Where
Do I Begin?
Following design trends is like trying to follow
fashion trends – they change constantly! Should you follow trends? Yes, If they
suit your overall style. But, what are the basic design rules to follow that
don’t necessarily rely only on trends? How can you have a home that looks like
a million bucks without spending a fortune and without changing your décor
every season?
Take your time:
Decorating is an expensive
business. Having an overall vision for the space (and, more importantly – a
budget) before beginning is a good way to save money in the long run. There are
a variety of means available to pre-plan for a space. One popular way to do
this is by creating a Design Board using Pinterest or by using other Internet
resources such as Olioboard to create a Mood Board. Magazines and photographs
can also help create a Mood Board or collage if you are a more hands on kind of
planner. Cut clippings from magazines when you see something that inspires you
and create a photo collage. All of these will help you to see your vision. If
you are still feeling overwhelmed, hire a designer to help. There is nothing
worse than choosing items for your home only to hate them when you see them in
the space. Some items can’t be returned and who wants the hassle anyway?
Other ways to take your time
include shopping for signature pieces that make a statement. Frequent vintage
and resale shops until you find the pieces that speak to you and your overall
design vision. By shopping vintage and resale, you can save money a lot of
times and the pieces will have character. If you do find the perfect piece,
don’t snag it just because it is the perfect price. Also think about what you
might need to do to it once you bring it home – repaint, reupholster, fix
drawers. If you need to refinish, count the cost of paint and supplies. If the
piece needs to be reupholstered, add $300-$400 to the sale price. Also remember
that wherever you decide to shop, price doesn’t always negate quality. Hiring
someone to refinish or reupholster a piece for you will sometimes produce
better results than purchasing an expensive piece from the mass produced
market.
Measure
and measure again:
Unless you are able to knock walls
down in order to expand you space, measuring is a necessity when it comes to
designing a space. If it won’t fit, it won’t fit. Remember to keep scale and
proportion of objects, of furnishings and of furniture in mind as well as
overall square footage of the space. You want to choose pieces that fit well
proportionally in the space as well as look proportional to each other. A small
chair will look out of place in a large room while it will look just right in a
smaller room.
Focus
on function:
Some rooms are a no brainer when it
comes to function. A bathroom has a very specific function as well as a
kitchen. But, what function do other rooms in your home have? Some rooms can
function in several ways especially when you have children or when you work
from home. That spare bedroom which would normally be just for guest can double
as an office or playroom. How often you need a guest room may also lead to
different furniture purchases and more functions for the space. If you choose
to add a bed, the space is limited for other functions. But, what if you did a
sofa with a fold out bed? Your space just increased as did the room’s overall
functions.
The one rule to avoid though is to
have your office inside your bedroom. Mixing work and sleep could have
repercussions on how well you sleep. If you do have to have a workspace in your
sleeping space, try to make it as inconspicuous as possible with room dividers,
great organization and minimal office furniture.
Acknowledge ALL of the surfaces in
a room:
Many of us tend to choose a paint
color, flooring, draperies and furnishings but neglect the sixth side of a room
– the ceiling. Make a statement with the ceiling by using wallpaper, beams,
wooden planks, or paint it a contrasting color to make a huge statement. If you
aren’t into making a huge statement, purchase a gallon of white paint and have
it tinted with the wall color you are using in the space.
Keep
it clean and organized:
No matter what your design style or
which trends you decide to follow, keep your space clean, organized and clutter
free. Purge or store anything you don’t need on a regular basis and don’t go
overboard with items that will clutter the space. Baskets and bins are a great
investment to hide unwanted clutter especially in the office area or if your
children’s toys share the living space.
Remember that having a home where YOU feel
comfortable is your main goal. Trends do have their place in moderation, but
remember that you are not decorating for your neighbors or friends. You want
your home to feel welcoming when you entertain visitors, but the overall design
style should be reflection of your tastes. You want to love coming home!
