Interior Decorating The Foundation
Before you reach the finish line you need to know where you are headed.
Do not start in the Furniture Store
Most people have heard that it is recommended to not go for grocery shopping if you're hungry because this could lead to poor decisions. Similar advice applies to furniture stores - don't make a purchase in a hurry simply because you have an empty house. You need an appropriate sofa. But if you select the sectional in pink because it's what you see in the showroom, without making measurements or considering the rest of the room that's it. If your sofa is too big and the room is too small, the rest of the space must be designed around it.
Begin by measuring the space you want to furnish.
Know your measurements
Making sure that furniture is proportional to the proportions of the room is essential. A huge sectional sofa could overwhelm a smaller room and a pair of slim chairs might appear out of place in an attic. Before you start designing take measurements of the width and length of each room you're looking to decorate as well as the height of the ceiling and other components that might hinder your design - radiators, stairs, columns and other obstructions. It is also important to examine the window openings, and the wall space under as well as on either side in order to determine the best place for window blinds.
Most people make the error of purchasing the incorrect size. They buy tables that are either too small or large. Nightstands are also able to hang over the doorway. By determining the space you have, you can prevent these problems.
Make a Floorplan
Once you have the measurements of your room, it's time to put them to use with an floor plan that provides you a bird's eye view of the entire home. The floor plan should be the very first step in any home improvement project.
A floor plan may be drawn in the old-fashioned way with a pencil, paper and a rule. However, most professional designers use drafting software like AutoCAD. Between the two extremes, there are applications like Magicplan RoomScan Pro and Floor Plan Creator which make it easy for homeowners to design floor plans. Some even use the camera on their smartphones to help automate measurements.
Begin experimenting with furniture arrangement after drawing the outline. Be sure the footprints of each piece are proportional according to the dimensions of the sketch.
Make a decision on how you would like to live your life
There is no right or right answers. Rooms can be informal or formal as well as cool or warm as well as modern or traditional. You must decide what you'd like to do in a specific space. What is your job? How many people are present? Do there have children? What is your ideal life?
The interior of a house for someone who hosts large dinner parties, for instance, should be different from a home for those who go out to places every night. Someone who is planning to hold a grand fundraising event needs to have a different living room from someone who simply wants to relax on the couch in front of the TV.
Copy the pros
You can find inspiration in magazines, design books as well as online resources like Houzz and Pinterest. Find out what style you are most drawn to.
When you find images that you enjoy, be aware of the specifics. Find out where patterns are used and where solids are employed as well as where colors can be effectively used or not. This will allow you to decide on everything from what kind of furniture to buy to the way you'd like to install your window treatments.
Tape It Out
To take your ideas for the floor plan one step further make use of painter's tape in the space you are using to outline where furniture will be set on floors and against walls.
Utilize blue tape to divide the different components. Where do you put the rug? Here is more in regards to kitchen Cabinet Design have a look at the web site. Does it need to get cut? What's the length of the coffee table that it will extend? It's beneficial to see the furniture set up and then walk around.
Create a Budget
It's not possible to escape the math. If your unexpectedly expensive chair costs more than you anticipated, it could reduce the money you have available to buy other things for the home. It's important to be strategic with your spending. A budget gives you an outline of how to divide the costs of things between rooms. If you are looking to purchase a special dining table, you could make a budget, but it will be more expensive.
Plan the phases
Finishing drywall, refinishing hardwood floors, and painting ceilings can be messy work. If possible, it's better to have the task completed prior to moving any furniture or accessories in the room.
If it's not possible to prevent make sure to seal furniture pieces under plastic drop cloths and accessories in boxes using tape to keep them safe.