My any people think that Interior Designers are a luxury
and a service that costs an arm and a leg. I truly believe that it doesn’t have
to and spaces that you see in magazines can be attainable at any budget…it
just is a matter of being creative. I believe that design in a matter of
knowing the rules, knowing when to break them, and knowing when to alter them for your lifestyle.
With that being said, I have put together 30 of my favorite
tips and tricks that I always try to incorporate into any space I am working
on. They are things that only take a little while and really make a HUGE
impact!
1. Hang Drapery at the Ceiling
Hanging drapery high and wide (when ceiling height and space permit) make the window feel larger and it keeps the drapes from blocking too much of the light. It also makes the room feel bigger and more open.
2. Create an accent wall
Accent walls can be a powerful in your home. They break up the traditional look of having four walls that are painted the same color. They draw your eye to a particular part of the room, and give the room more depth. This is a great way to experiment with pops of color, wallpapers, and pattern.
3. Don’t Forget your Ceilings
Think of your ceiling as your 5th wall.
“The goals of a good kitchen work triangle is to place the three most common work sites the most efficient distance apart and to minimize traffic through the work zone”-Chris Adams
Work Zones:
• Refrigerator - the cold storage work site
• Sink - the cleaning/preparation work site
• Stove - the cooking work site
Make sure that your seating area is centered around your focal point (ie. Fireplace/ Accent Wall/TV) and to create either a “L” shape or a “U” Shape with your furniture. In an L shaped layout, if space allows place a smaller piece diagonally across from where the 2 pieces come together.
The ideal distance from the edge of the sofa to the edge of the coffee table is 18”. This is close enough to reach for a drink, put down a magazine or stretch out your legs.
7.Light Up your Space
Lighting can make a space feel brighter and bigger. Along with natural light and overhead light, make sure to have a lighting fixture in 3 corners of the room to create a balance.
Mirrors are on of my favorite accessories because they can make a room look bigger and brighter. Put one opposite of a window to reflect the natural light and, or lean one against a wall in a dining room to reflect the chandelier, and add double the light in the space.
Make a lasting impression with your friends and neighbors by painting your front door with a pop of color. It will differentiate your house from the others on the block and reflect your personality.
10.Go Bold in Small Spaces
\Choose a small space like a powder room to go BOLD. Use dark colors, interesting materials, or funky patters and textures to really create a statement room.
More than just covering your floors, the right size area rug can define a space in your home.
12. Painting Tip
Before you pour your paint in your paint tray, cover it with a layer of aluminum foil. When you're done, simply remove the foil and throw it away. Your paint tray won't have a drop of paint on it and will still be good as new!
13.Give Old Pieces New Life
If some of your old furniture is looking dated, give it a new coat of stain or paint it a fun color! Spray paint is your friend.
NOTE: Don’t forget to sand the piece first, and seal after to protect it.
14.Gallery Wall
The arrangement of a medley of photographs and pieces of artwork that have special meaning. There’s something lovely about arranging things into a perfectly masterminded yet haphazard cluster. Gallery Walls are a great way to showcasing many of your items in a small area while creating a focal wall.
Paint your trim wood trim white or a color that works with the design of your room. White will update the space while adding a crisp clean outline and a color gives your space a contemporary feel to your rooms.
Typically you think of a piece of furniture having only one purpose. That does not have to be the case. Get creative on the placement and purpose of your furniture in your space. It may have more than one purpose.
Trays are one of my favorite accessories because they are very universal and can be used in MANY applications. Think about using trays to showcase or to highlight a certain space in your home. Trays are great for keeping things organized and give you that quick, put together look.
18. Cleaning Paint Brushes
Use vinegar and hot water to clean your paintbrushes.Rather than just rinsing your brush with water, soak your paintbrushes in a mixture of 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 hot water for 30 minutes. For stubborn brushes, soak overnight.
19. Mix and Match
One pair of pillows always look dinky so pile on the pillows in contrasting patterns, colors and textures. Don’t worry about having both side symmetrical, just try to keep each side balanced off the other.
Don’t be afraid to infuse white in your our space.. White will never go out of style and adds a freshness to your space
21. Tuck In Your Throws
I know it sounds silly but try
and tuck your throws/blankets behind a throw pillow on a chair into your sofa
cushions. This will give a clean, put together and polished look while still maintaining the
soft feel.
22. Add Greenery
Add small bits of greenery throughout your home. Even if you
don’t have a green thumb, use silk plants or trees. Greenery adds softness to a
space and give it a since of life.
23. Groups of 3
When accessorizing, place items in a groups of three’s. Odd
numbers always work nicely together, so feel free to add other objects as long
as it remains an odd number. Also try to use objects that are different
heights, shapes, colors and sizes. This create a very dynamic, and well
balanced display.
24. Group Like With Like
If you have a collection of something try to group it
together or in the same space. This way the collection will make more of an
impact as apposed to being spread throughout your home.
25. Shape with Shape
When it come to lamp shades, side tables or an area rug, try
to look at what it will be paired with or the space it will be going in, and
what overall shape it is. This create a more cohesive aesthetic.
26. Switch out Cabinet Pulls
One of the easiest and least expensive ways to update your
kitchen or bathroom is to switch out the hardware. A brushed nickel or an oiled
bronze can give them a more sophisticated and chic look.
27. Art is Everywhere
Art doesn’t have to be a portrait or a landscape. To add
some new “art” to your space, think about framing pictures that your children
have drawn for you, or a picture from a magazine that you like, or even a scarf
of your grandmothers that you would like to display.
28. Add A Punch
I love doing the unexpected. Think about adding a punch of
color to the back of your bookcases, or a fun fabric to the back of your china
cabinet. This will add another layer to the space and create more texture.
29. Be Artfully Unexpected
Put art where you would least expect it; Like in a closet,
above a doorway, on a door, in between windows or even on your bookcase. Art
also doesn’t have to be hung too, it can be placed and grouped together to
create a gallery effect.
30. Design for You
Make your home be your happy place and reflective of you and
your style. Design for YOU!
I hope you are inspired to get creative in your own home!
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