When decorating a home, there are three great decorating ideas that are basic “Do’s” which will springboard into wonderful home interior design ideas —
#1 – Inspiration
The first decorating idea might be to start with a color. Yes, color is a great inspiration. However, this doesn’t mean you need to necessarily start your design with the paint colors for your walls.
I suggest finding fabrics, textiles, colors, patterns and accessories that really “turn you on.”
For me, I tend to hone in on the area rug first. You can see in the room below that the area rug is the anchor for the composition of this modern, transitional dining room. The blue color inspired the room and informed the ivories and the shades of blue in the artwork.
For you, it might be the beautiful pattern on a single throw pillow. Maybe it’s the earthy texture of a woven foot stool. Perhaps, you happen upon a piece of artwork or a vase that just simply speaks to you. As long as you are open to whatever you may find on your “design journey,” then I assure you, it will probably find you first!
Once you’ve created a “story” with the elements you’ve sourced, find the common thread among them to reveal the perfect paint colors for your walls. Oh, and don’t forget your ceiling…it’s the fifth wall after all.
#2 – Take Some Risks!
A bold color, a funky pattern, an unusual silhouette, some abstract art…whatever it is that you internally yearn for…do it! Mind you, don’t do all of them at once. That could be a bit chaotic. However, if you have a special idea for your space, don’t be afraid to try it. Don’t be afraid to add your own brand of uniqueness to your space. Don’t be afraid…period. Doing so could result in a room that’s a bit of a yawn, and unless it’s your bedroom, that might not be a good thing.
If you follow the basic principles of design: balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm and unity/variety, you have many opportunities to enhance any one of these elements. In the below design, I played a bit with the silhouette of the chairs, going with a modern take on the classic, traditional wing chair. However, it’s the pop of interest among this neutral room that lies in the custom ottoman. The colorful chevron pattern is luxe looking, but unexpected. It plays so well off the pattern in the area rug that I couldn’t resist going there.
However, bold strides were taken in the design below. Not only did I play with the lighting shapes that help your eye bounce around the space, but I painted the ceiling a bright red. Isn’t it delicious! I pulled the red through the space a bit in the throw pillows on the sofa, and in the abstract art in the front of the space. The rest of the room is grounded in neutral colors, however. So, I allowed myself the opportunity to add this fabulous pop of color while keeping the space balanced.
Speaking of drama…what says dramatic louder than a black wall, I just don’t know. See my design below that contrasts the rich, natural woods in the furniture, with the elegant, luxurious black walls.
#3 – Hire a Professional Interior Designer.
Designing any space in your home can be intimidating. The fear of making the wrong design decision or a costly mistake can keep a person from engaging in the project all together. The answer to this dilemma is to hire a professional interior designer. The benefits of doing so are numerous.
As a designer myself, I have the ability to make the client’s vision come to life. Not only from an aesthetic point of view, but I also identify your pain points and address them properly. The end result will be a beautiful room that perfectly suites your lifestyle, and the process won’t stress you out.
Often times, people find themselves going over budget due to lack of resources, uninformed purchases and sometimes expensive mistakes. A professional interior designer is an expert at working within budget guidelines, and has the ability to guide and inform the client on purchases. They have the talent to bring the beauty that you see in your mind to life in your home. They also work with vendors, trades and sources that reach beyond retail establishments, providing you with better pricing and that custom, designer look.
Following the above “Do’s” will inspire great decorating ideas and turn your design project into not only a “do,” but a fantastic “done!”
Searching for an interior designer? Call Robyn Baumgarten of Interiors By Just Design, Long Island, for a friendly consultation.
(516) 470.0861
