Interior Decorating - The Basics
An interior decorating project will be much
more successful if you pay attention to a few key guidelines.
Once you know the basics of interior design you can create rooms
that really work.
more successful if you pay attention to a few key guidelines.
Once you know the basics of interior design you can create rooms
that really work.
Have you ever walked into a room that was
full of nice things but just didn't "feel" quite right? The
chances are that the person who decorated that room might have
great taste but simply did not know the basics of interior
design. Many people fall into this category but you
don't have to be one of them.
full of nice things but just didn't "feel" quite right? The
chances are that the person who decorated that room might have
great taste but simply did not know the basics of interior
design. Many people fall into this category but you
don't have to be one of them.
Most of us know what we like but just have no
idea how to pull it all together to create a warm and inviting
room when interior decorating. We are giving you a mini course
on interior design which will help you make more informed
decision with your home decor. You will learn the basics of
interior decorating and gain the confidence to take great
decorating ideas and use them together to create one cohesive
look.
idea how to pull it all together to create a warm and inviting
room when interior decorating. We are giving you a mini course
on interior design which will help you make more informed
decision with your home decor. You will learn the basics of
interior decorating and gain the confidence to take great
decorating ideas and use them together to create one cohesive
look.
Remember, when decorating you should enjoy
the journey and not see it as a task to be accomplished.
When starting an interior decorating project remember to keep it
fun! While learning the "rules" of interior design is
important, you must always keep in mind that your interiors
should reflect your lifestyle and tastes.
the journey and not see it as a task to be accomplished.
When starting an interior decorating project remember to keep it
fun! While learning the "rules" of interior design is
important, you must always keep in mind that your interiors
should reflect your lifestyle and tastes.
Pattern and Texture
Interior Decorating - Proportion and
Scale
Scale
In the Smart Approach to Home Decorating
the authors give the following description of scale and
proportion;
the authors give the following description of scale and
proportion;
"Scale refers to the size of something as it
refers to the size of everything else, including people and the
space itself. Proportion refers to the relationship of parts or
objects to one another based on size - the size of a window is
in proportion to the size of the room, for example. Good scale
is achieved when all of the parts are proportionately correct
relative to each other, as well as to the whole."
refers to the size of everything else, including people and the
space itself. Proportion refers to the relationship of parts or
objects to one another based on size - the size of a window is
in proportion to the size of the room, for example. Good scale
is achieved when all of the parts are proportionately correct
relative to each other, as well as to the whole."
Don't let yourself get bogged
down in the definition of these terms. The important thing to
remember is to pay attention to how items in a room relate to
the size of the room (scale) and to each other (proportion) in
terms of size. For instance a grand piano would be out scale
in a small sitting room. Often people make mistakes in this
area when it comes to choosing occasional tables, picking
something too small or too large in proportion to the sofa and
other furnishings. For instance an overstuffed sofa and a
delicate side table would be out of proportion.
down in the definition of these terms. The important thing to
remember is to pay attention to how items in a room relate to
the size of the room (scale) and to each other (proportion) in
terms of size. For instance a grand piano would be out scale
in a small sitting room. Often people make mistakes in this
area when it comes to choosing occasional tables, picking
something too small or too large in proportion to the sofa and
other furnishings. For instance an overstuffed sofa and a
delicate side table would be out of proportion.
Interior Decorating - Balance
Balance refers to the arrangement of objects
that create an even feel in a room. Balanced objects can be
either asymmetrical or symmetrical.
that create an even feel in a room. Balanced objects can be
either asymmetrical or symmetrical.
Symmetrical balance
is achieved when
objects are arranged like a mirror image. An example of this
formal type of arrangement would be an armoire against a wall
with a candle sconce hanging on the wall on each side of the
armoire.
objects are arranged like a mirror image. An example of this
formal type of arrangement would be an armoire against a wall
with a candle sconce hanging on the wall on each side of the
armoire.
Asymmetrical balance
is still
balanced but is not a mirror image. An example would be a
console table with a floral arrangement on one end and a
grouping of candlesticks on the other. While the items are not
the same if they are the same scale and weight as the floral
arrangement when grouped together they will balance each other.
is still
balanced but is not a mirror image. An example would be a
console table with a floral arrangement on one end and a
grouping of candlesticks on the other. While the items are not
the same if they are the same scale and weight as the floral
arrangement when grouped together they will balance each other.
To maintain balance large heavy pieces of
furniture should be placed around the room and not grouped
together on one side of the room.
furniture should be placed around the room and not grouped
together on one side of the room.
Interior Decor Contrast
Contrast can be used to create interest in a
room. The decor in your room should maintain the same style but
vary in the elements of color, pattern, size etc.
room. The decor in your room should maintain the same style but
vary in the elements of color, pattern, size etc.
Interior Decorating - Rhythm
While it is important to use contrast in a
room to keep it from being boring it is just as important to use
repetition to create rhythm. The room will feel pulled together
if a color, pattern or motif is repeated throughout.
room to keep it from being boring it is just as important to use
repetition to create rhythm. The room will feel pulled together
if a color, pattern or motif is repeated throughout.
Interior Decorating - Harmony
A harmonious room will be achieved when the
rules of scale, balance, contrast and rhythm are followed. In
addition, a harmonious room will have furnishings and other
elements that relate to one another within a interior decorating
scheme.
rules of scale, balance, contrast and rhythm are followed. In
addition, a harmonious room will have furnishings and other
elements that relate to one another within a interior decorating
scheme.
