I am good at a lot of things. I am also terrible at a lot of things. Decorating my house is one of them. I have a mental block when it comes to decorating. We live in a phenomenal age of creativity, design and possibilities all a finger’s click away. Except if you are someone like me who finds Pintrest and Houzz paralyzing.
In fact those overstimulating sites are the main source of my home decor weakness. There are too many amazing ways to decorate a home. I am flat out overwhelmed. I swoon over coastal shabby shic pieces just as much as I drool over slick modern lines. If I decorated my house with what I liked, it would like a rummage sale.
Enter Ashley, my designer savior and new best friend. After simply existing in our “new” house for the past two years, I made a decision to enlist professional help. Ashley is an interior designer and after just a few home visits and a few more emails and texts, I am well on my way from turning our house into a home. I’ve learned so much from her expertise that I felt many moms could benefit.
In college, all majors require certain “core” classes to graduate. I believe everyone should have to enroll in Decorating 101. The basics Ashley taught me are design rules that anyone can use. Each makes a huge visual difference in your home. The best part is they are easy and relatively inexpensive. Below are Five Design Tips for Dummies.
1. Paint First
Painting gives you the most bang for your buck when it comes to enhancing your home. It can give old furniture and accessories new life simply by picking a neutral color that compliments or accentuates them. Especially if you are in the market for a brand new piece, you want to have the walls squared away for the same reason. The backdrop makes a huge impact inside or against it.
Another trade secret is to paint samples on multiple walls. The color will vary based on lighting in the room. Try it against stationary pieces in your home like kitchen cabinets, counter tops, fireplaces etc…If a color is just a shade too dark but the next option in the palette is too much, consider halving the paint. Don’t know what I’m talking about, the paint store will. Did you know that you can call ahead and get paint samples made so you don’t have to wait with a moody toddler hanging on to your leg? It’s the little things, mamas, the little things.
2. Different Is Good
This simple tip was very freeing for this Type A girl. In the past, I have fallen victim to being matchy matchy. I gravitate to it because it is easy and safe. Visually, it is more rewarding to be daring and unbalanced. Asymmetry is the way to go. Take a mantle for example, choosing different height candle sticks on opposing sides even varying the number on either end makes a statement. When picking fabrics, go for different colors and/or patterns that compliment each other but add depth. Remember opposites attract!
3. Go Green(ery)
Plants warm up a room because they look alive even if they are artificial if you have allergies like me. Throwing hydrangeas in that empty decorative vase you have lying around your house quickly warms up an area. Maybe anchor a coffee table with a set of topiaries to soften things ups. Like everything there is a wide price range for these shop around. I wouldn’t necessarily shop online for these because you want to see and feel the quality in person.
4. Go For Height
When you are arranging items on a table, space goes quickly. Stacking a picture frame on top of some decorative books is a simple technique to make a more dramatic display. Pick a taller lamp that will tower over things for the same effect. Height creates a focal point for a space.
5. Consult An Expert
Many stores offer free in-home consultations. Even if you don’t want to buy all your pieces from that one store, use the framework of their ideas and go searching for them elsewhere. Whether you are overwhelmed by the possibilities like me or you simple need another person’s opinion, talking to a interior designer is very helpful. They have all kinds of inside scoop that can help you save money. Many are paid by the hour and do as little or as much of the work as you need.
After a busy day, nothing feels better than coming home. Take some time to create a space that is functional, warm and hopefully gives you peace. After all, it hosts the greatest treasures in your life!