In interior decorating and design – if there is a rule – it’s that there is never one right answer!But don’t worry – when it comes to decorating, we are not cast adrift on the open sea without a paddle! There are certainly some critical tools we can turn to in order to avoid creating an expensive hodgepodge.
But, decorating is not about getting it right. It is about pleasing ourselves, telling our story and creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for those who visit our homes. That being said, we just need these three simple guidelines to jumpstart the process and avoid the big mistakes.
First and foremost, we can never go wrong when the scale is right. This kind of scale is definitely our friend, creating balance and equilibrium for our spaces. To accomplish this, Fresh Eyes For your Home always starts with a floor plan, accommodating the function of the room but respecting its dimensions as well – length, width and height. When I design a space, I make sure that the functionality is fulfilled and then vary the scale with some accessories to shake things up a bit and make the room more personalized and interesting.
Secondly, we must respect our focal point. A fireplace, a window or some other architectural detail always provide a natural one. If there is no focal point then by golly, CREATE one! Maybe shelving to display a special collection or a great painting can serve as yours. And once that’s done, build the rest of your space right around it.
And finally, repetition – repetition – repetition. Repetition gives balance to a room and helps create the cohesiveness that everyone is looking for. Repeat a color, repeat a pattern or include pairs of chairs or lamps. While I firmly believe in mixing patterns and textures, I know that the repetition of certain elements will unify a space and help the room hang together.
While getting a room that really meets your needs and enables your self expression is simple, it certainly isn’t easy. Calling an interior decorator might save you time and save you money. But believe me when I say that in interior decorating and design, there never is one right answer!
You make really good points here. When you redesigned our family room (for which we will be forever grateful), you took all of these factors into account which led to the creation of a functional, beautiful and well balanced room. I must say, in the case of our room, yours was the only right answer!