How to design like a pro
Have you been hoping to undertake a design project in your home for some time but aren’t sure to get started? You’re surely not alone!
The concept of designing your home on your own can seem daunting—what steps need to be taken first, and how can you ensure your space truly reflects your personality and style? I’m here to help! I’ve put together some guidance on how to design like a pro, even if you’re just beginning your foray into decorating.
Read on for seven of my top tips.
Step 1: Start with a mood board. Making a mood board will help you develop a better understanding of the spaces that speak to you, as well as the colors, patterns, and furnishings that make your heart sing. Whether you choose to gather inspiration by reading magazines, scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest, or by watching movies is entirely up to you. However, try making a folder (whether physical or digital) of some of the images that stand out to you the most so that you can narrow down the direction you wish to go design-wise.
Step 2: Create a paint palette. Will you be repainting your space as part of your redesign? Note that using common colors in your main living spaces is the best way to make your house feel cohesive. Avoid bold colors in places you plan to use often or want to use as a place of relaxation, like a family room or bedroom. And if you have a naturally darker space, try to lean into it and go dark. People always want to brighten up such rooms by painting the walls white, but sometimes it's best to work with what you have and embrace it!
Step 3: Draw out a space plan! I definitely urge you to take the time and complete this important step—so many clients call me upset because they were admittedly impatient and wasted money on pieces of furniture that won’t fit into the room they’re designing. If making a space plan sounds overwhelming, note that you don't have to be a pro to do this! Simply buy some graph paper and use a “one square = one foot” rule for simplicity. And try to keep a minimum of a 36 inch walkway for ample space.
Step 4: Get shopping! You’ve made your space plan and have a strong sense of what will fit into the room you’re designing—now comes the fun part. Always start with foundation pieces, unless you absolutely fall for a piece such as a rug, accent chair, or work of art that can steer the aesthetic direction. However, it’s generally better to focus on items like a sofa or bed as the first purchase. Typically I say it’s best to keep these pieces neutral, as your style and taste may change over the years. If you crave change down the line, you can always switch up the look up with a rug and pillows.
Step 5: Add some personality. If you're feeling a little stuck and unsure of your personal design style, simply refer back to your own narrative. Think about where you have previously lived and what elements of that environment inspired you, or reflect on the history of your current home. Maybe your space has a story worth telling already. If your home is newer, you can rely on your surroundings—look out the window and take cues from the neighborhood or city outside!
