Whether you're moving somewhere totally new or redecorating an old space, choosing how to decorate can be daunting. But this is a moment of opportunity to be embraced, not feared. Take in your space and think about how it can best reflect your inner you.
It's all about finding balance between textures, colors, patterns and tones. But remember, you're in control. There are no rights or wrongs in interior design.
To help you feel inspired rather than overwhelmed, read on to learn our best tips for creating a truly wonderful space.
#1 Less can be more
An empty space can create the perfect moment for highlighting your home's best features. Examine your home without the clutter of furniture and identify your space's best features. With these identified, you can use these elements as guidelines for decorating, seeking to highlight these most important features.
Elements like stained white oak ceiling beams, crown molding, or unique doors, are all examples of interesting features you could seek to highlight. Accentuate these features and instill effortless elegance in your home.
#2 Decide what you don't like
When faced with the agony of choice, it can be simplifying to start by deciding what you don't want to display. Taking the time to figure this out can really help you hone your personal taste.
Eliminate the sofas, chairs, rugs, and paintings you don't like and leave more space for those items that really contribute to your world. Note the colors that make you happy and furniture pieces that help you entertain. Blank-slate interiors are great for helping you decide what really works for your home.
#3 Choose a color triad
If choosing a color palette with multiple hues for each room is too intense, don't feel like you have to force yourself. To begin with, select a few colors that go well together for your space.
Color triads are immensely helpful for beginning a design from the ground up. Try to establish a trio of complementary colors that establish a consistent theme across the entire interior.
For example, choose three shades with undertones that go well together, like gray, white and black; teal, magenta and gold; or blue, green and gray.
#4 Frame your space
Just as important as the art you display is the frames you choose to display your art in. It's essential that you choose frames which stimulate visual interest, while still complementing the rest of the room. Pay special attention to materials and colors, making sure they match not just the art, but the room too.
The frames you choose will create different effects. For example, wood will add a subtle softness to walls, black metal will create a contemporary and crisp flavor, and gold frames will bring to mind a vintage vibe.
#5 Mix materials
Mixing materials is a perfect way to begin designing your empty space. Focus on matching the tones of your items to bridge a cohesive design. Mixing materials like wicker, glass, wood, etc. is an effective way of creating excitement in a space.
Choose different materials intentionally and try to blend them in one area of the house. Mixing wood and metal finishes creates a vibrant energy, and the combination of shiny sheen and warm wood making for an attractive pairing.
#6 Sketch it out
It's never a bad idea to sketch out your plans before committing. So, grab some pen and paper and begin to make a floor plan of your space. It's a good idea to make it as accurate as possible, so don't be afraid to bust out the tape measure. This can help you understand your space's exact limitations and capabilities. With a rough plan of your home, you can then better understand what your space can accommodate.
Over to you
Decorating from scratch doesn't have to be daunting. Armed with some smart tips, you can make this blank-slate project an exciting endeavor that you can enjoy every step of the way. Have fun!
