Transforming a room and making it visually appealing can be easier said than done. Interior designers understand how to change the look of a room or space by just making a few changes but for many of us this is not as easy. By taking a few things into account you can help create the perfect interior which inspires you and makes you feel at home.
Knowing your decorating style
Understanding which style you are looking for means you are already half way there. Let Pinterest or Instagram inspire you or look through magazines and websites such as House Beautiful or Elle Décor. After you have spent enough time looking at pictures of interiors, take a step back. Which style or elements did you choose more often than others? What were you most drawn to? Did you pick certain colours or furniture? Next, try to imagine using these colours, textures, furniture, styles or other elements in your home.
It will evolve over time
Don’t worry if you are feeling overwhelmed by the idea of redecorating an entire space. You don’t need to radically change everything at once. Instead, let it gradually evolve and change only a few items at a time. This will also give you a much better idea of your personal preferences and allow you to make creative choices without being too bold.
It will be a reflection of your personality
Sometimes we subconsciously follow interior design trends that pop up on Pinterest or have an idea of what our home ‘should’ look like. The most important thing is that the designs are a reflection of your personality and make you feel comfortable and happy.
Starting interior design at home
How do you start redecorating your home? If it seems overwhelming, take it step by step.
Decide on a theme
Artists and interior designers like Justina Blakeney or Joanna Gaines have a very distinctive style. Sticking to a theme will give you clear boundaries to work with and will make the interior look harmonious and unified.
Know what you want to achieve
Without a goal it will be almost impossible to make the right choices, so set one early on. Maximise the space you have available by using awkward corners for storage solutions. Once you clearly understand what you wish to achieve, you can get creative and really enhance your interior.
Make sure to understand the space and how you will use it
After making a mood board, really sit back and look at your space. Spend time just taking it in and imagining how it could look. If you can, draw some sketches or use a software programme or an app to create your design virtually.
Don’t use too many colours
Don’t go overboard with colours or textures. By using up to three colours or three shades of one colour you can help make the room feel less busy. Think about how to use the colours. For example, you could create an accent wall in a certain colour and match chairs and cushions to it. If you are decorating your bedroom, it can be helpful to start with the bed and the colours of your favourite bedspreads and design the rest of the room to match it.
Textures and fabrics
Textures also play an important part in the design of a room so choose fabrics and textures of curtains, cushions, rugs, wallpaper etc. carefully. If you would like a lot of pillows with different patterns and aren’t sure how to use them, you could mix geometrical prints with a few floral or ‘organic’ patterns or the other way around.
Order swatches of fabric and lay them next to each other. The same can be done with paint. This will save you from having to look at dozens of paint swatches on your wall.
If you still don’t feel sure about how to decorate your room, try to keep it simple and take it step by step. Stick to examples of existing designs as closely as you can, but make sure that it works for your space.