Step 1- Start fresh. Could you imagine if Leonardo Da Vinci wanted to paint the Mona Lisa and instead of pulling out a blank canvas, he pulls out a painting of Salvator Mundi (Savior of the World—last selling for over $450 million) and begins to paint the the Mona Lisa right over it? Not only would we not have two master pieces, but we would have chaos and disorder. Although, some designers like artist embrace chaos, unless that is what you want I would suggest you start with a blank canvas. Even when an artist decides to use the canvas from a forgotten or unwanted painting, they will typically paint over it with a fresh coat of paint to start with a foundation to build upon. it is always best if you can start with a blank canvas, building on your room with color and texture as you move along in your design.
Step 2- Building the foundation. Start by selecting fresh neutral paint shade as your back drop. 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 at the center of your direction of your design. decide the direction you want to can be Keep your initial finishes neutral(light fixtures cabinet knobs and faucet), textures (woods and metals, stones and tiles, fabrics and linens). Take a look at the picture here. Notice the light neutral palate- antique white cabinetry, light wood table/island with clean lines, sprinkles of glass and ceramics, lush topiary trees, light and airy linen curtains, glass and dark wrought iron lighting fixtures, and finally, the purposefully add touches of yellow and green– 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, I recommend close direct lighting sources such a lamp to help avoid strain on the eyes (overhead lighting is typically too far away, which can put a strain on the eyes). However, when watching television, direct lighting is not so great. For example, you might chose a light fixture that casts beautiful displays of light and shadows onto the walls and around the room, however, those same light effects are not so pretty when it’s beaming on your television screen during a good movie. This is where studying and visualizing your room is so important. 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.
Step 6- A few of your favorite things. However, starting fresh does not mean you have to discard those things you love and value. I have a friend who believed she would have to sell or give away her very beautiful and very expensive Persian rugs because “they did not match her color scheme” and no one would probably want to buy them because they were outdated”. First of all, I’ll take them! Second, that just is not true. Many designers today are embracing the idea that old is new and new is old, and the two DO mix! Reinventing mid-century mod, french country, farmhouse and even eclectic mixing old and new. I don’t buy into the notion of throwing out my favorite older pieces when redesigning a room. I prefer to embrace then… unless they just don’t work at all, then they need to find a new home (hopefully somewhere else in the house, but if not then I have to make some tough choices, a single beloved piece or change my design).
Another perfect example is family photos. Instead of stashing your old photos away, try incorporating them by changing out the frames. Let’s say you are going with a classic black and white themE (very fashion today). You can change your frames using a mix of metals such as polished silver, brushed bronze or nickel. Or you can use your photos to create a feature wall— select a large white wall and reframe your photos is black or a mix of black gold and silver to display all your favorite photos in an even more striking way!
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 have a variety blue and white products already (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. In any one room you will see a 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!
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