Top 5 Design Tips

The Home Design Studio takes pride in their work and have over a decade of combined experience in the architectural and interior design industry.

Below, you will find their top design tips.

A house should feel like a home. Having a space and rooms that seamlessly flow together should be the overall goal when designing a space. Functionality needs to meet aesthetics. From light fixtures, furniture placement to flooring- there are so many elements to consider. That’s where an interior designer’s expertise becomes important.

Whether you’re looking to renovate a space or spruce up a room, these helpful tips have got you covered.

1. Determine your style

How do you want your space to feel? A helpful way to determine your style is to think of words that define how you want a space to feel. Traditional, elegant, playful, luxurious, modern?

Another way to help you hone in on your style is to take a look at your closet. Do you prefer colorful pieces over monochromatic pieces? Do you gravitate toward comfort or more tailored pieces? Pay attention to design inspirations in every facet of your life. From your personal style to things that you are naturally drawn to.

2. Seek design inspiration and create a mood-board

When I design my own projects, I create design presentations where I am able to ‘brain dump’ all of my ideas and inspiration pictures. These images can come from articles, magazines, Instagram, Pinterest etc. Once you have a strong idea of the look you would like to achieve, you can get to work. Creating a mood board is a great way to use your creativity to unleash any hidden design inspiration you may have subconsciously seen.

"Once you have a strong idea of the look you would like to achieve, you can get to work." – Indira Martinez

3. Consider adding color

Colors are a powerful way to transform any space. It is also one of the most cost effective ways to do so. Hone in on the color-way you’d like to have in your home- from walls to window treatments. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and allow some color into your space. It can do wonders, not only for the room but also for your mood.

4. Figure our what you don't like

This may sound counterintuitive but it actually works wonders for many. If you use the process of elimination and determine what you don’t like, the process will become easier. By putting dislikes into the equation, we can eliminate some things and narrow in on others. For example, a bold large-scale print might remind you of something in your childhood that you do not want to see in your own space.

5. Mix high and low pieces

Mixing high and low pieces is a trend we see in many areas- clothing and with interior design. It is all about picking pieces that you really want to make the main attraction and working around it. Consider an “unknown” artist or designer and buy based on shape, comfort and how the art or furniture works for you and your needs. The most humble objects can have the most soul and be the most beautiful thing in a room. Do not be afraid to mix high and low price points.

Take your time..

Last but not least, take your time. Design is not something you want to rush. It has to flow and more than anything it has to have meaning to you. If you invest your time and effort into careful planning, chances are you will be happy with the finished product.