64 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • OCTOBER 2019
PRESS HOME
HOW TO REDECORATE AFTER BECOMING SINGLE
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LIGHTEN UP AND START
FRESH!
They start with tips for women.
“Show off your signature style to
create a feminine home,” she says.
“Have fun with gorgeous color and
a mix of patterns in luscious fabrics
such as velvet, linen, or silk on your
furnishings, walls, and window treatments.
Look for graceful furniture
silhouettes, in materials of mirrored
finishes, custom metallics, and specialty
woods.”
For guys, it’s time to make a masculine
statement.
“Choose furnishings of rich materials
such as leather, shagreen, or stone,”
Omeltchenko suggests. “Shake up a
traditional seating area by centering
recliners around a cocktail table.
Consider a live edge table in a beautiful
wood to impart a modern organic
feel.”
They also suggest choosing strong
colors and bold patterns to personalize
the bedroom.
The master suite is where the design
budget for luxury items should
ideally be spent,” Omeltchenko says.
“High thread-count sheets, sumptuous
pillows and bedding, beautifully
layered window treatments, and soft
adjustable lighting are both soothing
and exciting. So, whether one is looking
for self-healing or ready to move
on to another relationship, they’ll be
ready for any eventuality!”
THE JOURNEY
Life’s not about the destination, it’s
about the journey, the saying goes.
Same goes for design.
“We suggest staying focused and
completing the goal of making your
home reflect you and your interests
as you start a new life,” says Fox.
Declutter, purge, and rearrange the
Becoming single is an opportunity to personalize your living space. (Getty Images)
furniture. Paint fresh colors on walls
for an instant change.
“Consider purchasing some key
furnishings to update your look,”
Omeltchenko suggests. “A modern
sectional sofa offers plenty of seating
and can replace a more traditional
configuration with a sofa and chairs.
Custom window treatments perfectly
finish your rooms and add a special
sense of style.”
Keep spaces bright and airy and
bring life and good energy in with
plants.
What about the kids? According to
both designers, it’s important that
children feel secure, safe, and happy
in their room. Be sure to include familiar
toys and belongings. Involve
your child so they have a say in selecting
any new bedding or furnishings.
THE EX FACTOR
A breakup can be an incredibly painful
experience.
“Having reminders of your ex-partner
around your living space is likely
to prolong this period of grief,” says
Marisa T. Cohen,Ph. D., a local relationship
coach and educator.
She suggests removing items such as
photos to avoid reminders. But don’t
be too quick to purge everything
when in an emotional state.
“You may come to regret that later,”
she says. “Wait until the emotions dissipate
a bit and then decide what you
want to save. And don’t do anything
too drastic (like renos) if you aren’t
feeling yourself.”
Having a support system and seeking
advice from a coach, therapist,
organizer, or designer can make a
big difference.
REDECORATING CAN BE
EMPOWERING
This is the opportunity to focus on
what you want your space to look like.
“Take the time to really think about
what is important to you and how you
want that reflected in your home,”
Cohen says. “Use your new space as a
canvas to explore your own interests
and style. It can be a wonderful time
for self-exploration as you decide
what you want to fill your space with.”
Both designers suggest creating surroundings
that bring joy.
“Focus on yourself as you heal and
move forward with your life,” says Fox.
“Take time to discover what makes you
truly happy. Stretch out and fill your
spaces with light, laughter, and love!”
“Use your new space as a canvas to explore your
own interests and style." says Marisa T. Cohen.
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