The first step in creating a well designed room in your home is to identify what you want from the room. Ask yourself, “What exactly is this room going to be used for?” It may be that the room will be used for more than one activity. For example, a great room might include putting one’s T.V. in it, having their kids play in it and even eating in the room. This is ok. The important first step is to clearly identify what you want from the room. Knowing the purpose of the room will be one of the strongest cues for the décor.
· Once this is complete, the next step is to “remember who lives there.” What this means is knowing if children, pets or adults will be the primary inhabitants of the room. In other words, white silk slipcovers would be a lovely choice for an adults-only room, however they would not make it through one season in a space that routinely hosts kids and/or pets.
· Following this step is to learn what pleases your senses in a room. Use decorating magazines to look through, go to home shows, look at other home furnishings and get a sense of what pleases you in regard to decoration.
· Next, keep the size of both the room and the furniture and furnishings in mind. In other words, don’t buy a sofa for a room that is not large enough to house a sofa. This tends to be the case often. Homeowners will over judge the size of a room and buy furniture that is either too big or just too much.
· Go with your flow. A beautiful home should have continuity from room to room. To prevent each room in your home from looking out of place, try to maintain similar tones and themes throughout the house.
· Focus on one great piece in the room. This can be an item you already have and love or a new one, but whatever it is, let it become the inspiration for the rest of the room. This can be something simple such as a tile, a chair or even a pillow.
· Formulate a plan for the room. Whether you carry this information in your head or on paper, never dive into planning a room for your home without thinking it through. Try to envision your room when it’s completely done, and then plot out what steps you’ll need to take to get to that point. Make sure a keep a room design file. This needs to include measurements and inspiring images. You’ll also want to keep a shopping list based on things you have seen in stores, on websites and in catalogs.
· Shop around. Don’t buy all your furniture from a furniture showroom. Instead shop around. You want your room to look like you put some thought into it so it’s not something you will see at the local furniture store showroom. Establish a unique look by shopping a variety of retailers, auctions and markets.
· Don’t shop around if you are unsure. If you don’t have a good eye for design or a solid vision of what you want your room to look like you may find it very difficult to piece a room together from different sources. Instead of shopping around you may be better off buying an entire set from one designer. Sometimes people will buy things that “just don’t go”. It’s completely up to how skilled of a designer you are. Many stores offer decor and furniture pieces that are 100% compatible as a full set. Doing this will ensure your home looks top notch and you won’t have to worry about clashing choices.
As you design a new room for your home, remember that form and function are equally important. You will never be able to relax on a rock-hard sofa no matter how much you love the fabric.