5 Steps to Designing Amazing Spaces
When meeting a client for the first time, the most common issue I hear is “We have an idea of what we want, we just don’t know where to start.” I will give you the same advise I give to them. Think of interior design like a new painting. Approaching a room as an artist would when they start a painting… with a blank canvas, a focal point and build on it from there. In this journal post you will learn 5 simple steps that will help you redesign most any room and create amazing spaces.
Step 1- Start fresh. Could you imagine before Leonardo Da Vinci started to pain the Mona Lisa, he decided to pull out the master piece Salvator Mundi (Savior of the World—last sold for over $450 million) and paint the Mona Lisa on the same canvas? Not only would we loose two master pieces, but mixing two subjects in the one painting would be chaotic and not as pleasing to view. However, it is not uncommon for an artist to reuse an old canvas by first applying a fresh coat of paint to create a clean foundation to work from. Similarly, whenever possible, it is best to start with a blank room. By doing this you will find it is much easier to design and get fresh ideas.
Step 2- A blank canvas. Start by decluttering your room. Moving out furniture, temporarily packing up your knick knacks, books and pictures. Later you can gradually select those special and appropriate pieces to add back into your new room design.
Next step, a fresh neutral paint shade to create a fresh clean canvas. Begin with whites, creams, beiges and/or grays for the walls, cabinetry, doors and trims. Now, depending on the room, gradually begin to add texture and interest by adding large focal pieces. For the living room you could add an armour or sofa as your focal point. In the dining room it can be your dining table and chairs. Then select one other large piece– such as a large mirror or buffet. Keep in mind, some rooms have built in features such as the fireplace, or extra large window.
Step 3- Select your focal point. Like the subject of an artist painting, the purpose of your focal point is to be the center of your design. Designing around a focal point will help you to decide on the direction your primary colors or materials will be. Also, keep your initial finishes neutral(light fixtures cabinet knobs and faucet), textures (woods and metals, stones and tiles, fabrics and linens). Notice light neutral palate pictured above. The white walls, natural wood finishes of the entry door, ceiling beams and bench, along with the woven rug and throw pillows, adding interest to an otherwise plain entry– breathtaking!
Step 4- Incorporate texture. Texture plays an essential role in designing a room, adding depth and warmth to an otherwise plain room. In addition, texture can be the design solution for boring spaces. For example, how could you make a bathroom standout from an otherwise cold, plain ordinary room? Consider selecting geometric or raised patterned tile with contrasting grout to create visual interest.
Another great option is to simply add natural elements such as a woven bench or chair, doing so can add warmth to to a room with cold tiles and shiny metal faucets. Texture is also a great solution to a room lacking color (like in the picture of the bathroom below). So the next time you are designing a room, look for opportunities to introduce the unexpected, like a clay pot or a woven rug. An by the way, don’t be afraid to layer texture to create depth in a space such as in a book case or with adding pillows to a sofa.
Step 5- Strategically placed lighting. I would consider lighting as a part of incorporating texture, but because it is so important it gets a step of its own. I could right a book about lighting, not just artificially created lighting but also natural light as well as shadows, it is just fascinating!
When it comes to lighting, the first step is to consider how the room will be used, at night as well as during the day. For example, in a master bathroom consider activities such as applying makeup or taking a relaxing bath. When selecting and placing lighting fixtures, you always want to ensure there is adequate lighting over the vanity or sink area where makeup will be applied. However, when it comes to a spa or soaker tub consider a softer, less harsh lighting for a more relaxing experience. Another area where proper lighting is important is where the family will be reading or watching television.
When it comes to reading areas such a study area or cozy reading chair, close direct lighting sources are recommended to help avoid strain on the eyes. Far too often people will rely on overhead lighting, which can put a strain on the eyes.
However, when watching television, direct lighting is not such a great idea. For example, you might have a beautiful light fixture that casts beautiful displays of light and shadows around the room. But those same lighting effects are not so pretty when it’s beaming onto your television screen during a good action movie. This is where studying and visualizing your room will be important.
For example, BEFORE hanging that 50-75 pound wide-screen television on your wall, I suggest sitting in the room to visualize where you might read or place a television, then plan your lighting accordingly. Leading me to another consideration, natural lighting.
When it comes to lighting design it is important to understand how much natural light the room receives. For this I recommend sitting in the room at various times of the day paying attention to when and how much natural light the room receives, during the day and at night time. For example, if you have kitchen windows that are East facing, first thing in the morning you would have streams of light pouring in, in which case, little lighting should be needed. However, as the sun goes down and shifts to the other side of the house, the room can become quite dark without the proper lighting. This is where pendant lighting and overhead track or pot lighting would really compliment the space.
Also, notice where the natural light casts both light and shadows. Shadows by the way, can be just as beautiful as light, especially casted through vertical louvers or with the sun beaming through the leaves of a large indoor plant. In these cases, playing with placement of furniture and plants in naturally lit areas is a smart design technique.
A final note– by all means, go ahead and mix-in a few of those collectables that make your home you, those things that make you feel good–but keep it simple and to a minimum. For me, it’s blue and white ceramics. I have YET to meet a blue and white I did not like. When I’m in a shop and see a display of kitchen products in blue and white I can’t help but stop. And although I own a variety blue and white products (sugar jar, serving dishes, Chinese vases, decanters, etc.) the one thing you will not see in my home is a store display of my blue and white collection in one room all at one time. Typically, I will select few (1-3) pieces that are special to me.
Another example is in the picture above: Did you notice the gold bowl on the table? This could easily be a special piece purchased from their local design store or it could have come from their trip to Italy– regardless, special unique pieces engage visitors while holding special meaning for the owner. So select a few pieces you like the most and rotate them out to keep your decor fresh.
Bottom line, follow these 5 steps and you will be on your way to decorating like a pro and falling in love with your design style!