If you live and breathe interior design like I do, you know a little inspiration and direction never hurt anyone. I’ll confess, I’m not usually one to share my styling secrets, but I like you, so I’ll let you in on a few…

1. LET LIGHT BE YOUR GUIDE

You have the power to decide how much natural light you want to flow through your space by intentionally positioning your furniture and choosing the right paint color. Natural light brings out a fresh, lively look of the colors that appear on finishes and the surface of the furniture, floors, and walls of your home. 

Capitalizing on its unique ability to do this can also make spaces look slightly larger or more confined than they actually are. This can guide you in the right direction when choosing a paint color, too. If the room is too bright, opt for a darker wall to absorb the light. If it’s too dark, try a brighter paint color to reflect it.

2. INVITE NATURE INDOORS

The best way to balance out sleek lines and contemporary furniture is by adding a few unique natural elements, from tree stumps to greenery. Wood furniture, stone finishes, and even animal hides on rugs and pillows are all little nods to the great outdoors that we love to surround ourselves with when we’re inside.

When it comes to good design, you can never underestimate the importance of having plants as part of your daily living space. So, it’s not a question of whether or not your space should include plants, but rather which plants are the best fit for the space and people who live in it.

3. MIX YOUR TIME PERIODS

Balance old and new by utilizing family heirlooms, repurposed furniture, or antiques. Contrasting modern touches and vintage accents is an excellent way to layer time and create a deepened effect.

There are just some things you can’t get with mass-manufactured furniture, and finding pieces with character evokes a sense of unrepeatable timelessness. Achieving a sense of harmony that feels organic is key. And the best part is, there are no rules to it. (That’s right – your chairs don’t have to match!)

4. EMBRACE THE FEAR OF COMMITMENT

Do you have a vision, but find yourself consulting a Pinterest board before making any major changes? Or are you staring at the new wall art you bought on a whim wondering where you’ll put it? Be careful not to psych yourself out. If you’re not having fun, you’re probably doing it wrong.

Design should be a thoughtful expression of yourself. There’s no need to talk yourself in and out of what might look good, or knit-pick what you liked two weeks ago. Trust your creative intuition, and run with it.

5. DON’T SETTLE

My clients will come to me and explain how they had a dream for their space, and tried to do it themselves, but it “just didn’t look right.” From haircuts to recipes, we’ve all been there. Standing in front of our hard work, after watching a YouTube video or creating a Pinterest board, looking at something that’s not quite what we were hoping for, and leaving our handy DIY egos a little injured.

But if you’ve committed this much time and energy to your project already, don’t give up on it. Even just a consultation and walk-thru with an interior designer might be exactly what you need…after all, bringing your dreams to life is what we do best!