The Do’s and Don’ts of Interior Décor – A helpful guide to decorating your space.

 

The Do’s and Don’ts of Interior Décor – A helpful guide to decorating your space.

Today, we are looking into the interesting world of interior décor. Whether you’re a seasoned décor fanatic or a beginner looking to spice up your space, this guide is just for you. I will share essential tips for interior decor and various styles, from the ever-evolving contemporary to the classic traditional. And of course, the most common mistakes you can avoid in interior decorating. By the end of this post, you will have the knowledge of how to create a space that not only looks fantastic but also feels like home.

The Do’s...

Important tips to consider when you decorate your space:

Do the measurements: Measure a room before purchasing new furniture. This is a crucial first step to a successful design. Accurate measurements help you plan the placement of furniture, fixtures, and decor items. Knowing the dimensions ensures that everything fits well without overcrowding or leaving empty spaces. Measuring doorways, hallways, and other passages ensures that furniture can be moved in and out without any difficulty. It prevents surprises during delivery or rearrangement.

Use color psychology: Color psychology is the impact of different colors on human emotions, physiology, and behavior. Colors can significantly impact the mood and feel of any space and evoke emotions and associations, often at a subconscious level. Color isn’t just visual; it influences our thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Maximize lighting: Proper lighting can enhance the ambiance and functionality of any given space.

Take note of your window blinds and curtains: The right size and style of blinds and curtains can affect any room. Extended curtains are my favorite because they can make a room appear larger and more elegant.

Invest in a statement rug: A statement rug can anchor a room and tie all the elements together.

Go for timelessness: Timelessness in design refers to creating something that remains eternally relevant, transcending the constraints of a specific era, culture, or trend. Choosing designs and pieces that stand the test of time is always a good idea. And, timeless designs possess an intrinsic quality that resonates universally, connecting with people across generations and backgrounds. These enduring creations evoke emotions, tell stories, and defy the limitations of time itself. Whether it’s a piece of art, architecture, or a functional object, timelessness is about crafting experiences that will stand the test of time.

Mix and match: Don’t be afraid to combine different styles, textures, and colors.

Leave enough space: Ensure there’s enough space for movement and flow into the room.

Consider scale and position: Pay attention to the size of items and their placement in a room.

Invest in key pieces: Spend more on high-use items like your sofa and bed. After all, you get what you pay for.

Contemporary style

Common interior decor styles:

1. Contemporary: This style is ever-evolving, but it is generally characterized by clean lines and minimalistic furniture.
2. Traditional: This design is inspired by the classic style of the past.
3. Industrial: Characterized by exposed brick, pipes, and concrete ceilings.
4. Boho (Bohemian): A style that is all about free expression, warmth, and eclectic mixes.
5. Scandinavian: Known for its simplicity, functionality, and beauty.
6. Glam/Hollywood Regency: This style is all about making a statement with luxurious fabrics, shiny metals, and bold colors.
7. Art Deco: Characterized by rich colors, bold geometry, and decadent detail work.
8. Modern: Defined by clean and simple color schemes, welcoming feel, clean individual elements, as well as heavy use of glass and steel.
9. Art Moderne: Known for its streamlined, geometric style.
10. Minimalist: This style is characterized by simplicity, functionality, and minimal use of furniture and adornments. 
11. Shabby Chic: This style is vintage-inspired, characterized by a worn-out yet feminine romantic look.
12. Eclectic: This style involves the combination of various styles, textures, and colors.
13. Farmhouse: This style is warm, cozy, and full of charm, characterized by natural textures and materials like wood or galvanized steel.
14. Coastal: Inspired by the beach and ocean, this style uses a clean, crisp palette with pops of blues and greens.
15. French Country: This style offers a balance between rustic & elegance with a focus on natural materials and intricate details.

Coastal style

16. Hollywood Glam: Also known as Hollywood Regency, is characterized by bold color palettes, lavish decor, and high levels of glamour.

17. Mediterranean: Characterized by an abundance of natural light, warm colors, heavy wooden furniture, and earthy materials.

18. Asian Décor: This style is inspired by the design elements from Japan, China, Vietnam, and Thailand.

19. Rustic: This style is drawn from natural inspiration, using raw & unfinished elements including wood & stone.

20. Transitional: This style is a blend of traditional and modern styles, incorporating old-world glamour and contemporary design.

Holywood Regal style

Choosing the right interior design style for your space involves understanding your preferences, lifestyle, and the functionality of each room. Here are some steps to help you choose:

Consider Your Lifestyle: Your home should reflect your lifestyle. Think about your daily activities and what makes you comfortable.

Take Cues from Your Closet: Your personal style can often be reflected in your clothing choices. This can be a great starting point for determining your interior design style.

