I don’t believe in design rules. Yes, your carpet should extend under your sofa and your curtains look best if they skim or pool a bit on the floor, but the moment you make these things a rule, someone somewhere will post a photo showing the exact opposite and it will look brilliant. So goes the fickle world of design.
I do however believe there are certain things, lets call them elements, that can help guide you when embarking on any decorating project. If you take the time to consider the following five elements, your project is bound to be a success...
Do your Homework: Evaluate, Plan, Execute
DesignSponge (left); Apartment 34 (right)
This is the most time consuming but also the most important. Before you start any project figure out what it is you want. First, evaluate your room. Figure out how the room will be used, where the furniture will be placed, and what you need. Very few of us start with a blank slate so determine what furniture is staying, what needs to be refinished or updated and what you need to buy. Write everything down (especially dimensions!) and keep it at hand so you can reference it when out shopping. Secondly, you need to determine your decorating style. Pull images of rooms you like and add them to your folder. Believe me, all of this legwork will save you time and money in the end -- it really helps to narrow your focus so that you leave a store with exactly what you need and not simply what you like. I undertook a similar task in my own home a few months back and documented the results.
Create a Focal Point
Pinterest (left); Jenny’s Hus (right)
Every room needs a focal point, a place for the eye to linger before it takes in the rest of the room. Deciding on your focal point early on in the process is an important step as it sets the tone for the space. Whether it's a mirror, work of art or stunning piece of furniture, choose it at the beginning of your decorating journey and let it dictate the smaller, more subtle decisions around all other pieces.
Don’t Be Afraid to Make a Statement
Lake Jane (left); Milk and Honey Home (right)
I think the biggest mistake people make when decorating is playing it safe. There’s a culture out there that warns us to keep it neutral and impersonal for the next potential buyer. Personally, I think this is a crazy way to live. If you plan on being in your home for 5 years or more don’t be afraid to make it your own. Install that colourful stair runner, wallpaper your walls, paint your floors white and buy that beautiful encaustic tile floor! You’ll wake up everyday thankful that you did, your home serving as a testament to your personal style. And really, chances are whoever buys your home will rip it all out anyways!
Layer, Layer, Layer
Small Shop Studio (left); Elle Decor (right)
I’m all about layering when it comes to decorating. It’s not unlike dressing yourself for the cold. You start with the basics -- furniture, curtains -- and then you add the accessories -- pillows, objects, mirrors, light fixtures, art. These objects should tell a story about you and your family. Include mementos from trips you have been on, family photographs and heirlooms. The most interesting spaces are those that reflect the homeowner and not the buyers at the local big box store.
Keep it Consistent
House Beautiful
In general, the most successful homes are those with a consistent vision. The idea is to create a flow so that each room naturally progresses into the next. This is why step one -- doing your homework -- is such an important step. If you know where you’re heading you’ll have a much better chance of getting there. Whether you’re renovating your home room by room or doing it all at once, stay true to your vision is key!
Do you agree with these elements of style? Have you any of your own?
Emma Reddington is the lifestyle maven behind the acclaimed blog, TheMarionHouseBook.com, where she experiments with interior design, cooking, baking and do-it-yourself projects.
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