Posted on: October 1, 2005
Women Rule! How to Achieve Better Design
No woman’s design notebook is complete without a “brainstorming list” of dream projects.
By Matthew M. F. Miller
CTW Features
The power of self-sufficiency: a bucket with tools for a handywoman, from Barbara K, right. Be-Jane founder Heidi Clark at work, above. Image courtesy Be-Jane, Inc.
Kit Davey, interior designer and owner of A Fresh Look, Redwood City, Calif., suggests setting aside a blank page for each room in your home. Spend some time in each room and jot down ideas for changes you would make if time and money were no object. Here are several questions Davey thinks you should consider:
Look at the walls: Would you repaint in a new color, sponge, put up wall paper, or cover with framed art?
Assess the floor treatment: Want to re-carpet, refinish the floors, buy an antique area rug?
How about the window treatment?
Would you prefer blinds, shutters, a swag over gauzy sheers or drapes of thick velvet that puddle on the floor?
Check the furniture: Do you need to find a matching pair of end tables? Would you prefer a floral instead of a checked sofa? Can you fit in a piano?
Analyze your accessories: What would you like to see on display? How about the sculpture piece you saw at the art and wine festival, more family pictures or the collection you've always wanted to start?
Which architectural changes would you make? Would you add a skylight or bay window? Expand the space? Change the doors?
Here’s a statistical snapshot of the DIY-woman:
• 85 percent of women are, or expect to be, solely responsible for a home at some point in their lives. (Sears, Roebuck and Company, 2004 survey by Mathew Greenwald and Associates)
• 37 percent of women would rather do a home improvement project than go shopping (28 percent) or cook (25 percent). (The Home Depot/Yankelovich Partners)
• 61 percent of female homeowners say they enjoy home maintenance and repair projects. (Sears, Roebuck and Company, 2004 survey by Mathew Greenwald and Associates)
• Women take the lead in initiating both kitchen and bath remodeling projects, initiating 45 percent of kitchen remodeling projects and 43 percent of bathroom projects. This compares to 34 percent and 36 percent for men. (2005 Home Improvement Research Institute Survey)
• 65 percent of women undertake home improvement projects, as compared to 75 percent of men. Women’s attitudes toward home improvement are as positive as men’s attitudes. (Mintel International Group Ltd.)