Do you want to learn tricks of the trade from a professional interior designer? Would an understanding of the process behind designing a home be helpful to you? There are basic principles for creating great design that anyone can learn. Back on January 18th, I presented my latest seminar titled Interior Design 101 and shared my secrets on how to take your inspirations to reality. Today I want to share with you just a few of the many many pointers my course offered. Thank you to NAWBO and the Walker Zanger Showroom at the Miromar Design Center for hosting this event for me.
1. Scale and Proportion:
Scale refers to how the size of an item relates to the size of the room. Proportion is about how items in a room relate to each other. The goal you are trying to achieve from this is balance. Balance ensures equal distribution of visual weight in the room.
Symmetry is the easiest way to create balance by mirroring furniture and accessories in an equal fashion.
Asymmetry is achieved when dissimilar items are used to create equal balance of visual weight.
Radial Symmetry is achieved when furniture is arranged around a center point.
When gauging scale and proportion, trust your eye to let you know when the room feels too heavy/too light on one side. Look at the room from all angles and make the needed adjustment until it feels right.
2. Mix Up Pillows
Multiple throw pillows in contrasting colors, patterns and texture add more interest than just one matched set of pillows. Mix it up!
Cherish the effect fabrics have in your home. Chosen and paired nicely, you too can create a dramatic color story with fabrics!
3: Color Flow
One of the first things you notice when touring a model home is color flow. It’s not by chance that each room complements the others. However, my favorite trick is when you anticipate a color flow and it doesn’t happen. The interest and surprise of something different and unexpected is very stimulating.
4. Paint Selection
Inspiration can come from artwork, fabrics, or an area rug. Pull an accent wall color from these forms of inspiration if the color is too bold for the entire room. If you dislike the color of your carpet, flooring, countertops, etc. and cannot change it, embrace it. Do not work against it. If color on your walls is too scary, try just doing a guest bedroom, laundry room, or study.
5. Attention To Detail
Detailing such as trim, ruffles, fringe, patterns, and other ornamentation is what makes an ordinary piece extraordinary. You also can add detailing to your existing pieces for a customized look. Here are some creative ways details make a difference:
Upholstering a chair back with a coordinating fabric is not only elegant—it’s economical. Printed fabrics are often more expensive than solids. But using them in small doses still provides a high-end look.
Embellish With Trim
Piping is a subtle, yet effective way to tie in a color scheme.
Detail is so important with a white canvas.
Choose details/accessories that coincide with your decorating style. For example, weathered wood, bamboo shades, ceramics and natural fabrics are all details that say cottage.
6. Area Rugs
Ground your room with a great area rug.
7. More Tips
Go with what you personally love and what is most appropriate for your home and your family. Trends come and go so quickly these days with the high speed pace of the Internet, blogs and mass marketed producers like Restoration Hardware.
A home should not look contrived but should look like you mixed pieces handed down from generation to generation, found pieces during your travels, and added new to keep abreast of the latest trends and what you love. Mix woods and finishes freely and fittingly. Update your home with only bits and pieces of the latest trends.
8. Accessorizing
“It is just as disastrous to have the wrong accessories in your room as it is to wear sport shoes with an evening dress.” Dorothy Draper
“Accessorizing a home properly is one of the toughest, most time consuming phases of interior design, the last stage to take place and sometimes gets overlooked, while the most rewarding when it is complete. It can make or break a home. For me, if a home is not accessorized properly, all the other efforts seem wasted!!” Melissa G. Allen.
Note: All photography from my own portfolio. Please view my website at http://www.mgainteriordesign.com to enjoy more!
I have two beautiful daughters and a wonderful husband. Being the best mom and wife I can be is my first priority. I have been given an incredible opportunity to open up my own Interior Design company doing what I love. For over 19 years I have been designing breathtaking spaces, working with outstanding clients, and building long lasting relationships.
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I really love your post, I am looking forward to read more from this blog, please keep updating more about Area rugs or any interior designs…I love this much!
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and comment!!
Gee willkeris, that’s such a great post!
Yeah that’s what I’m tlainkg about baby–nice work!
Thanks for your comment
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The contrasting colored throw pillows has inspired me! Had some short friends over recently and became aware that unless your tall like we are, its not a very comfortable couch. Apparently I need pillows . . . and I recently found a website that will create fabric out of any pattern/design you upload. Awesome!
Sounds very cool! Good luck!