Whether you’re a first-time homeowner, a renter, or a newbie interior designer, nailing your very first interior design project can be challenging. With too many elements and even more styles to choose from, it can be difficult to come up with a layout that would achieve both functionality and aesthetic.
Fortunately, the Internet is filled with tips and tricks you can try to create a timeless design that reflects the homeowner’s personality without looking like a circus of colors, patterns, and pieces. Here are five of the best ones from interior design experts on the web:
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Choose a Style Based on the Homeowners’ Life
When designing the interior of a house, you should focus more on how it will “feel” rather than what it would look like. When speaking to a client, you may be able to pick up cues about the vibe they want to have in their home.
If that fails, try asking them if you can take a look at the contents of their closet. While this may seem like an odd request to make, expert interior designers swear by the effectiveness of this strategy in designing an interior that would reflect the homeowners’ taste.
If they agree, check whether the majority of items they have are comfy and loose. You should also look for colors and patterns that appear more frequently than others.
Do they seem like fun people with apparel that are playful? Or do they lean more on a modern, monochromatic geometry in their clothes? Maybe they like more elegant pieces worn mostly on formal events? The answer to these questions will greatly help amateur designers to pick a style for their first project that their client would absolutely adore.
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Pick a Color Scheme
There are plenty of color schemes you can choose from and many more to discover. However, it can be difficult to ascertain which colors match well. To make it easier, you can use the color wheel technique.
The color wheel technique entails picking one primary hue from the wheel and matching it with the one opposing it. For example, if you choose a shade of red, you can use green with it in your interior design.
Of course, using this technique should be managed well, so it doesn’t appear too jarring. The technique works best in achieving a vibrant aesthetic, with the colors used at full saturation.
Another excellent way to create the perfect color scheme is to use neutrals. For instance, the classic blue-and-white combo is perfect for achieving that popular nautical theme among men and women.
You may also take advantage of soft grey tones that exude an elegance that is perfect for a modern living room. Match that with pale-hued wood pieces, and you get a contemporary space that is also bright and airy.
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Work Your Way Up from the Floor
When styling the interior of any space, it is recommended that you start by working on the floor. Picking a floor covering first helps you get your canvass ready for a harmonious play of patterns, colors, and textures. It also helps you think about how you can layer pieces in the room.
Upholstery and other fabric pieces like carpets and rugs not only add color and texture to a space, but it can also help designers create a color palette. For instance, you can place an antique rug in the center of the room and draw colors from it. This will give you a starting point as well as an endpoint when it comes to choosing furniture and décor.
Planning these things should be done collectively. This will help you avoid that circus-like effect where there’s just too many things going on in the space.
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Bring Personality in with Wallpapers
Wallpaper has not – and will never – go out of style. In fact, it appears to be making a comeback as more designers and DIY homeowners pick out this fast and easy way to spruce up an interior space.
When choosing between modern wallpapers and old-school patterned ones, it goes without saying that you must always consider the theme of the space. Bedrooms, for example, should have a wallpaper that goes well with the bedding designs.
For ultra-modern living rooms, graphic print comprised of linear and geometrically patterned wallpapers is the safest bet. For a more classic appeal, you can choose designs that are plain-yet-classy. The best example of this is the ombre wallpapers.
Of course, covering the entire wall with this nifty material isn’t the only way you can use it to enhance a space. To make a bolder statement, you can choose to frame your favorite wallpaper print. If you’re after less cost and effort, this is probably the best choice for you.
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Make Small Changes to Achieve Big Effects
Changing the floor or wall paint isn’t the only way you can create an entirely new feel for a room. In most cases, adding a small item or changing up a couple of tiny pieces can create a huge difference.
For example, placing soft and plush items like throw pillows with seasonal designs can change the mood of the space instantly. Placing plants without flowers in the room can create depth and add drama to the setting. In the same way, installing simple Roman blinds that complement textured flooring can result in a more elegant living room.
Design Like a Pro
Whether you’re creating an interior design for yourself or others, you have to make sure that you do it like a pro. Use this article as a guide for your very first design project and share your experience with others.
AUTHOR BIO
James Prathap is the General Manager at NGC Nafees, top importers and exporters of wallpapers, flooring, and fabric in the Middle East. Formed three decades ago, the business also offers high-quality panoramics, coordinated fabrics, and creative stickers for residential and commercial projects.