To begin is a daunting task. Where to begin is the most asked question and my answer is to find a style hero. Maybe it’s a painting you will not part with, a chair you love, or that beautiful lamp you scored at the garage sale. Perhaps it is a photo in a home-style magazine. Whatever it is, this is your starting point.
You will also need to select a colour. If you are lucky enough to own your new space, please select an overall colour that is neutral, like a creamy or warm white. Please note that paint is the best interior design tool available. But more on that in another article.
The next step is to create a floor plan. Accurately measure the room, including the placement of windows and doors. Transfer this information to a sheet of graph paper. The formula for scale is one square is one foot, 12 inches. On another piece of graph paper, cut out to scale, the furniture you need. Move these paper pieces around the room to find the best fit. Some may find this too tedious, but it helps so much in visualizing what will work in your space.
I always ask clients about their lifestyles. This is important because if they entertain a lot, how many seats will be needed? What about an active family where storage is crucial? Or just starting out in a new marriage where blending styles is a challenge?
Once you have found your style, start to furnish with the big piece first. Look at the floor. This is your largest expanse of space. In a small, enclosed room, use a large rug. In an open-concept space, use rugs to define multiple areas. It’s good to have the rugs in the same style. Next time, we will explore art and accessories.
