But it didn't turn out quite how I thought it would...

Transformation can be a tricky thing.

As a culture, I have to say we are pretty fascinated with transformation. There are television shows about weight loss, getting fit, becoming famous, and, of course, my favorite--home renovation. 

Those BEFORE & AFTER shots can be downright intoxicating, right? 

On a good day, those images and stories can show us what is possible, inspiring us to do things differently in our own lives. On a bad day, it tricks us into thinking that really complicated problems can be easily fixed within the timeframe of an hour-long television program. 

(I have read that some of those oh-so-engaging HGTV shows may transform one space in a house while piling stuff in adjacent rooms that are off-camera, creating new problems and a big mess that still needs addressing. Interesting...) 

Sometimes we accidentally create chaos rather than transformation when we try to just make something pretty while ignoring or being blissfully unaware of the underlying challenges and problems that make that thing ugly or dysfunctional in the first place.

We don't mean to do this. We just don't know what we are getting ourselves into! 

For example, have you ever bought new furniture for a room and been so looking forward to the new look you were creating, only to be deeply disappointed when it arrived because it wasn't the right size or shape, didn't look how you had hoped it would, and made the room actually feel worse to you? 

OR

Have you ever invested in a renovation project that resulted in a space that still frustrated you and didn't turn out quite how you thought it would--despite throwing all that money at the problem?

*SIGH* Haven't we all? 

Good transformations--ones that have remarkable, long-lasting positive results--come from taking the time to understand what really is at the core of the thing we long to change.  

Maybe a sofa is too big for the space, and what you really need to make it sensational is a loveseat?

Maybe your house is driving you nuts, and instead of renovating and reconfiguring closets, it would be better to start by clearing out clutter and getting back to basics before you hire a contractor?

Maybe instead of hanging new curtains and artwork, you need to figure out the best furniture layout for the room first so that it feels inviting and settled?

WHO KNEW??

These are the challenges I love helping people solve as the House Whisperer--and the result is a transformation that changes the way my clients live in their homes for the better for years to come.