Interior Design: 5 Things You Should Know
Some things come naturally to certain people: baking, drawing, decorating a room... For the rest of us, it takes an education. When I decorated my first apartment, I knew what I wanted but had trouble bringing that vision to life. I guess you could say I was overwhelmed. The daunting task of pulling together a space that wasn't just a bedroom in a fully furnished house, seemed like an impossible chore. As with all things, it took practice, a few moves, and some divine (design) inspiration to finally feel comfortable decorating my home.
Whether your space is simply a room or an entire house, there are a few things I've learned about interior design to help you conquer your design demons...
#1: Personalize your space.
Your home (or room) should reflect who you are. If someone were to walk into your home, they should know that it's yours. The best way to achieve this is by including accessories that reveal your hobbies and interests. What's important is that you distance yourself from what the stores are telling you to buy. Often times we are drawn to ideas that are trendy or pre-done: "Of course this white lacquered elephant statue would look great in my bedroom!" But is that really you? Maybe not. Instead, aim for pieces that compliment your personal clothing style. You may be surprised to discover that styling an outfit isn't too different from decorating a room. So take a look in your closet. What colors are you drawn to? Do you prefer mod or modern? Clean cuts or lacy ruffles? Use your taste in clothing as a style guide for your home–it's an easy way to ensure your space is 100% you.
#2: Work with your surroundings.
It's important to understand your design limitations. Be familiar with the size and scale of the room. Also, consider your environment and respond to it. Whether you're in the city or the countryside, it helps to take a cue from your surroundings. In turn, you can narrow down your choices based on the context of your space.
#3: Keep comfort in mind.
Have you ever purchased a piece of furniture simply because it was pretty, only to discover that it's painfully uncomfortable (or useless)? I don't know about you, but I am definitely guilty of this offense. Nevertheless, the silver lining of this mistake is that I learned an important lesson: comfort is key. When I think of "home sweet home," the first word that comes to mind is cozy. Making your home comfy and cozy is a must. Nothing is worse than going to a friend's house and awkwardly balancing on their post-modern chair. Your space should be inviting and comfortable.
#4: Stick with the classics.
There's a reason classic is, well, classic. Incorporating pieces that have withstood the test of time gives you the freedom to translate them as your design style evolves. Using classic furniture, prints, and fabrics provides you with a basic foundation to build on with trendy or personalized accessories and finishes. Let's say you find a gorgeous antique credenza or a traditional armchair. You love the shape and feel of the piece, but the finish or fabric is all wrong. In this situation, I say: invest! There are plenty of ways to transform an older, classic shaped piece of furniture. If it's a sofa: reupholster, add throw pillows... An aged dresser: paint it! The possibilities are endless when it comes to updating a timeless piece.
#5 Less is more.
Keep it simple. You don't want to overcrowd your space. If you edit the items in each room, the area will appear to be cleaner and even bigger. Just remember, you can always add more!
I hope you find my tips helpful the next time you find yourself face-to-face with an interior design project.
If you have any additional suggestions, please share them in the comments below!
XO Lauren
Photos: citified, weheartit, urbanoutfitters
52 comments
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Oh yes being a graphic designer I can appreciate the less is more concept1
Ali of
www.dressingken.com -
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These are great tips! It can be so hard to decorate a space on a budget--especially if you're renting! Check out these great ideas: http://lushtoblush.com/2012/06/21/9-ways-to-accessorize-your-apartment/
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LAUREN, could you please write something about what color to use for walls? I've been trying to find a perfect one, but it's hard to tell from a photo.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
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great tips lauren! :) I liked all the tips you suggested especially refurnishing / upholsterying furniture. Im going to school for interior design and its alot of fun but it does come with a great deal of WORK . theres alot more to interior design than people think. my main focus in interior design is to do commercial design ( like designing hotels, movie theaters , ampitheaters , salons .. etc. ) but I also love the residental side of interior design you can choose to go either way if you wanted too. theres so much knowledge to interior design keep expanding your options, theres so much more you can learn about! and also its great to go green they tell us in school to do substainable techniques,/ materials, refurnishing is a great idea to do and saves from alot of money! loved your blog !! keep posting them!!! I love that you post different options of different things like cooking, design , and workouts. there all great!
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I love your all white rooms...I too am going "white" just bougt the bookcase and couch this summer for my living room with white fireplace..getting a chandelier also on ceiling...white makes the room light, spacious looking:
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thank you for being so inspiring! you should definitely come out with a design book. your design style is just as incredible as your fashion sense.
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i always love your posts... well in this case I can add something: two months ago I thought that in a niche I could build a kind of painting in relief to give a romantic touch to a bedroom..here is my site where I posted it in "English details"
http://prettylittletravels-ef.blogspot.com/
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Just found this website about pimping your IKEA-stuff, http://www.ikeahackers.net , love IKEA Kristaller Chandelier gets a little glamorous and the Cherry Blossom Lantarn
xo
C.
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Hi, Miss Lauren...I'm one of your so many followers...you're such an inspiring young lady that's why I really like you so much..:).
Your tips are nice...and as an interior designer we always follow those things...I just wanted to add more.
We should always remember the "Form Follows Function" by Louis Sullivan.
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I couldn't agree more with your personalized style comment. I hate when rooms look like a show room and don't represent the person.
As always, thanks for the great tips! See my bedroom here:
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great ideas! especially sticking with the classics and editing rooms. Another tip is to redecorate using pieces you already have, so switching and bringing in furniture and art in other rooms. Its an easy way to get a completly different feel to the space
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i love this website: younghouselove.com they have a blog about interior decorating and diy'ing in general. its a great place for beginners or experts. i litterally spend hours on that site just learning.
i also loved the pic of the bedroom you posted. my new room is very similar to that pic! def is giving me inspiration!!
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I am moving to my college dorm next year. and this is going to be really helpful when I want to make my part of the room MY style. So, thanks! c:
xoxo, maria
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as always LOVE. now i'm totally inspired...!
Does anyone in Los Angeles know of any good flea markets?
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I just moved and re-did my room! I'll be posting up a picture and a note about it as soon as I get my curtains up. I am so extatic about it, everyone that's seen it so far is far impressed with how affordable and delicious it all looks.
All of the things you mentioned I preety much did before reading your blog. Everyone should follow these tips!!!
I am one proud woman!!
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I LOOOVE the picture of the bedroom in this post!! I have been thinking of redecorating my room because it is too juvinile and that picture is going to completley be the inspiration for my new room! Thanks so much Lauren! I love all your posts on this great site <3
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Lauren, those tips were so helpful.... I have to decorate my new apartment and I'm going crazy! I'm very classic and this idea of investing on Classic pieces and mixing it with modern pieces is exacly what I need!
Great post! thanks -
Looove this post, thanks Lauren! I'm just redecorating my room, buying new furniture and stuff and this post is very usefull, thanks!
P.S: love the photos (the combination of the white classics and pastel colors is sooo beutiful) :)
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