The detail and time required for a redecoration or refurbishment project can be gruelling, and us decorators should know that more than anyone else! So we’d like to share with you some of the most inspiring quotes and phrases which can lift a decorator’s perspective. These are true both for us when undertaking a large scale commercial refurbishment, office redecoration or refit… or indeed for those of you painting your children’s bedroom and feeling despondent at the prospect of needing to give it yet another coat!
“Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation, there is sure to be failure.” Confucius
Some concepts are timeless. This classic pearl of wisdom from over 2,000 years ago remains true to this day and is, especially, key when it comes to decoration. The only route for a redecoration or refurbishment project to reach a successful conclusion is one in which preparation of the space and surfaces has been considered and undertaken thoroughly.
“Fashion fades, only style remains the same.” Coco Chanel
This principle is true whether you are working on an office refit or your own living room. Try not to be distracted by trends and excessive design additions. When it comes to parts of the building which are visible to all and sundry, like a reception or fascia, it is worth considering how a design may date. Don’t go for faddish colour combinations. Yes, present your corporate logo and reflect your branding – but keeping it simple will aid longevity.
“Design is a funny word. Some people think design means how it looks. But of course, if you dig deeper, it’s really how it works.” Steve Jobs
A key element of a commercial decoration is that it’s not all aesthetic. We are constructing a workable space which needs to bring out the best for those who work in it. From bespoke carpentry and storage to the health benefits of a conscientiously designed colour scheme, a successful decoration plan should always have function at its core.
“Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.” Sam Levenson
These words may have come from a humorist, but it pays to take them seriously! Put simply: keep going when it seems that a job is insurmountable! Time is an important aspect and judging it is key to our business when it comes to quoting for a job. So it is important to be realistic in terms of how long a project will take. In turn, this will help to keep your budget under control.
“Work hard, stay positive, and get up early. It’s the best part of the day.” George Allen, Sr.
This mid twentieth-century American senator and attorney sums up the best approach to all work and specifically that of the decorator. Working in natural sunlight illuminates aspects of a building which can become hidden in artificial light. It is therefore absolutely worthwhile for us to make use of every hour that the sun is up – which in the UK can mean an early start!
“Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.” Aristotle
The most instinctive aspect of decoration is that you must believe in the project that you undertake; to take pride in the work over which you have laboured. It is visually apparent when that extra level of care has been undertaken on a professional or personal decoration job. Therefore, it is worth feeling the satisfaction in realising a design accurately and to its highest potential.
When a redecoration or refurbishment is a long process, as it often is, it is easy to lose focus and this is where attention to detail can slip. Diverse as they may be, words of wisdom from these varied sources can provide much-needed inspiration when it comes to seeing that project through. They’re more than just a meme!
We are commercial painting and decorating contractors, serving London, Essex, Cambridge and the Home Counties.
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