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Interior
Design Basics |
Do you want to redo your living room, yet
you haven’t got a clue as to what you want to do? The
answers lie within yourself, you just have to find them.
Interior design is based on a few basic premises; which are
style, function, color, and texture. Add your storage and
budget issues to the mix and you are on your way.
Start with style. What are you drawn to? Do you like sleek,
modern lines or are you in love with traditional elegance?
Do you like a little bit of whimsy?
Are you drawn to the intricate and ornate or the cozy rustic
look? Don’t forget retro is now the rage. Whatever you like,
there are countless styles to choose from. You can choose
one or mix and match for an eclectic look. Whatever you
choose, make sure it reflects the real you. Look through
magazines and watch home shows for great ideas and tweak
them a little bit to add your personality to the mix. Many
furniture stores offer the help of an interior designer at a
minimal cost.
Function: Is this room going to be a formal space or a laid
back family friendly gathering place? If you plan to
entertain, you need to have the space for people to flow
through the area. Do you need to incorporate a small office
area into the room? If you have children, you will certainly
need the room to be kid friendly. Don’t forget about your
hobbies when planning out your design. You may want to add
them to the décor. Lastly, don’t forget to pick a spot just
for you to relax and enjoy.
Color: Bringing color into your home is a natural way
to create a mood. Warm colors such as reds and yellow
promote sociability while the cool color schemes of blues
and green add serenity to your home. It is important to
remember to have colors that blend with or contrast one
another. You don’t necessarily want everything to match. See
our article about choosing colors for your home.
Texture: Texture adds depth and interest to any room. You
want to mix textures and colors to make your room visually
appealing. Textures can be added in pillows, curtains, and
artwork. Add some metal candlesticks with a stone water
feature.
Storage: Storage is always a big issue for everyone.
Do we ever have enough? My advice is to always add storage
space to every room. You can tuck storage space under your
open stairway or add a shelf to keep things off your desk or
floor. Bookcases not only store your books, they can be used
as a showplace for art or memorabilia. A window seat can
tuck away blankets or toys. Use every available space that
you have.
Budget: Budget is, unfortunately, the determining
factor in most design. You can cut corners by going to flea
markets and estate sales. A little paint goes a long way in
changing the ambiance of your home. Make your own pillows
and window treatments. If you’ve always wanted a fireplace,
but can’t afford it, make yourself a faux fireplace. All you
need is a mantle and surround that you can make out of a
number of materials. Again, go through magazines and watch
home shows. They have great ideas for people on a budget.
Lighting: Every room needs ambient lighting which is
lighting that will light the whole area. This lighting
usually comes from the ceiling. You may also want to add
task lighting for work or reading areas. This can be in the
form of recessed lights or a simple lamp. Recessed lighting
can also be used to spotlight an architectural feature or
artwork.
The best advice I can give you is to use your own
personality to reflect your room. Showcase your hobbies or
travel finds. If you are a vibrant person, show it with the
use of color. Don’t be afraid to add a bit of whimsy. Your
memories are the treasures of your life. Surround yourself
with them!
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