When it comes to the decor of your room or rooms, whether you are starting with a blank canvas or simply modifying your current design, the first thing you must have is knowledge of your space. Paint plays a big role in making or breaking how the size of the room appears. If you have an exceptionally large room and you want it to seem smaller and more homey, you can use richer tones in your paint, such as deep red or chocolate brown. This will make the room seem cozier without dwarfing it.
If you have a smaller room and you want to make it look as large as possible then you should go with more neutral tones. You can use tans, whites, or pastels. This will make the room seem brighter and much larger than if you used a darker color.
Another thing that is important and useful in "knowing your space" is measuring for furniture. Whether the room you are decorating is large or small, you never want the furniture to seem cramped. That will always make the room feel crowded and look small. In a small room, never try to put too many pieces or use oversized furniture. This will not help you maximize your space. For a small room, you should use slimmer pieces. For example, don't use the biggest recliner they make; instead get one that is smaller and just as comfortable.
For larger rooms you can afford to use oversized loveseats and bulkier coffee tables and still have the comfortable space to move about freely.
So remember, when you begin your project: The correct paint color and furniture measurements are important in helping you "Know Your Space"!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Decide Your Boldness
To bring your space to life, you must have a point of boldness. Whether it is in your paint, in your furniture, or simply your room accessories - bringing in something eye-catching is key. Boldness is important, however it is equally important to remember that you have to decide on one of the design elements; it can not be in all of them.
For example, you can have shocking red walls or you can have shocking red furniture, but you can not have both. If your walls are red then you need to have more muted furniture such as a taupe or white couch.
If you have decided that you want to have neutral walls and more lively furniture, that is acceptable also. You can have tan or beige walls and have the upholstery of your furniture make your room come alive. You can even have solid color couches and then put two chairs with different patterns on them to set your bold statement.
Accessorizing with bold items is also a very nice and easy way to liven up your room. If you feel like your room is too bland or if you just happen to like more muted wall colors and furniture upholstery, then you can bring in pops of color that will completely bring a facelift to the space.
You can use bright patterned drapes to liven things up and to showcase your windows and the natural light. Throw pillows are also a fun way to bring in the boldness. If you have a tan couch, you don't have to have pillows all in the brown family; bring in purples, greens, and golds.
These are just a few examples of how to create the lively feeling in your room. Remember, always be creative and have fun while "Deciding Your Boldness"!
For example, you can have shocking red walls or you can have shocking red furniture, but you can not have both. If your walls are red then you need to have more muted furniture such as a taupe or white couch.
If you have decided that you want to have neutral walls and more lively furniture, that is acceptable also. You can have tan or beige walls and have the upholstery of your furniture make your room come alive. You can even have solid color couches and then put two chairs with different patterns on them to set your bold statement.
Accessorizing with bold items is also a very nice and easy way to liven up your room. If you feel like your room is too bland or if you just happen to like more muted wall colors and furniture upholstery, then you can bring in pops of color that will completely bring a facelift to the space.
You can use bright patterned drapes to liven things up and to showcase your windows and the natural light. Throw pillows are also a fun way to bring in the boldness. If you have a tan couch, you don't have to have pillows all in the brown family; bring in purples, greens, and golds.
These are just a few examples of how to create the lively feeling in your room. Remember, always be creative and have fun while "Deciding Your Boldness"!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Create Your Sanctuary
Everyone needs a place to relax, get away from the daily fuss, and just rejuvenate- that is what I like to call a sanctuary. Whether you choose for this place to be your bedroom or simply a room designated solely for that; several important things come into play when creating that haven.
First, you need to get a feel for what relaxes you; is it the beach or nature, waterfalls or flowers? You need to decide what you want to be surrounded in at the end of a long day that will make the stress of the day and all of your problems seem miles away.
Color is always important in interior design and that holds true here as well. Colors such as greens, tans, and muted golds are often thought of as soothing. Having said that, if you have a certain color that makes you feel happy or relaxed do not be afraid to use it. After all, this space is about you!
Another thing to keep in mind is accessories. In a space that is designed to help you relax, you do not want a lot of accessories or knick knacks that would make the room seem too cluttered. A few items that remind you of a good time such as photographs or pieces of art will help create this haven. The sound of water is also very relaxing, so perhaps a table waterfall is all you need to create your realm of comfort.
And finally, lighting. Regardless if it is a large or small room, too much or too little light will offset the serenity. Too much lighting will prevent you from relaxing and resting your eyes, however, too little lighting will make the room seem drab and depressing. Fluorescent lighting would be much too harsh for a calming atmosphere because of its brightness and glare; recessed lighting would be effective and soothing as long as you have enough lights.
Although there are several things you must take into consideration when designing this room, the most important thing to do first is stop, think, and feel what makes you happy. After all, you are creating "Your Sanctuary"!
First, you need to get a feel for what relaxes you; is it the beach or nature, waterfalls or flowers? You need to decide what you want to be surrounded in at the end of a long day that will make the stress of the day and all of your problems seem miles away.
Color is always important in interior design and that holds true here as well. Colors such as greens, tans, and muted golds are often thought of as soothing. Having said that, if you have a certain color that makes you feel happy or relaxed do not be afraid to use it. After all, this space is about you!
