<Putting my Corporation Hat On>
It's quite possible that any decorating changes need to be approved by your House Corporation personnel (and possibly approved by National personnel as well) before any funds can be spent on redecorating. If you haven't talked with them, I suggest that be your first resource! They may know of local alumnae or other contacts in the interior decorating industry who could help. You'd be surprised to learn just how many GLOs actually have decorating guidelines or other info available to their House Corporations (and how many Corporations fine chapters if they make physical changes to the house without written permission!) </hat Off>
It may be hard to work with that dark green, but you can do it! BTW, how old is that carpeting anyhow? If it's getting toward the end of it's lifespan, your corporation may have already be planning to replace it in the future. Ask, so you don't have to go through redecorating again if the carpet is going to be replaced in the next couple of years!
A few more questions to think about
:
1. Is the current furniture staying in the room? If so, will it be cleaned/updated/slipcovered, etc. as a part of the redecorating? Make sure your color choices match well with what you have to keep in the room?
2. Same goes for window coverings, are they staying or changing as well. If you have non-standard sized windows (oh, like windows that are approx. 34" wide and 92+" long!!) it gets expensive to replace existing window coverings!
3. Can you put an area rug on top of the existing rug to break it up a bit?
4. What really happens in the living/dining area? Is it Grand Central for all activity, or only used for occasional TV viewing and formal meals? Is it the first room guests see after entering? What do you want people to think when they see this room? Choose fabrics, paints, colors and lighting to work with the room and how your chapter truly uses it.
5. What do the other rooms on that floor look like? Are you looking for a smooth flow from room to room, or wanting a distinct feel for each different room or space.
6. Does Tri-Sigma own the house, or do you rent? If you rent, make sure any redecorating is in compliance with your existing lease agreement. If the lease doesn't outline how redecorating will be handled, contact your landlord and get permission before changing anything. Trust me on this one
7. Take lots of Before and After pictures to document your hard work!
Feel free to ask if you have any other questions and good luck!
Christin