HACK | 10 MAJOR Design Keys
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- Exact finishes and products are not as important
- Design photos are ONLY inspirations. That goes for all design sites. Do not stress about getting exact finishes or colors. The same feel and look can be achieved with similar colors.
- You don’t have to get accessories and small finishes right the first time or all at once
- Items can be returned/exchanged. Buy both. Return the one that didn’t work. It’s exhausting returning, but being unhappy with a purchase is much worse. Know your store’s return policy WELL. Keep all receipts in a sandwich bag to prevent loss or damage.
- Measure your space and desired furniture
- Make sure furniture pieces can fit through doorways and in the desired room. West Elm has some tips.
- Size matters; pieces that are too small or too big will appear to be. Scale is similar to the fit of clothing. Ill fitted clothing never flatters just as the wrong dimensions on furnishings and art make a room look awkward and tacky.
- Beware of paint undertones and finish
- Paint is beautifully presented like a color wheel in a local home or paint store. The colors closest to a paint chip indicate the colors’ undertone. Buy two to three paint samples of a similar color to swatch on the wall before bringing home a gallon.
- Begin with a solid foundation
- The condition (i.e., cleanliness, quality, and practicality) of paint, floors, lighting, and moldings are of utmost importance. They’re like a person’s teeth or shoes. No matter how nice the clothes something is loss when the shoes and teeth are discolored and worn.
- Consider the longevity of furnishings, materials, and finishes
- Think about when you’d like to next purchase an item or renovate. If you’re thinking 5+ years, buy quality materials.
- Choose clean lines and neutral colors for larger items. This will prevent a major overhaul in the short term.
- Get ALL of the samples
- Eliminate the guesswork and ask for samples. Even if you have to buy small sizes of a paint, stain, or fabric, do so. It will put you at ease and confirm or deny your hesitations.
- Create a design board. Take samples to the store as you buy more items. There’s no shame in making enlightened decisions.
- Make sure it’s lit!
- It matters A LOT. Poor lighting can make a well designed project fall short. When installing ceiling lighting is not an option, consider lamps. Think four corners of the room and utility lighting (e.g., reading lamps, station lighting, spotlights, walkway lights)
- Build in some cushion
- Cushion timeline and costs for your mental health and self-care.
- Unrealistic expectations about the cost and time of renovation and design inevitably results in high stress levels. Rarely do things ever go as planned, but setbacks can be better dealt with when there is a contingency for funds and time.
- Trust yourself!
- Change takes some guts, but it can also be exciting. Trust yourself and use the tips above to navigate. The internet is a wealth of resources to help you find vendors, materials, and furnishings.
- **BONUS** Shop holiday sales
- Wait it out and shop for home items during the holidays. There are so many promotions and sales on all things home, as well as financing options.
