Leanne Brownoff: How to survive a renovation
Mapping out a time frame will help the family cope
Q: We have a charming 1940s home that we are renovating, and right now we’re working on the kitchen. Some of the work we have contracted out, but some — the demolition part — we are doing ourselves. I am feeling overwhelmed trying to manage this while organizing our three elementary schoolaged children. Do you have advice for living through a renovation?
A: Renovations are easy to jump into when you can imagine the final result. But like all projects, you need to think about the ripple effect the change will have along the way.
It is important to have a time frame for how long you will be displaced from the affected area. Sit down with your contractor and map out the entire project so you know what to expect, then transfer that information to a calendar so the family can monitor the progress. This will save you from constantly hearing “Are we there yet?” while the renovations take place. Update the calendar if timelines change along the way.
Your kitchen is likely a major hub of activity. Make a list of all activities that typically happen in that room, such as preparing and eating meals and snacks; bagging lunches; homework at the table; getting a glass of water after a soccer game. Think of the typical activities that occur over a 24-hour period for both weekdays and weekends and consider an alternate plan that avoids the kitchen.
The more that you can adhere to your family’s regular schedule — even if in a different room — the less the renovation will drain your patience as it progresses.
Q: I am looking for some design advice for my front entrance. I have a small but separate area that leads to a hallway with a staircase to the left and a set of french doors (to the living room) on the right. The hallway continues to the back rooms of the house. The ceilings are 10 feet and their height makes the front area feel small. I don’t want this space to feel claustrophobic and am open to any ideas you have.
A: You can infuse a great deal of ambience in a small space and the entrance of your home is a great opportunity to set the tone for what is to follow.
If you feel the soaring ceilings tend to bring the walls in, then bring the ceiling to you. The right light fixture not only sheds important light, it can create the illusion of perceived space. Look for a light that can hover above your head (with the ability to adjust the height). When you bring the ceiling — or at least the light — closer to you, the brain adjusts the perceived space in your entrance accordingly.
While creating interest is desirable, it is important to select a light fixture that complements the space. Even if you think your space is small, avoid small lights. Larger items
Sit down with your contractor and map out the entire project so you know what to expect, then transfer that information to a calendar so the family can monitor the progress.
can provide the illusion of greater space, and a wider circumference will offer greater light diffusion. You should, however, avoid small carpets at the door as they will break up the floor space, adding to the “smaller” feel. The eye will read the space to be larger if there is greater continuity — even in a patterned rug — than the stop-and-go effect of various floor coverings.
All rooms need furniture and this space is no different. Adding a side table or chair to the area changes the function of this space. It no longer is just a transition space to quickly move through, but rather a welcoming area to comfortably linger in and enjoy.
Complete the design by dressing the furnishings with a toss pillow and throw for the chair, candles and potpourri for a table.
Finally, add artwork to the walls. This can take the form of a single large piece or a collection of similar smaller works.
Mirrors can also add to the illusion of space and are quite useful for making that final check before leaving the home.