Your Ultimate Guide to discovering design mistakes you are making and easy ways to fix them in order to create a functional space that you are more productive and happy in!
Have you ever been in a space that just didn't FEEL quite right? Your eye didn't know where to land, your mood wasn't 100% at ease or your found yourself searching for a grounding force within the space that made you feel more comfortable?
Well, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!! So many of us have issues creating that space that is perfect for us in our daily lives whether we are short on time, money, sourcing spots or inspiration. The perfect space isn't the showroom or catalogue look, either. The perfect space is one that fully and completely meets your needs (storage, visual, mental and emotional) while being comfortable, flexible and beautiful. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder so that is truly a unique and one-of-a-kind experience that we will get to a bit later.
Important questions should be asked when thinking of your perfect interior space. True intention, purpose and combined thinking should be enlisted when thinking of creating a functional, multi-dimensional space that works as hard as you do.
Questions to Ask Yourself
What will you be doing?
How many people will be enjoying the space?
Does the space need to flex to adjust to various tasks throughout the day?
What additions would make the space function as best as it can?
What colors/unique pieces/emotional selections can be added to create a more emotionally charged and grounded space for you?
How much can I realistically spend on making this space work more efficiently?
If you know that color means a lot to you, then begin by picking that one main piece that you simply can't live without and let that color effect the rest of your space. Use contrasting colors for added visual appeal, so if you're couch is neutral, add a pop of color on your walls, decorative additions and artwork. If you are going for an extreme or deep color for your couch, pick a more calm, light or neutral wall color and compliment the two colors with patterns and prints in your decor that highlight BOTH of those colors used. Here are two very different design concepts for clients, both using color but in very different ways. One is much more soft, calm and neutral while the other is more dramatic. Both use color in interesting ways and show off the amazing pieces selected.
For me, little time and energy is about the actual selections in furniture and more about comprising a space of those fully functional items combined with memorable decor that makes the space both layered and livable. Since childhood, I have been creating/ re-arranging and cultivating spaces that speak to the unique person who resides or works within the spaces. I guess you could say that I have been making efficient spaces that speak to my clients for as long as I can remember.
Designing spaces is hard, I know, but there are some common mistakes that are made every day that can be remedied quickly and easily without a ton of money. The internet has been a wonderful resource for some while it offers way too many options and information, which is stifling to your own personal creative juices and ideas. Which direction should you go? What patterns, prints or fabrics will allow you to live comfortably for many years to come? So much thought should go into each piece you choose, no pressure, right?!
Well, need not worry -I'm here as your personal design guru + motivator to not only tell you that these design mistakes are made by the best of us but also show you how to fix them!
Design Dilemma: Stagnant to Style A Space
Design is a culmination of a multitude of pieces, dynamics and ideas being brought to a single area. Design dilemmas are nothing new, yet still hold people hostage in their very own homes! Scared to make the wrong move, buy the wrong thing and even style a space that doesn't truly feel like YOU are all reasons why people simply don't attempt to design their spaces. Whether you are someone who stays up-to-date with current trends or not, I will highlight the impact of good design and explain how practical implementation of my design quick fixes are quick, easy and affordable!
Mistake #1: Being too timid to think outside of the design box and purchase something simply because you love and it speaks to a part of you!
Mistake #2: Sticking to only ONE design style. It is one note, boring and typical.
Mistake #3: Adding too many accessories. Grant the guests’ eyes a place to land, featuring larger scale pieces instead of numerous small pieces of decor.
Mistake #4: Not keeping a clean/tidy space. A wrecked/ choatic/messy space won’t be enjoyable no matter what you’ve spent on your furniture.
Mistake #5: Not updating those key pieces in a space after moving into a new place. Light fixtures, cabinet hardware, lightswitch covers and yes, even your outside street numbers are all inexpensive, easy to find and quick fixes to making your home feel current and yours!
Mistake #6: Picking furniture that is the wrong size for your room size or putting lighting in the wrong location.
Measure your space, use tape to tape off the size of seating you are looking at. This will get you started! Find the perfect height for your end tables here. Sconce placement tips here.
Have a new light fixture that you don't exactly know where to install it? Well, you're in luck!
Mistake #7: Choosing a paint color that is too extreme! Here are some insights into walls to paint for the look and feel you are striving for!
Design Dilemma: Personalize Your Space
Mistake #1: Not including personal touches that mean something to you. Ditch the designer showroom look and incorporate meaningful art, decor, textiles that allow you to feel your space.
Mistake #2: Deciding to avoid cool decor pieces for more interesting, unique or one-of-a-kind pieces.
Mistake #3: Rooms That Are Overly Coordinated.
Mistake #4: Overspending on your interior- instead, save on the majority of things and splurge on those key pieces that will truly MAKE your space.
Feeling Empowered to Fix Your Design Dilemmas?
It’s time for you to take all of this information and make a design plan! Do you feel like you've gotten a bit more details about what you would like to see within your space that is currently disjointed/unorganized/an afterthought? Quickly sketch your walls, major architectural features such as a fireplace location, windows, alcoves or niches that you'll have to work around/with. Make an inventory of the furniture and pieces you NEED in this particular space. Jot those down on the left side of your table, with the right side being the additions that you WANT to include in the space to make it feel more cozy, interesting, loved.
For those needing a little nudge in the right direction, send us a little note below by scanning the QR Code that links you to our Design Questionnaire to outline your design needs.
We also offer Virtual Quick Fix Design options that will allow you to hop on a Zoom call with us to "meet" you and get a walkthrough of your troubled space and we will help you come up with some solutions! Happy hunting, designing and making your space YOURS!
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