Tag: Elements of Design

Essential Interior Design Tip #5:

Interior Design is not all about the stuff. It’s what you DO with that stuff.

(Notice I added the word all. Because while it’s not all about the stuff, it is partially about the stuff. Let’s face it, you’ve got to have some stuff to design with!)

This has pretty much been my philosophy ever since I figured out that you can make almost any ordinary object sing if you put it in the right place. Any object can become something special when adding to the balance of a room.

Conversely, the most beautiful and beloved object you own can fall flat when not used properly either as a focal point or a contributor to the overall balance.

What Should You Do With the Stuff? 

In a previous post we talked about how in design there are no rules. But the closest things to rules are Principles and Elements of design. We explored the Principles in some depth, but we really didn’t get into the Elements.

So without going off on a tangent the Elements of design are: Pattern, color, texture, shape, line, and space.

Elements = the stuff!

The stuff provides your patterns, colors, textures, shapes, lines, and resulting space.

Principles = what you do with the stuff!

When the Principles are properly applied to your Elements (stuff) you create a Focal Point and Hierarchy. You create a concept or theme through Unity. You create interest through Variety and Contrast. You create Rhythm. You create proper Scale and Proportion. And MOST importantly you create Balance throughout your space.

• When you use these Principles in a balanced and functional way to determine where to place your stuff, your room will be a design success.

Notice I added the word functional.  We haven’t really discussed this much. But in order for a room to be successful, it must be functional.

• Functionality is the unspoken Principle of Design.

It’s such a given that it does not even warrant being listed as a Principle. So remember when creating your space that it must be usably functional as well as visually appealing.

And now for the good news…

Knowing that the success of your design does not hinge on the stuff is comforting as well as freeing. Knowing that success is more about what you do with that stuff should empower you and give you confidence to make your design decisions, especially if you are on a limited budget or feel that you are lacking in the “style” department.

Of course you could be someone who’s just oozing with style. Maybe people are always commenting on your excellent taste. If that’s the case – great! But I’m sure you’ve already figured out that good design is about much more than that.

Which leads us to our next tip…

Essential Interior Design Tip #4 – Don’t Rely On Your Awesome Sense of Style and Keen Eye for Color. 

 

 

Essential Interior Design Tip #4:

Don’t rely on your awesome sense of style and keen eye for color. Rely on the Principles and Elements of Design!

(Although I have no doubt that you do indeed possess wicked style and a killer eye for color, don’t think for a minute that’s all you need!)

The Principles and Elements of design are timeless and true. Never trendy. Never subject to change like your taste and preferences. If you’re not familiar with the Principles I wrote about them here and here. And I briefly talked about the Elements here.

Once you understand these Principles & Elements, combine them with your sense of style and eye for color and you’re GOLD!…unless of course you prefer silver!

But don’t forget, before you ever even think about going shopping you need to have a plan in place for how you’re going to apply these P’s & E’s. We will be discussing this more in our last 3 Tips.

But what if I don’t have an awesome sense of style, or any style for that matter?

Impossible! Everyone has their own unique style. Now whether or not it would be considered “awesome” just depends on who you talk to. Besides – who cares?! It’s your home. Your room. Your style. As long as you’re happy with it, that’s all that matters!

And if you’re wondering how to go about finding and defining your style…you’ve come to the right place! That’s the first step in REV’s whole design process! Want to know more about REVealing your own unique style?…then click here.

So stay tuned because this blog is just getting started! Up next…

Essential Interior Design Tip: Dream and Dream BIG!

Oh wait!…I thought of another tip that kind of goes along with #4…

BONUS TIP: Don’t Trust Your Memory or Instincts.  

• Always be prepared.  Have your plans, samples, and tape measure with you at all times. You may think an item will match or fit, but guaranteed when you get it home it won’t! You’ve heard the saying “Measure twice. Cut once.” This is the design version!

It’s just an additional thought I had after starting this series and I didn’t want to make it “11 Essential Tips!”