Another thing to keep in mind is accessories. In a space that is designed to help you relax, you do not want a lot of accessories or knick knacks that would make the room seem too cluttered. A few items that remind you of a good time such as photographs or pieces of art will help create this haven. The sound of water is also very relaxing, so perhaps a table waterfall is all you need to create your realm of comfort.
And finally, lighting. Regardless if it is a large or small room, too much or too little light will offset the serenity. Too much lighting will prevent you from relaxing and resting your eyes, however, too little lighting will make the room seem drab and depressing. Fluorescent lighting would be much too harsh for a calming atmosphere because of its brightness and glare; recessed lighting would be effective and soothing as long as you have enough lights.
Although there are several things you must take into consideration when designing this room, the most important thing to do first is stop, think, and feel what makes you happy. After all, you are creating "Your Sanctuary"!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Furniture: An Open Minded Decision
Furniture is all a part of the design of your home and shows your personality just like other décor. However, unlike art or paint, choosing of furniture has to be made with not just your liking in mind but also the needs of any guests you may entertain.
You have to decide a focal piece of furniture in each of your rooms and start there. For instance, in the bedroom it would be your bed. Depending on the size of your room, you will choose a king, queen, or smaller bed and position it. Then the rest of the furniture, such as a TV stand, desk or night stands will be chosen and arranged.
In a living room you will have to decide if you want a sofa and two chairs, sofa and loveseat, or a simple sectional. There are many varieties of seating for a living area. The thing to remember in choosing furniture for a living room is that not only you and your family will be spending time there but your friends and extended family as well. Which leads to the decision - What do you and your friends/family do most to enjoy an evening. Are you the type that plays board/active games, watches movies, or do you mostly enjoy conversing over drinks?
Once you have made this decision then you will have a place to start on choosing your furniture. If you enjoy games then you need to have your pieces far enough apart to have room to get active but also close enough for board games. You can situate your pieces in an “L” shape or even in a “U” shape with a coffee table in the middle. In either of those positions, you can also add an entertainment center with a TV.
Another thing to contemplate while choosing your furniture is the size and shape of your room. If it is big and square then you can play to the size by positioning your furniture more towards the middle of the room to make it feel homey yet with several feet between each piece to take advantage of the larger size. If your room is long and shallow, then you will need to veer towards a shallow desk or entertainment center and go with sofas and chairs that have clean lines rather than overstuffed cushions.
On the same note - If you have a room that is long and narrow and is used for several different things then you will need to pick pieces that will seperate and define each space. Such as a floating sofa with a short back to define where the living area begins or bakers rack against the wall to specify the dining or kitchen area.
So just remember - when you are picking out upholstery and choosing furniture pieces, it’s your taste but it’s also your family and friends needs!
You have to decide a focal piece of furniture in each of your rooms and start there. For instance, in the bedroom it would be your bed. Depending on the size of your room, you will choose a king, queen, or smaller bed and position it. Then the rest of the furniture, such as a TV stand, desk or night stands will be chosen and arranged.
In a living room you will have to decide if you want a sofa and two chairs, sofa and loveseat, or a simple sectional. There are many varieties of seating for a living area. The thing to remember in choosing furniture for a living room is that not only you and your family will be spending time there but your friends and extended family as well. Which leads to the decision - What do you and your friends/family do most to enjoy an evening. Are you the type that plays board/active games, watches movies, or do you mostly enjoy conversing over drinks?
Once you have made this decision then you will have a place to start on choosing your furniture. If you enjoy games then you need to have your pieces far enough apart to have room to get active but also close enough for board games. You can situate your pieces in an “L” shape or even in a “U” shape with a coffee table in the middle. In either of those positions, you can also add an entertainment center with a TV.
Another thing to contemplate while choosing your furniture is the size and shape of your room. If it is big and square then you can play to the size by positioning your furniture more towards the middle of the room to make it feel homey yet with several feet between each piece to take advantage of the larger size. If your room is long and shallow, then you will need to veer towards a shallow desk or entertainment center and go with sofas and chairs that have clean lines rather than overstuffed cushions.
On the same note - If you have a room that is long and narrow and is used for several different things then you will need to pick pieces that will seperate and define each space. Such as a floating sofa with a short back to define where the living area begins or bakers rack against the wall to specify the dining or kitchen area.
So just remember - when you are picking out upholstery and choosing furniture pieces, it’s your taste but it’s also your family and friends needs!
Introduction to Interior Design
Interior Design is a way to express yourself in a beautiful and fun way. Many people do not realize that the decor of your home reflects your personality. Also the decor that you choose to surround yourself in will set a mood for your home. You can take yourself and your guests to far away places and still feel right at home.
Armed with the basics of interior design, it is easy to express yourself in your own manner. The content herein is to make you think, and in turn come up with your own design plan for given areas throughout your home. This is a journey of my own experiences and knowledge that is offered for your perusal.
I look forward to sharing experiences, feedback, and comments from each & everyone who reads my blog.
Armed with the basics of interior design, it is easy to express yourself in your own manner. The content herein is to make you think, and in turn come up with your own design plan for given areas throughout your home. This is a journey of my own experiences and knowledge that is offered for your perusal.
I look forward to sharing experiences, feedback, and comments from each & everyone who reads my blog.
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