The first common mistake to avoid is Losing Control of Your Budget.
It’s very easy to spend way more than you intended when setting out on a design project. In Hebrew there’s the phrase “אם כבר אז כבר” which means “if you’re doing it already, then you might as well…”. With the huge variety of design elements and materials on offer now in Israel, there are many temptations which build up and it’s very easy to lose track of all the expenses. So, how to stay in control?
Your first step is to decide on a realistic budget, broken down into fine detail. Your designer should help you to decide on and manage the costs involved, based on his/her experience and your specific building plan. You can also employ a specialist company to provide a “כתב כמויות”, a quantity analysis and cost report detailing even the number of screws and nails, gallons/litres of paint etc needed to implement your plans. By having a basis on which to quantify those essential and incremental expenses you can then see where there is room for flexibility on those extras
Prioritize where you want to invest … which spaces are more important, long-term sustainability and functionality versus fashion accessories and fittings, whims and fads which you may get fed up with after a short time. Prioritise where you want to impact – don’t overdo it on the materials, colour palette and ornaments. Not every element should be highly decorative or noticeable. The challenge is in the blend, the fusion of all the items to create a wow effect.
The second common mistake to avoid is Losing Sight of Yourself
Don’t forget this is your home/business and it should be a reflection of your tastes and personality. This is often a challenge when bringing items from another country and culture, but it also leads to interesting and eclectic results. In order to ensure the successful fusion of aesthetics to create a pleasing result, work together with a designer who is open to your ideas and can guide you through the process. Invite your designer to your current home or at least share some visuals and inspirations; describe your lifestyle and clarify your expectations and desires.
The final mistake to avoid is Losing Sight of the Local Environment
Practicality is no less important in the design process than aesthetics. You want your home/business to serve you for the long-term and be maintainable and attractive when the initial excitement of something new passes. Consider the climate, go for cooler materials, cut down on the upholstery, use washable fabrics and floors that are easy to sweep, don’t position furniture in the direct sunlight and make sure you have plenty shade.
If you avoid these three mistakes you are on the right track to a rewarding and enjoyable design process.
