The idea of decorating your home can be daunting for many of us. When designing any space, whether it be my own or a client’s, I begin with a focus on happiness and enjoyment. I ask the question, “How does the space need to feel and function to make the space be as enjoyable as possible?” Answers like “bright, cozy and open” all help guide décor decisions to achieve the ultimate goal of the room. Any and all “design rules” must follow the ONLY rule: to make the space enjoyable. Here are a few tips to design a perfectly pulled together, stylish and happy space!
1. Focus on Function
Set the stage: Specify what you will do in the space. What is its main function? Ask yourself questions like: What is it for? Who’s going to use it? How can you make the most of it? Once you’ve nailed down a function or two, because most spaces do double-duty, you can start collecting ideas to complete your room decorating plan.
2. Get Inspired
Inspiration is everywhere, so when you’re developing a plan for your space, look through magazines and design blogs for ideas. Then, create a mood board. Your mood board can contain everything from color or paint swatches and fabric samples to magazine pictures of inspiring spaces. The point is to get an idea of the type of look and feel you want to create before you start. This will help your design stay on task and offer a reference as you shop and rearrange.
3. Work Your Space Planning Muscle
Define your particular space with the furniture that does the “work” in the room. For instance, in a space that functions as a dining room, the dining table does the major work; in an office, the desk does the work. You get the idea. If you have a multi-functioning room, find a creative way to separate each area – using a bookshelf, dividing screen or area rugs. That way you won’t end up living amid chaos.
4. Use Color to Design Bigger
Choose a lighter color to help a small space appear larger and more open, and be consistent with colors and accents. Be intentional about where you add splashes of color: opt for easily interchangeable items such as pillows, throws and picture frames.
Choose artwork or accent furniture to balance your color palette. If too many colors draw your eye, the room appears cluttered, smaller and overburdened.
5. Light It Up
Lighting is a cost-effective way to enhance a room and instantly improves the look and feel of everything in it. To start, it’s a good idea to swap generic ceiling fixtures (that often cast an unappealing light on things) for something with architectural or metal interests. Try a chandelier or any fixture that expresses your personal style, and consider adding dimmer lights to control the ambience.
If you have tall ceilings, maximize the space by installing a large, decorative lighting fixture, try uplighting (think can-lights on the floor) to add a softer look to the space and bring in different lampshades to add color and texture.
6. Go Classic –with a Twist
While it can be tempting to jump on every home decor trend that you happen to notice in the glossy pages of magazines, focus more on creating a timeless space, allowing your accessories and accent furniture to provide the trendy twists. Choose classic anchor elements like sofas, beds, tables and art as a base, and then add accessories such as window treatments, pillows, candles, bowls of fresh fruit in solid bright colors and other eye-catching accents to spice up the space and give each room some flair.
7. Be You and Have Fun
Never lose sight of who you are and how you want to feel in your space during the process. Home decor is a tool to express yourself. Implement a style that fits who you are and reflects your interests, hobbies and taste. Play up the personality with framed pictures from your travels, memories from family gatherings or books you loved reading. Guests can feel the love and care you put into designing a room when you’ve taken the time to make it reflect your individuality and what makes you great.
Make this your year to decorate with your happiness and enjoyment in mind!
Tarsha S. Davis
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