Designing a home is a process that requires much thought, visualizations, and hundreds of small decisions along the way. Each and every detail has to be taken into consideration, even after the overall style and major purchases have been determined. There are so many tips we give to clients throughout their design experience that are important to creating a beautiful, personal, and functional space. But we’ve managed to narrow down our top six! Here are a few secrets that we think everyone should know before embarking on their home redesign:
1. Avoid the “room in a box” trap! Have you ever walked into someone’s home and noticed
that the pieces throughout the room look bland and too similar? This is most likely because they purchased a furniture set, making the space look like a drab showroom. Source items from different collections and vendors to avoid this look. It will give you a much more unique, curated space.
2. Don’t be afraid of following trends you like, but know that a little can go a long way. For example, the Pinterest “style of the moment” is chevrons, which can be seen on everything from curtains to wallpaper to baby’s bedding. But avoid using too much of a single pattern or filling a room with only solid colors. You’ll be amazed by how you can give a room so much more personality by mixing various colors and textures, while still keeping these items within the same general style.
3. If you have already own or have selected your foundational pieces, such as tables and sofas, make note of their features, silhouettes, and finishes. This will make it much easier for you to source additional pieces that have a similar style and that will fit right in with your existing furniture. For example, if your sofa has rounded arms, you may want to find more pieces with rounded features rather than hard geometric lines.
4. Don’t forget the ceiling! In many older homes, ceilings were neglected, leading to cracks or gaps, or were given finishes that are now unbecoming (think: popcorn ceilings with a beige paint color). Be sure to include the ceiling in your room as part of your overall design. If you have tall ceilings, consider making it a coffered ceiling with a paint color in between the coffers that compliments your accent color. Or, in a powder room that is taller than it is wide, consider painting the ceiling a dark color to help the room feel more even in its dimensions.
5. Odd numbers aren’t so bad. In fact, the human brain finds them very comforting! It’s tempting to buy everything in pairs, but odd numbers can create a more dynamic space. For example, try creating gallery walls in groups of 3, 5, 7, or 9. Or rather than only hanging two pendant lights, go for three.
6. Try pulling your sofas and chairs away from the walls. One of the first things we usually do when evaluating a client’s home is give the furniture some room to breathe! Placing furniture right up against the wall breaks the flow of a room. Instead, give it at least a few inches.
We know designing your own home can be a daunting venture with all of these details to consider. That’s where we come in! Schedule a consultation today to find out how Bon Brise Design can help you discover your style and create a home you love.
