MY TEN COMMANDMENTS OF INTERIOR DESIGN

As a young child, I was one of those kids that wanted to challenge every “rule” that came my way. I just didn’t get why some things had to be a certain way…

Why did I have to make my bed every morning?

Why did I have to be in the house before dark?

Why did I have to take woodworking class instead of sewing?

Well, now that I am older, I understand that “rules” exist to enhance our lives and to make us the best that we can be.

In the world of design, the concept of rules are no different. There are “rules” of design, but they too should be challenged in order to help us achieve the best look and feel for the space in which we live. When designing, I love to think outside the box, challenge my creativity and follow

My 10 Commandments of Interior Design!

1. Discover Your Personal Style

Read shelter magazines and search design websites to find photos of rooms that simply make you feel good. Once you begin to identify with room layouts, furniture styles, colors and accessories that appeal to you, you’ll be better equipped to create the living space that makes your heart sing. I’ve collected photos from magazines for years and have them sorted by category. Over the years, my design style has changed, but the core of what I like and don’t like have remained the same. Creating your own inspiration library is a great way to really stay in tune with your style.

2. Never Use Anything You Don’t Love

Whether it’s a piece of furniture, artwork or a simple decorative object, using the things you love, as part of your decor, will guarantee a beautiful and comfortable home environment. I meet people all the time that feel like they have to use something that was given to them as a gift. If you don’t love the item, it will never feel good, no matter where you place it in your home. Your home is your haven so make sure everything in it is something you treasure!

image via william yeoward

3. Don’t Buy Items That Aren’t Essential To The Way You Live

If your lifestyle does not require a traditional sofa and loveseat, then do something different. Try a combination of arm chairs with a coffee table as your living room decor. Make your home function for you and your family and it will please you for years to come.

4. Embrace Color

More than just about anything else, color added to a room can transform it from plain to powerful. If you’re not a red wall person, use color as your accent, in accessories, fabrics and artwork. Don’t know what color(s) to use, check out your closet and see what colors you’re attracted to in your clothing. Your clothing colors are a great source of inspiration for the colors you’re comfortable with, and that make you feel good.

5. Always Have A Touch Of Black

Ok, this is a hard one to explain, but there is just something that black does for a room. Black helps to ground a space; black helps to define a space; and black helps to add substance! You can add black via a frame, accessory, lighting or as an accent on a piece of furniture. If you have a room without a touch of black, try adding the color somewhere and see how it changes the room…for the better. It really is design magic.

via traditional home

6. Do Something Unexpected

If you really want to make a design statement in your home, try using something in an unexpected way. I love that this antique farm table was turned into the vanity/sink counter in this bathroom. And, the shuttered window, rustic wood framed mirrors, metal pendant lights and antique armoire give this space even more character.

image via kay douglas

7. Mix and Match

Nothing is more lack-luster than a room designed with all one style of furniture. When decorating, I love to use different styles and finishes of furniture, so that the space has an eclectic yet stylized vibe. The mirrored nightstand, traditional poster bed, old trestle table and cottage inspired bed linens add such unique personality to this bedroom. If you love stained wood finishes, try incorporating a painted piece of furniture to mix it up a bit.

image via traditonal home

8. Personalize Your Space

I love to walk into a home and discover a piece that really reflects the people who live there. Maybe it’s a color your love or a material you covet.

This turquoise chandelier from Marjorie Skouras Design is a real show stopper. As person who loves turquoise this piece would be right at home in my foyer.

image via house beautiful

9. Always Use More Than One Pillow

Yes, I am one of those crazy pillow people. I just think pillows add so much to a sofa, chair or bed. I love mixing patterns and shapes to create a wonderful and festive mix wherever I can. Try it…I think you’ll like it!

image via hgtv

10. Don’t Settle

As my last Design Commandment, this is a big one. Whatever you do, don’t settle. It may take months or ever years to find that perfect piece of artwork or the dining table that fits just perfectly in your dining room. If you have a vision for your home, take the time, however long that is, to make it everything you want it to be.