7 Expert Tricks To Creating A Stylish Space

The idea of decorating ahome can be daunting for many of us.  When designing any space whether it be my own or a client’s, I begin with my favorite quote in mind “Creativity is everywhere and for everyone”.  Here are a few tips to a perfectly pulled together a stylish space!

1.  Focus on function

Set the stage: Specify what you will do in the space.  What’s it’s main function?  Ask yourself questions like: What is it for? Who’s going to use it? How can you make the most of it? Once you’ve nailed down a function or two, because most spaces do double-duty, you can start collecting ideas to complete your home decorating plan.

2.Get Inspired

Nothing is original.  Inspiration is everywhere, so when you’re developing a home decor plan for your space, look through magazines and design blogs for ideas, then create a mood board.  Your mood board can contain everything from color or paint swatches and fabric samples to magazine pictures of inspiring spaces. The point is to get an idea on the type of look and feel you want to create before you start. This will help your design stay on task and offer a reference as you shop and rearrange.

3.  Work your space planning muscle

Pinpoint and define specific areas with the furniture that does the “work” in the room. For instance, a space that functions as dining room has a dining table, an office has a desk, you get the idea.  If you have a multi-functioning room, find a creative way to separate each area – using a bookshelf, dividing screen or area rugs. That way you won’t end up living amid chaos.

4.  Use Color to design bigger

Choose a lighter color to help a small space appear larger and more open and be consistent with color and accents.  Be intentional about where you add pops of color: go for pillows, throws, candles, picture frames and artwork to guide your home decor choices.  Inconsistency and clutter can overwhelm the room because you don’t know where to look. If too many things draw your eye, the room appears smaller and overburdened.

5.  Light it up

Lighting is an affordable way to enhance a room and instantly improves the look and feel of everything in it. To start, it’s a good idea to trade generic ceiling fixtures (that often cast an unappealing light on things) for something with architectural or metal interests. Try a chandelier or any fixture that expresses your personal style and consider adding dimmer lights to control the ambience.

If you have tall ceilings, maximize the space by installing a large, decorative lighting fixture, try uplighting (think can-lights on the floor) to add a softer look to the space and bring in different lampshades to add color and texture.

6.  Go classic –with a twist

While it can be tempting to jump on every home decor trend that you happen to notice in the glossy pages of magazines, focus more on creating a timeless space, and as with pops of color, allow your accessories and accent furniture to provide the trendy twists.  Choose classic anchor elements like sofas, beds, tables and art as a base, and then add accessories such as window treatments, pillows, candles, bowls of fresh fruit in solid bright colors and other eye-catching accents to spice up the space and give each room some flair.

7.  Be You and Have Fun

Never lose sight of who you are and how you want to feel in your space during the process.  Home decor is a tool to express yourself.  Implement a style that fits who you are and reflects your interests, hobbies and taste.  Play up the personality with framed pictures from your travels, memories from family gatherings or books you loved reading.  Guests can feel the love and care you put into designing a room when you’ve taken the time to make it reflect your individuality and what makes you great.