Ozark Living

Surviving a Remodel Tips from someone who has been there, done that … and survived A s a designer in Northwest Arkansas for the last 18 years, I have designed and helped execute many remodels for my clients. I love making a tired space come alive again through the redesign process, whether that be as simple as painting or something more complicated like knocking down walls. As many times as I have sat down with my clients before their demo day to talk about the process of living through a remodel, nothing was as real as living through a remodel myself! I have gained fi rst-hand knowledge as my husband and I took this sacred journey ourselves. Now, I would like to share a few of my professional and personal insights. Firstly, you will not be able to use part of, if not all of the remodeled space, so make sure you create clear paths to important and daily used items. We initially put the coff ee pot on the other side of the dining room away from the kitchen debris, thinking that would be more sanitary. However, all that created was stubbed toes and an angry uncaff einated wife as I shuffl ed through the chaotic progress being made in the kitchen. So, we decided the coff ee should live in the bedroom with us, which lead us to move all- important and daily used items in accessible locations for easy access. Also think of little ones and fur babies maneuvering through the renovation. Next, get to know the workers on your remodel team. You will be spending a lot of time with them. Waking up to noise in my kitchen was made less annoying because I made a conscious eff ort to get to know the workers on the project. Unless you use a one-man show, you will have subcontractors in your space, so introduce yourself and get to know them. It's much easier to be frustrated and annoyed with a stranger, so make a friend instead. Lastly, it's amazing the number of design opinions produced from people who aren't paying for the remodel. ere is no such thing as a small tweak. Even the simplest change can aff ect the timeline and budget. Having a well- designed plan from the beginning and maintaining open communication with your loved ones and the contractor will help keep control of the budget and your timeline. Amy Koogler Amy Koogler owns Selah Design Studio in Rogers, Arkansas with her husband, Brad. Selah Design Studio is a full-service to the trade Interior Design studio. Brad and Amy co- founded and serve on the board for the NWA Design Association, a nonprofi t organization created for designers, builders. Call Amy at 479-282-1380 or email her at amy@selahdesignstudio.com. GUEST COLUMNIST Living OZARK LIVING • FEBRUARY 2018 • 25

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