Have you ever noticed that some people seem to have an eye for decorating? You can buy the same materials, and decorative pieces, but your home doesn’t have that polished and put together look. Do you want to know their secret?
Designer Tips
Interior designers can’t work magic in a room. But, they go through some very basic steps to begin. We will walk you through some of these concepts. It is these details that take a home from acceptable to outstanding.
- Paint
A designer will first look at the size of the room. A small room will look bigger if it is painted with a light color. Kitchens are almost always smaller than other rooms. While the color does not have to be white, it must be light. Many times homeowners think they need a new kitchen when what they really need is an upgrade. The three factors that go into a kitchen remodel includes windows, floors, and cabinets.
Windows allow natural light into a room. That is an instant improvement. If you are going to replace the window, select a window that is is beautiful in size and shape. This modernizes the kitchen.
Cabinets do not have to be a problem. Select the size and design that you want. You can buy wholesale RTA Cabinets. These are ready to assemble, pre-cut and pre-measured.
Your floor makes a much bigger impact than you may think. It is fine to have a dark colored floor. As a matter of fact, if you have white walls and cabinets and install a charcoal colored floor, the eye will first go to the floor, then begin scanning upward to your cabinets, windows, and walls. This optical illusion gives your guests a feeling of being in a larger kitchen.
Photo credit: Studio 7042
- Natural Light & Mirrors
As you make your way into the living room or family room, pay attention to the natural light. If you have heavy draperies, change them to a wood-look blind in white or natural woodgrain. Place mirrors on the walls that will reflect the natural light. As the sun rises and sets the room will reflect the various light tones making the room look polished.
- Mix Things Up
You can use old things and new things in the same room. You can mix stripes with patterns. Make good use of wicker baskets. Do not turn away from slipcovers. Using a light color for spring, Sandy beige with teal, for summer, and go to darker holiday covers during the winter. These low-cost covers make your room look as if you have bought new furniture throughout the year.
Different textures and patterns are the perfect way to express who you are. Whether you prefer a casual room, or a formal living room, or something in the middle, shabby chic, your style tells a lot about you.
- Making the old, new
Every room needs a pop of color. Look at your bookshelves. If you paint the interior of the case a bright color (leaving the trim white, you have a splash of color that does not ruin the flow of the room.
Photo credit: Lukasz Dziegel
- Go Green
Adding plants to your home not only make it look better, but they also make you feel better. Plants rid the air of carbon dioxide, and emit oxygen. This means you are breathing cleaner and healthier air. If you have room in your kitchen for a hanging herb garden, or a window sill to place a flower box, take advantage of that. Arrange plants according to the amount of sunshine they require. Hanging or potted plants brings an immediate feeling of comfort.
You do not have to be an interior designer to create a beautiful home. The great thing about DIY projects is that you can use things you have, like books and dishes that are in the attic and stage them. Use baskets, wire dish racks, and interesting fixtures like a pull-down pot holder
Use light, color mirrors, and plants to show the world what. How you see the world. This is your space and you can do it your way.
Identity Magazine is all about guiding women to discover their powers of Self-Acceptance, Appreciation, and Personal Achievement.
We ask that every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. Their answers can be random and at the moment or they can be aligned with the current article they have written. In that way, and as a team, we hope to encourage and motivate each other, thus inspiring you to Get All A’s.
1. Think about what have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? Additionally, what are you still working on accepting? Now, we’re not talking about resignation, rather stepping into, embraced, and owned.
I believe that accepting not being a perfect person is the beginning of becoming one. Life continues to throw opportunities at us to learn from our mistakes in order to better ourselves. I have my own share of hardships and successes and I am happy that I am on a learning curve and improving myself.
2. What have you learned to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? On the other hand OR in contrast, are there elements of who you are that you’re still working on appreciating?
Earlier I used to have intermittent bouts of anger and frustration with regards to my work and relationships, but gradually I started to overcome my insecurities and inhibitions. The fact that I know I have many weaknesses yet have the ability to make things better — is the biggest appreciation I have for myself.
3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? Tell us not only what makes YOU most proud but also share the goals and dreams that you still have.
My individuality and my attitude are the keys to unlock my own true potential to achieve something bigger in life. I think this is my most rewarding and enduring achievement.
4. Of course, we all have imperfections, or so we think. In truth, we are all perfectly imperfect. What are your not-so-perfect ways? Likewise, what imperfections and quirks create who you are–your Identity?
I agree that we all have imperfections, but the most interesting aspect of this is there is a perfect world out there; that is even if we are imperfect, we know to align ourselves perfectly to make the world a perfect place.
I am not the person that manages time effectively, do things correctly all the time so on and so forth. I am also not the person who stayed ahead of her classmates as well as colleagues, yet I always came up with solutions and answers that worked. So yes, this oddity is what defines me.
5. “I Love My…” is an outlet for you to appreciate and express all the positive traits that make you…well…YOU! In fact, sharing what you love about yourself will make you smile, feel empowered, and uplift your spirit and soul. (We assure you!) Therefore, Identity challenges you to complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
I love my individuality. I love my storytelling. I love my desire to touch people’s heart through my writing.
