Start with a Plan and Stick with it

You are much more likely to get the end result you want if you start with a plan.  Many people just start buying things they like, painting before they have picked appropriate colors because the painter suggests painting before other items are installed etc,. and hoping that it will all work together in the end. This usually does not work. An Interior Designer can really help you come up with an overall plan before you start which will save you money in the long run.  They can help you understand your own style, and help you come up with a plan that enhances how you live in your space and works with your budget.

Take Your Time

A great interior design plan perfectly suited to you happens in stages and takes time. Be patient. It is better to purchase items you really like as you can afford it rather than fill your house with things that are “good enough for now” to finish things quickly. You will soon grow tired of purchases you do not love or that are of low quality.

Clear the Decks

One of the first steps in starting a new decorating project is to get rid of the clutter, organize and make space for new things. Less is more. We often collect so many things that nothing has a chance to shine. Get rid of the things you do not love.  Give the things you love a place of honor and enough uncluttered space around them so the eye is drawn to them and you can appreciate it. You can always put the other things away and change out the items you want to highlight for variety.

Be True to Yourself

It is easy to  fall for pictures of rooms in magazines or online and think, “I want that”.  To have a beautiful interior design you will love, you need to tell your own story! Those pictures may serve as inspiration, but the items may not fit well in your space, fit your lifestyle, or work with things you own. Find things that are meaningful to you, give them a place of honor and build the design around them.

Buy things that give you joy

It is better to buy what you love, even if it is more expensive and it takes longer to get all the pieces you want than to rush to finish your design project by buying cheaper items. The things you love will make you happy over the long-term, while you may lose interest in the other items quickly. Try to find classic items that will stand the test of time, rather than something trendy. Trends fade quickly as will your interest in it.

Be Brave with Color

Color makes magic happen, affects the way you feel in a space and is easy to change. Painting is a cheap way to make a dramatic difference.  Be brave and paint a whole room or try a rich color in smaller doses such as a powder room.

Or try using neutral colors for your walls and brighter colors for your accessories or art.

Get help from a color consultant or Interior Designer to determine the perfect colors for you that also work with your finishes and furniture.

Plan for Variety

Using more neutral colors for the walls and furnishings allows you to change the other colors in the room such as accent pillows, art and accessories as often as you like for variety.

Layer Your Lights

Add magic to a space with layers of light. Find beautiful fixtures that add overhead lighting, mixed with lamps at mid-level and task lighting. Accent lighting on art and under cabinets look great. Put all your lights on dimmer switches so you can control the lighting just the way you like it.

Create a sanctuary for yourself

Your space should not only look good but feel good, give you a place to re-charge and feel like your favorite place in the world.

Break the rules

If it looks good, feels good and you love it, do it!

Need help pulling it all together for a gorgeous space? Call Mary Ann today for a design or color consultation. Check out my Edesign and Online Services.

 

 

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