The Interior Designer in You

What is the first thing that you think of when you want to change a room in your home and give it a whole new look? The colour of your walls? Correct! Colour always creates a fresh new look that´s true and it´s not so expensive. But have you ever thought beyond that? How about changing the layout. This is where many people get stuck. Optimising every inch of space that you have without having to knock down walls or put in false ceilings or anything near to as dramatic as that and it´s not so difficult. Using your hard earned cash on new fabrics, accessories or how about a nice new sofa. Let´s look at the basics:

·        Consider what are the functions of this room?  ·        How many people use the space and for what purposes?  ·        What furniture do you have that you want to use here and do you need any new pieces?  ·        How do you want the room to feel – open, airy & spacious, cozy, minimal or multi-functional?  ·        How much natural light is available and what kinds of lighting do you have? Is it effective? Does it suit to the task? ·        What are the focal points of the room and how can you take advantage of them? Or, do you need to create focal points?  Once you've considered all these points, you can start on the actual plan. Make a list of everything you'd ideally want in this room. Measure all your furniture and decide what else is needed to fulfill your desired functions.  Begin by playing on paper. It's much easier to draw or move pieces of paper around than large pieces of furniture. The layout should be easy on the eye with a natural flow and create the right ambience.  After this work to create a new layout is finished, then you've just completed the first step in designing your new room. Make sure everything is planned to scale and proportion. The next step is selecting and coordinating all the furnishings that make your new room come alive – the right furniture, flooring or rugs, colours, fabrics, patterns and textures, window and wall treatments, accessories and art. You can have fun doing it all yourself. Or, if you're one of the many people who don't have the time, energy, or creativity yourself to put everything together – but you appreciate beautiful interiors – then consider hiring a professional interior designer to help.  www.colour-space-concept.com