Create a Style Vignette: Gather items that you love and arrange them together. This can help you visualize how different elements might work together in a space.

Gather Inspiration: Look at different sources such as magazines, websites, or even nature for inspiration.

Experiment with Different Styles: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles. Your home should be a reflection of who you are.

Boho style

Trust Your Instincts: Pay attention to how certain colors, patterns, textures, and materials make you feel. Keep in mind that it’s okay to change your mind. Our emotions aren’t always the same.

Just remember, the perfect interior design style mirrors your preferences, uplifts your living surroundings, and infuses your distinctiveness into every room

 

The don’ts…

 The most common mistakes in interior decor:

 

Choosing the Wrong Color: As a chromotherapist, I have noticed on more than one occasion the most common painting mistakes people make when it comes to choosing the right colors. The color of a room can significantly impact its ambiance, mood, feel, and look. Don’t choose wall paint colors at the store because colors can look drastically different in your home compared to how they appear on a small paint chip. Always test a sample in your room before committing to painting all the walls. Several apps allow you to virtually change the color of your walls using uploaded room photos.

1. PPG Paints Color Visualizer: This online tool lets you virtually paint your room in the colors of your choice. You can upload a photo of your room and test different paint colors before picking up a brush. It provides a realistic color preview and even considers lighting conditions for accurate visualization.

2. TapPainter: Available on iOS and Android, you can virtually paint your walls using your room photos.

3. MagicPlan: This app is free on iOS and Android. While it’s not specifically for changing wall colors, MagicPlan helps you create floor plans and visualize room layouts. You can use it to plan your color changes.

Remember to test different colors and consider the lighting conditions in your room for the most accurate results.

French Country style - children's room.

4. Don’t Pick Your Paint Color First: Your flooring, countertops, and other fixed elements in a room need to be selected first.

5. Not Balancing the Layout: A bad layout can disrupt both the visual, and practical function and flow of a space.

6. Opting for Ill-Sized Furniture: Decorating a small room with small furniture can make the space look cluttered. On the other hand, overloading a room with bulky pieces can make it feel stuffy.

7. Using Too Many Small Rugs: Too many small rugs in a room can disrupt the balance and proportion of the space. Don’t skimp on the size of area rugs- your rugs need to be big enough for your room and furniture.

8. Not Enough Lighting: Proper lighting is essential for enhancing the ambiance and functionality of a room.

9. Ignoring Vertical Spaces: Neglecting to utilize vertical space can make a room feel cramped and unbalanced.

10. Not Adding Variety: A room can feel monotonous and uninteresting without a variety of colors, textures, and styles.

11. No Focal Point: Every room should have a focal point to draw the eye and create interest. Neglecting to create a focal point in a room can make it feel aimless and disorganized.

12. Disregarding Color Harmony: Disregarding color harmony can lead to a disjointed and uncomfortable atmosphere. Color harmony in design refers to the balanced and aesthetically pleasing interaction of colors. It’s not just about attractive colors; it’s also about their impact on the overall design.

13. Overcrowding: Overcrowding a room with too many items can make it feel cluttered and chaotic.

14. Ignoring Scale: Ignoring the scale of items about the room can disrupt the balance and proportion of the space. This is why we need to measure a room before buying furniture.

15. Succumbing to Generic Trends: Avoiding generic trends can be essential in interior design. When you mindlessly follow what’s popular without considering your personal style and the functionality of the space, you risk losing its uniqueness and practicality. What works for someone else may not necessarily suit your needs or reflect your personality. So, prioritize individuality and purpose when designing your space.

16. Don’t Have Everything the Same Height: Varying heights can add interest to your space.

17. Don’t Hang Your Artwork Too Low or Too High: The center of your artwork should mostly be at eye level.

18. Don’t Buy Matched Sets or Have Anything Too Matchy-Matchy: Mixing and matching can create a more personalized and interesting space. (Although the choice will always be yours. If you’re into matched sets and that is what you love – then create a personal space that is perfect for you!)

19. Don’t Get Carried Away with a Theme: Overdoing a theme can make a space feel inauthentic.

20. Don’t Push All Your Furniture Against the Walls: Pulling some pieces away from the walls can create a more inviting and conversational setting.

21. Don’t Forget About the Power of Decorating and Accessories: Having just a few decor items can make your home look uninviting. (Except if you’re into minimalism)

And there you have it! We have looked into the vast world of interior decor and various styles to create a space that truly feels like home. Just remember that the key to successful interior design is to create a space that reflects your personal style and meets your functional needs. Keep in mind that color can have an impact on your well-being and overall emotional state. Don’t be afraid to experiment, mix and match, and most importantly, have fun doing so. After all, your home should be a place where you feel most comfortable and at peace. I hope this guide has been helpful and has inspired you to embark on your own interior decor adventure. 

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