Don’t rush to solve all the problems at once – take it one step at a time. Our step-by-step instructions will make your life much easier
The huge selection of furniture in stores is confusing, and the number of interior solutions that need to take – can’t be counted. It’s no wonder that many of us give up and turn to standard solutions. But later, a slight residue of disappointment does not give up.
This situation is familiar not only to young people who do interior design for the first time. These days, middle-aged people also quite often start life from scratch, breaking up with an old love or moving closer to where they work. Whether you’re furnishing your first interior or starting life “fresh,” these tips will guide you through the difficult process of creating a design project on your own.
Decide on what you like
Many people don’t know what style of interior design they like. It’s not that they don’t have an opinion, they just don’t know how to express their preferences in words.
The easiest way to solve this problem is to look at as many pictures of different houses as possible. And while this may sound like shameless self-promotion, I will still say that the best way to study photos is on the Houzz website. Save the pictures you like into your scrapbook of ideas. You can also bookmark design books or cut out photos from magazines. When you’ve collected at least twelve photos, sit down and compare them. Look for commonalities in terms of color schemes, furniture style, patterns, and density of furnishings in the room.
Consider the architectural features of your home. A high-flown Victorian style is unlikely to look good in a small studio.
Plan your budget
Calculate how much you’re willing to spend. If you can’t afford to furnish the whole house at once, start with the room you spend the most time in. That way, when you’re ready to tackle the other rooms that are still in chaos, you’ll have a place to properly relax.
Draw a detailed plan
I know this sounds boring, like school (something along the lines of “Before you get to your assignment, make a plan”). But with the Internet, this procedure has become fun. There are many free planner programs out there now. You can choose and download any of them. My favorite is called The Room Planner from Jordan’s Furniture. It’s very easy to use, it has lots of furniture patterns and, best of all, the choices are not limited to the models that this company makes.
If you want to see how your designs will look in reality, take boxes that are left over from moving and “build” your furnishings out of them. Another option is to outline furniture on the floor with newspapers, towels and plaids.
Pick a color palette
Some people say you should start with the color of the flooring. Others say you should start with a painting or other work of art. I, on the other hand, think you should start with whatever you like best. If it’s a rug, let it be a rug. If it’s a painting or some other accessory, fine! If you’re crazy about the color yellow, what’s there to think about – start with it.
Once you figure out the colors, think about how to distribute them in the interior. Use neutral shades for durable pieces of furniture, such as a sofa or dining table. Wall paint, decorative pillows, light fixtures and artwork can also be bright. If you want to change your color palette in the future, buying new accessories will cost you much less.
Paint the walls
Yes, yes, please, paint the walls – because it’s the cheapest way to give a room a special look. Even if you like white, find an interesting shade of white that will create the right atmosphere in the room.
If you don’t want to paint the whole room, let it be at least one contrasting wall. Afraid of saturated hues? Choose intermediate colors. I promise you that the result will be much more interesting than a white “box”.
Only spend money on certain pieces of furniture
The sofa will stay with you for a long time, so buy a quality model. Even if you think you are buying a sofa for a while, it will end up standing in the living room, then move to the cottage and end its days in a student dormitory, where your children or even grandchildren will live. So don’t be greedy. The same goes for the dining room table.
I also believe that you should not skimp on buying one comfortable chair either. Choose durable interior pieces with upholstery in a neutral color – white, beige or gray.
Measure everything
Measure the length and width of the room before you go shopping, as well as doorways, stairways and elevator sashes. When you go shopping, take these notes with you.
A sofa will look smaller in a store with six-foot ceilings than it would in your living room. And don’t buy pre-made sets and headsets, or your home will look like a furniture showroom window.
Save money where you can
If you need to cut costs, save money on accessories. Look for matching mirrors, pillows, and light fixtures at stores like IKEA. The trick is that if you mix a few cheap items with expensive ones, no one will notice anything.
Add something old to the new interior
Don’t just buy new things. Take a stroll through antique stores, or if you can’t afford it, go to a flea market or an online auction. Buy a couple of accessories that won’t look like they just came off the assembly line.
Things with history give a room a certain character and depth. That’s what separates a cozy home from a faceless furniture showroom.
Hire an expert
If you have doubts, you can always enlist the help of a professional decorator or designer.
If you can’t afford the full services of an expert, ask for an hour-long consultation. The designer will help you decide on the style, choose the right furnishings and make a work plan.
And stop worrying
Your first home is unlikely to be your last. So do not think that you will be responsible for your design decisions for the rest of your life. Of course, from a family budget and environmental standpoint, it’s right to buy durable furnishings that will move from one home to the next with you. But items like decorative pillows, towels and table lamps, you’re only buying for a couple or three years anyway. So have fun at your leisure!
