Interior decoration may seem simple at the surface. After all, how much work is it to pick a few nice pieces and the right colors? In reality, however, interior decoration is much more complex than that. It is really an art and a science, and there’s a reason why you need to go through an actual formation to be able to call yourself an interior decorator. There are some core principles that you can learn right away that will allow you to get closer to professional results. There are also some crucial mistakes that you should avoid at all costs if you want to get the look of your dreams. Let’s take a look at some of the do’s and don’t of interior decoration.
Do – Learn how to Use Contrasting Colors
Some people think that using colors is all about cohesion and that you should either work within the same palette or mix colors with neutral tones. In reality, learning how to use contrast could be what sets your design apart.
For instance, warm colors like mustard yellow can pop when put against a cool navy blue. So, don’t be afraid to mix and match, but do it responsibly. Pick complementary colors and the ratio of warm vs cold doesn’t have to be 50/50. You could pick a warm color for your main sofa and paint the rest of the room in a cool color for example. You could also use a rug with the different colors in it to tie the whole room together.
This is easily somewhere you can go wrong, however, and if you don’t understand the science of colors, then we suggest you work with professionals. Teams like Heritage Design Interiors will be able to work with you and come up with different design ideas. They can go as avant-garde or conservative as you want, and they also have a retail store if you do decide to do it on your own. We suggest you look at their selection and don’t hesitate to call them; they’ll be more than happy to help with your next project.
Don’t Use the Same Materials and Textures
If you want to get the most boring bedroom ever, make sure to use the exact same colors and textures for your drapery set. Why do this when you could use a mixture of heavy and light fabrics to add some nuances to it and give it more personality? Also, make sure to mix it up with throw pillows and area rugs.
Do Organize and Group
Some may like the patchwork look, but organization is really what makes a design look professional. Instead of scattering picture frames around the house, why not group them in one specific space, for instance? This will give the room a theme and put more emphasis on the pictures themselves. Things like these will help bring a cohesive look throughout the house, and also give you some space to play with.
Don’t Use Wrong Sizes
Proportions also play an integral role in interior design and few things can ruin the look of a room like a dinner table lamp that is too big or a rug that is too small. Using the wrong size could make a room look much smaller. An oversized lamp would not be a good choice for a small dining area but adding multiple smaller items could be perfect.
On the other hand, don’t be afraid to go big for big spaces. Just like big items can make a room look small and crowded, small items in a large room can make it feel empty. This is where you’ll need to use focal pieces. A statement piece of furniture or a nice colorful piece of art could be a great option there.
Do Add Your Personal Touch
While most will want to keep things simple, one way to give your house some personality is to add at least one distinctive design element to it. Maybe you could paint the ceilings in a room in a bright color. If you’re not ready to commit that much, you could do something subtle such as painting the sides of your doors a different color. These little touches can make a big difference and help you personalize your space.
Don’t Keep Everything at Eye Level
A lot of people don’t realize how much free room there is to decorate if they take advantage of height. A huge floor to ceiling bookcase that takes up the entire wall could give personality to a study, for instance. Look up and try to see if there would be opportunities to decorate more and use more of the space.
If you follow these few tips, you should be able to improve your interior decor. Whatever you do, never stop trying new things, and don’t hesitate to bring the pros in for help or inspiration.
