Creating A Designer Look Home

Spring is right around the corner, and in addition to looking forward to longer days and warmer temperatures, many people find that it provides the perfect opportunity to make improvements that will help to create a more beautiful and functional home.  The following are some of my favorite tips for creating a designer look to your space . . .

1. Consider a fresh, current paint palette . . . Nothing provides a bigger bang for your buck than paint. It completely transforms a room and provides an entirely different personality.  Grays are gaining in popularity as the new neutral and pair beautifully with a number of soft and bold accent colors.
2. Pull furniture away from the walls and into the room . . . Don’t assume that because there are one or more large walls in your space that you must place your furniture against those walls.  Bringing sofas, chairs and occasional tables together to float in the room creates a more intimate conversation area.
3. Pay close attention to scale . . . Rooms needs pieces of all sizes, but bringing in large scale pieces is often what gives a room that designer look. Use similar scale when appropriate, such as hanging large artwork over a fireplace.  A room full of only small items will only create a cluttered look.
4. Use mirrors to add instant light to your space . . . Placed across windows, mirrors will add instant light, which is especially key in a room with a limited amount of natural light. Large mirrors will make a small room feel larger, and they’re a great alternative to artwork on a large empty wall.
5. Mix it up . . . You can absolutely place that family heirloom table next to that modern couch. Yes, there are some guidelines, but the best decorators and designers will tell you that the most important aspect to a great design is that it reflects who you are and what you love!
6. Frame your windows . . . Using the right treatment makes it easy to add drama, color and texture with fabric and hardware. Mounting those treatments above the window casing will additionally create the illusion of height.

Even if you are not in a position to hire an interior designer or decorator, it’s possible to have a home that looks like you did.  These tips will all work together to help you create a warm, beautiful space.  And remember . . . it’s your home and you are living in it, so create one that portrays who you are and includes what you love!