Top Ten Tips
Interior Design 101
Ten Top Tips
- Identify your style. You may not be a purist, but getting a fix on your general style is a step toward making yours space a home. According to the American Furniture Manufacturers Association, there are five dominant styles: Casual – Overstuffed sofas; carefree fabrics; slipcovers; matt finishes; a range of woods (maple, oak, pine, ash); and earthy neutral colors.
- Contemporary – Streamlined, and sleek. Bold colors, minimal lines- setting the stage for uncomplicated interiors, where function is key.
- Country – Timeworn furnishings; distressed and painted woods or natural pine, cherry, and oak; plump sofas.
- Traditional – Symmetry; graceful carved curves; rich colors; dark polished woods; elegant upholstery.
- Eclectic – A mix of styles; ethnic or artisan pieces; furniture and fabrics cross styles and periods.
- Examine your preferences. Make a list of all your favorite colors, textures, materials and patterns
- Consider your lifestyle. Do you have family, pets? Are you moving soon? These factors may affect the furniture you purchase.
- Prioritize your purchases. Decide what pieces you need or want most, and purchase those first. Build around them. You don’t need to furnish your entire place at once.
- Determine your budget. No matter how much you can spend, you’ll find something to suit you at all prices.
- Budget your time to suit your shopping style. Do you like doing online research and browsing, or are you an on-the-spot buyer?
- Explore available resources. Look to magazines, websites, catalogs, showrooms, HGTV and books. Develop and keep a Style File.
- Take advantage of services. An Interior designer, either private or an in-store consultant, may produce brochures and room planning guides and are a few ways to develop your ideas.
- Trust your judgment. Buy what you like. Don’t be afraid to be different.
- Have fun. Enjoy the process. Furnishing your space can be one of life’s most enduring pleasures. Many of the things you choose today, you will still love in ten years!
