Many homeowners don’t realise how challenging interior design can be until it’s already too late. Once a project is completed, only then do colour clashes and problematic layouts become apparent, which is why the best interior designers are those experienced in the practice and can visualise a space before a project is even underway.
While it certainly takes years to become an accomplished interior designer, there are a few basic rules that can get homeowners started. By acknowledging these practices and habits, common mistakes can be avoided and homeowners can begin looking at their spaces differently, translating their imagination into practical living spaces. Taking from the advice of some of the most reputable designers, here are the most essential pieces of advice.
Consider The Whole
A common mistake homeowners make is to push forward with a single design element, choosing a colour or item of furniture that they favour without considering how it might affect the rest of the room’s decor. This approach is shortsighted and will lead to clashes and ill-fitting assets.
Instead, it is important to consider the entire room as a whole. Creating a mood board is a common practice as it collates all items and styles to ensure that, once a project is completed, there is harmony within a living space.
Make Investments
There are no quick fixes in interior design and those that try to cut corners or achieve perfection on a limited budget are likely to find themselves spending more time and money down the line. Whether you are wanting to buy log cabins or renovate a bathroom, it is important that you recognise the potential budget and increase it to account for potential issues. By doing so, you will ensure that the final outcome will be truly valuable instead of being seen as a compromise.
Ignore Trends
It is very easy to become distracted by trends, especially in an age of social media whereby trends seem to become ubiquitous very quickly. While interior design trends can be appealing, they seldom stand the test of time and are often expensive due to their popularity.
A better approach is to, over time, collate the ideas and aesthetics that you enjoy. Even by giving different styles a few months of consideration, you are ensuring that your decisions are not being made hastily or because of passing hype. Then, when it comes to a renovation, you can be certain that you are creating with your own taste in mind and not that of someone else.
Gain Perspective
While you may feel rather confident in your own vision, it is always worth collaborating with others. This could be a contractor or electrician who might be more familiar with the technical limitations of a project you have in mind, or it could be a friend who might have a different idea about how two textures complement each other.
It is easy to get lost in one’s own head and make mistakes without realising it. So, before you begin any project, speak to someone else and gain some perspective. Even the most experienced interior designers do.
