To get it right, use an Interior Designer.
Whether a new home, or renovating offices, an interior designer can make the interior functional, safe, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting essential and decorative items, such as colours, lighting, and materials. An enhancement can be as simple as the selection of the paint colour, or the style of a window blind, to the functional redesign of a space.
Interior design can be daunting. There are many sources of inspiration; market trends, books, apps, websites and advice from your mother-in-law. Too much information will confuse, rather than focus your design. Designers refer to design principles to achieve that showstopping interior design.
Concept – It’s important to have a clear concept. Create an inspiration board with all the ideas and pictures you like. Then formulate your concept and focus on those elements that suite the design.
Colour – A colour scheme should be simple, monochrome, with an accent. Walls should be neutral, a backdrop to the statement pieces. The classic decor rule is 60% of the room should be a dominant colour, 30% a secondary colour or texture and 10% an accent.
Finishes & Textures – These two are separate design elements, but go together as different finishes bring different textures into the room. Too many finishes and textures can detract from the overall impression. You must consider what compliments your concept and how a contrasting element can work as a statement piece.
Lighting – Lighting should be functional, with accent lighting to enhance the space. Natural light brings a warmth to a space, but direct sun can overheat the room and ruin finishes. It’s important to ensure that there is practical lighting over working areas.
Kitchen – Kitchens and Bathrooms are the most expensive areas of a home to renovate. Bathrooms are important spaces, but considering current trends for open plan living, the Kitchen is the feature space. It’s recommended that an experienced kitchen designer be consulted, as it involves; determining a layout, choosing materials, appliances and configuring plumbing and electrical. A professional competent designer can help put all of these pieces together.
Soft furnishings and dressing a room – Bring everything together. Choosing the right window treatment, whether; blinds, drapes, curtains or shades, completes the look. Furniture, cushions, ornaments and pictures reinforce the concept, but be cautious not to clutter the room.
For further information on interior design ideas, contact: Terri-Lee Moorhouse – Terri’s Interiors:
Tel.: 073 153 8736
E-mail.: terri.moorhouse@gmail.com
