Your home tells a story - from the pictures you hang to the colours of your walls; your interior design reflects who you are. And as we age, our sense of style changes and we find ourselves needing to spruce up our living space.
But for many, questions outweigh panache and trepidation takes over. Where do I start? How much can I spend? What do I tackle first?
As someone who has been heavily involved in decorating my own home (heck, men can do it too!) and co-creator of the online real estate website www.sundaybell.com; I have seen it all. More importantly I have done it all. Here are my tips to doing the job right!
Hire an Expert - Find an interior designer who matches your style; they are worth every penny. Not only do they know the latest trends, but they know how to make your vision a reality. Better still, they also have the best connections for fabrics, flooring, décor and paint. And remember, a good interior designer can also recommend some cost saving measures: how to refurbish an old piece of furniture or add a little flare to out-of-date window coverings.
Budget - Start by asking the tough question: what can I afford to spend? While it may a question we hate to ask; you need to set a budget. Remember to leave yourself a bit of a buffer; once you’re standing in your newly designed space, chances are you’ll want to add one or two more final touches that you just can’t live without.
Design - There are three key concepts that will determine the feel of your home.
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Colour – Always make sure the colours you choose are represented at least three times in a room. If you decide that a nice neutral beige works for you then make sure cushions, placemats and art represents that palette.
Central Focus – Think, where do I want my eye to be drawn? This can be a piece of furniture, some artwork or simply a piece of décor that becomes the focal point. Usually it has a personal connection to you.
Lighting - Choose lighting that can help set the mood and tone to your room. Think of the functionality of the room; reading, dining, cooking and light accordingly.
It’s really not that hard. Have faith in your abilities, do some reading, find some design ideas that meet your tastes, and begin. Let your style shine through.
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