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Posted on: December 23, 2010

Roadmap to a Cozy Home

Live in comfort and style, and under budget

By Danielle Robinson
CTW Features


Room by room: Design duo Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams tout budget-friendly decorating choices that start with an honest look at the function and expectation for every part of a home. Image courtesy of Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams

The real estate market may still be down, but investing in the home will always be one of the wisest decisions a homeowner can make. Instead of planning a weekend getaway, why not invest in a new love seat to enjoy all year?

That’s Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams’ philosophy, which they explain, along with a slew of expert decorating and remodeling tips, in their book, “The Comfortable Home: How to Invest in Your Nest and Live Well for Less” (Clarkson Potter, 2009). Co-owners of their internationally acclaimed, eponymous furniture company, the duo explains the value of creating a beautiful, relaxing space without breaking the bank.

“Despite today’s real estate climate, it can still pay incredible dividends on so many levels if [people] set up their homes so they can really enjoy them now and for years to come,” Williams says. “We wrote the book to help them do that – and also to help them do it affordably.”

Both men agree that the best way to make such an investment is to look for comfort at a reasonable price.

“True comfort means being able to relax and feel at home in every room of your house, and to make guests feel welcome, too,” Gold says. “We strive to create a home that is a true haven from the busy outside world. We want it to look beautiful, make your everyday life easier and be simple to update and maintain.”

But for homeowners, the problem often isn’t committing to invest in their space; it’s getting started.

“We’ve found that when people start trying to decorate a room, it can create stress and freeze them up,” Williams says. “We show them how to start the process by doing something only they can do: Decide how they’ll use each room in their house.”

The pair advises homeowners to take the time to closely assess how each room will be used. Do you only use the living room to watch TV? Opt for a comfy couch. Prefer to use your space to entertain guests? Try upright seating. “Once you determine what activities will go on there and who will use a room, it becomes much clearer what layout and furnishings will work best,” Williams says.

Gold practices what he preaches. “Because I travel so much, having a bedroom to come home to that’s a true sanctuary is so important,” he says. “One thing I love is the radiant heat in the floor of the master bath – now that’s comfort.”

If you need additional guidance, both experts urge homeowners to consider working with a professional, as interior design services are much less costly than they once were. “Many offer hourly rates and consultations on single rooms,” Gold says. “The right designer knows what questions to ask to determine your needs.”

Make a List

List all the activities you plan to do in each room. We know from experience this is the best way to get what you need to feel comfortable the first time around. Many people find decorating stressful, and list-making helps ease the pressure. You don’t need a good eye or in-depth design knowledge to get the project moving.

Keep these points in mind as you write your list:

• Think about how you’ll use the room: You’ll get a sense of what features each piece of furniture needs to meet your goals. Do you require extra storage? Will you be using the room as a guest room? Will you be entertaining a crowd?

• Consider who will use the room: For true harmony, ask all members of your household to contribute to your list. Don’t overlook the youngest members, who are often especially tuned in to comfort. And don’t forget the needs of four-legged family members.

It’s worth taking the time to make lists for all your rooms, even those you’re not currently ready to update. That way, while you’re working on one room, you might find something that would enhance the usefulness of another.

Courtesy of “The Comfortable Home: How to Invest in Your Nest and Live Well for Less” (Clarkson Potter, 2009) by Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams

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