The function of the space. As a designer, it is your job to make the room both functional and stylish. No one will use a room full of expensive crystal and antiques if they have small children. While working around the family's needs and interests may be difficult at times, it is essential to designing a room that is more than just a showplace - but is place to call home too.
The space available. Take a good look at the space you have available. Sometimes part of your design will include adding square footage by knocking out walls and combining space or even adding on. Other times you'll have to create unique ways to handle space restrictions and figure out how to make a small cramped space look and feel roomier.
The budget. Sure, top of the line fixtures and furniture can make a space stand out, but that isn't always an option, especially when the budge is tight. Consider how much money you have to spend to redecorate and choose your splurge items carefully.
Once you figure out how the room will be used; who will use it; what space is available and how much money you have for the transformation, it's time to dig into some real designing. But, where so you start? Begin by following these basic rules of interior design.
Create a file of clippings and samples that show the style and colors you would like to use in your home. Be sure you have ample samples to evaluate within the space itself Draw a floor plan of the room you will be decorating.
Evaluate your existing environment. Create a Budget that works in with your financial situation so you know right away what splurge items are reasonable and which isn't.
Either hand draw or use a specially designed computer program to begin designing the room of your dreams.
Plan a schedule of what you will be doing and when. Find a competent contractor. Get to work.
Whether you'll be handling a complete renovation or just a light design touch-up, remember that there will always be problems to overcome during the design process. Oftentimes the best design plans must be changed to better meet zoning requirements or to eliminate costly structural changes. Be flexible and open to changes in your ideas.
Obviously, repainting and re-carpeting come to mind. The paint is inexpensive and can be done in a night or weekend (especially if you invite a few friends over to help and buy them pizza). Carpeting, however, will put a little dent in the old pocketbook, so it's up to you if you want that!
Choose one or two favorite colors that you think coordinate well. If you can paint (if it's allowed where you live - depending whether you rent or own) make sure that you paint in neutral colors. This means nothing glaring like candy apple red or construction orange. Real estate specialists will tell you that your property will not sell with non-neutral colors.
If you want to do something more radical and are dead-set on using some crazy colors, you can choose to do so. Just remember to re-paint when it's time to sell.
If you're looking for a smaller scale of decorating, try just purchasing accessories. These can be inexpensive. For less than a hundred bucks, you can pick up a few things to spruce up the place. The natural assumption here is things like blinds, drapes, towels, tablecloths and the like. Even placemats can make a difference.
You may also want to try some things that require a small amount of actual work, like replacing doorknobs, cupboard knobs, light switch and outlet covers, or even built-in light fixtures.
Speaking of lighting, table lamps, hanging lamps, and so on can make a world of difference as well. While you're at it, furniture is a natural choice that can really alter the look and make everything feel brand new again. Remember that you can get like-new furniture used on sites like Craigslist, in the classifieds, or second-hand stores. You may have a discount furniture store in your area that offers new furniture at affordable prices, too.
Just be creative and use your imagination. Look around at your home and ask yourself what you don't like, and then change it. It's that simple. You don't have to be an expert or professional interior designer to improve the look of your humble abode.
Both Matthew Hick & Alex Gwen Thomson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.