Do you jump in right away when you get an idea and get a lot done quickly? Are you confident you can accomplish your goals quickly without preparation and planning? Yes, you’re efficient, but are you moving too fast? Or do you research, focus, and carry on with confidence, knowing you’ve done your due diligence?
When was the last time you redecorated a space? Did you catch a glimpse of something on HGTV, Magnolia Network, or Pinterest and immediately embark on an online search or a trip to Home Goods to find everything you loved about that space? If so, you might have found that a year later, your room no longer feels right. Maybe you love a trendy item that doesn’t fit, like a rug that’s the wrong size or an armchair that’s too small. This could mean you’re moving too fast, like the Hare in the fable.
EMPHASIS
Rooms need a focal point or emphasis. Where do you want the eye to go in the room? What do you notice? How can you make the room more beautiful? Remember what you’re working with. Does the sought-after look fit your home? Is your home timeless, classic, fresh, earthy, trendy, or eclectic? Will the new look match your paint? The goal is a complete, designer-looking room.
SCALE
What is the size of the room, and are all the pieces similar in size and scale to the room and each piece? Scale is determined by the size and relationship of one thing to another. Remember what you’re working with. That beautiful 84” camel-colored leather sofa won't work with the small 30” coffee table, even if it's your favorite decorating website or rug retailer site.
RHYTHM
Repetition of style, color, texture, shape, and lines helps create a sense of flow in the space. Do you see continuity in color, feel, style, lines, and objects? Just because the design looks beautiful in your inspiration picture doesn’t mean it will fit in your home. But you can work with your current style and incorporate new touches to make it feel fresh.
Styling is a significant component in creating a new designer look. Play around with the objects. Make groupings of three. Mix up the height, sizes, and colors. Keep stepping back and taking in the view from different points in the room.
BALANCE
Symmetry in a room balances the pieces, unifying the space by evenly distributing the visual weight of the furniture. No one piece should overwhelm the room or make it feel off balance. Be a detailed person, and measure pieces that you think will work.
Of course, none of these design principles are helpful unless you’ve followed the guidelines for the size and placement of furniture and decor. You can find those guidelines in my Buying Furniture Online With No Regrets post. Also, consider using the Shopping Online Guide found on my website.
Using the four design principles will help give you the confidence and knowledge to create that new space you’ve fallen in love with. Be slow and steady! Don’t let overconfidence and carelessness ruin your dream room. The prize for the most beautiful room will go to the slower, calmer, and more organized tortoise. Contact me if you’re a hare and are overwhelmed by the thought of creating your dream room. I love this stuff! Together, we can challenge your nature, whether you're a tortoise or a hare, to end with a beautiful space you'll love for years to come.
Photo: Polhemus Savery DaSilva
Photo: Contemporary Living Room, Chicago
Photo: Traditional Living Room, Atlanta | Photo by Pixel Interiors Photography
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