend working at a dining table or somewhere with a working height surface (Approximately 30” high). If you have a good office chair, even better. 

Declutter & Minimize Your Workflow 

I’ve weaned my dependency on paper files significantly and have reduced the amount of “stuff” I need overall. I’ve reduced my work footprint from 750 square feet to two tote bags and a laptop that both get placed in a closet every night. It hasn’t been ideal, but it’s very lean and I will definitely be taking some of these principles into my new workspace. 

Stick To a Routine 

This is especially important for those of us who now have children at home and are playing teacher too. Try to maintain any work/school day routines such as being at your desk by 9:00, lunch at noon, and coffee breaks. Also, don’t forget to shower and put on real clothes. It will take discipline, and having an intentional regimen on day one will set you up for success. 

Get Out of the House 

One pitfall of working from home is the lack of variation in the environment. That variation is crucial to focus, productivity and general happiness — you must be intentional about switching it up. Take a walk or run an errand; just don’t stay home 24/7 because it will wear on you over time. 

Enjoy It

Learn the rules so you can break them. I love working from home and over the last six years have really made it a part of my lifestyle. So, yes I do laundry and personal errands between work tasks. But it takes a while to get there. Once you have developed the discipline and routine, switch it up to enhance your lifestyle, and reclaim your evenings. 

As an interior designer, these are the work from home tips I’ve utilized to help turn my home into an effective workspace. Everyone is different, but following these core principles will not only improve workflow but help you maintain a work/life balance that will allow you to preserve your sanity. I hope you found them helpful and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions about an interior design idea or additional insights on how to maximize your new, temporary workspace when working at home!