See Your House in a New Light

4) Think Like an Archaeologist

When you walk through the living quarters of your house, look for indications of changes that were made in the past. Remodeling changes are usually not just cosmetic – either the floor plan's been altered, new doorways added, old doorways closed up, etc. Use your powers of investigation and imagination to dig down to the original layer of the house. Look for areas of difference--they will often provide clues as to what has been changed.

5) Lay Out Your Life

Did you know that the best domestic interiors have something in common with one another? They all divide the home into three principal areas: the private areas of the house (e.g., the bedrooms), the working areas of the house (e.g., the kitchen), and the relaxation area (e.g., living room, dining room, family room). In some cases, there are both public relaxation areas and private ones. Well-laid-out houses separate these functional areas of the home so that sleeping children aren't awoken by loud laughter coming from the living room and guests don't come across loads of laundry on their way to your dinner table. Think about your particular needs and how alterations in the layout can make for a happier, more considerate home environment.

6) Shut Off the Lights

You can light a candle or use a flashlight. Or do both. What you'll find is that shadows will appear and that colors will soften. Shapes can take on a more dramatic appearance. Moldings will be more pronounced in shadowy light. The very nature of candlelight is such that you'll be able to focus on smaller areas within your spaces as those will be the only spaces that are illuminated. Take note of any surprises that come from this new way of looking. Is there something odd about the relationship of the rooms? Do certain objects suddenly seem out of place?

7) Have a Seat

You can position yourself at a lower vantage point by sitting on a low stool or an upside-down pail. Seat yourself in a corner, in the middle of a hallway, or at the bottom of the stairs. This may feel strange to you, but it will help you imagine the space from the eyes of a small child or a pet or perhaps a person in a wheelchair, should an elderly relative be coming to live with you, all of which may help you brainstorm new solutions for your space.

It will take time to discover your house, maybe weeks or even months to inspect every nook and cranny and conduct a proper home inspection. You can marry your new, surprising findings with your actual past experience of how you and your family move through your space as you go about your daily activities. Combine this with a deeper understanding of architectural style and your dream house will be revealed to you.