A few tips to help with redesign Dilemmas 

1. THE FURNITURE IS HUGGING THE WALLS

Furniture lined up along the walls creates a “hole” in the center of the room; it does not make it look more spacious!  Try using the surprising space maker…pull your main seating pieces (what is called “floating” the furniture) out into the room and discover how inviting this arrangement feels. 

2.     THE ROOM'S ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES HAVE BEEN IGNORED 

        You can enhance the room’s character by placing furniture according to the architectural features.  Pay attention to odd-angles in walls, floors, ceilings, windows and built-ins and use them as your placement guidelines. 

3.     YOUR ROOM HAS NO DISTINCT FOCAL POINT

            Typically, the first thing you see upon entering a room is called a "focal point". Be sure to accent the most “eye catching” feature in your room with furniture, art and accessories. 

4.     THERE IS NO "INTIMATE" CONVERSATION AREA

            Your primary seating area should be positioned around the central focal point. Tighten up the seating arrangement so people can carry on an "intimate" conversation. Remember to avoid placing furniture “shouting distance” apart. 

5.     YOU ARE "IN THE DARK" WHEN IT COMES TO LIGHTING YOUR ROOM

            Most rooms lack proper lighting. Even if your room has ceiling "can" lighting, it still needs additional light sources. Always try to include task (activity specific), ambient (over-all general) and mood (soft) lighting whenever possible.  

6.     MIRRORS ARE HUNG ON THE WRONG WALLS 

            Mirrors can add confusion if not properly placed. Hang a mirror where it will reflect a great view, bounce light, or visually open-up an entry area or other small space. Remember to check what your mirror reflects before positioning.

7.     ART IS HUNG TOO HIGH

            Our homes are not art museums! Art is most often viewed when seated and should also be appreciated at this level. Rule of thumb; pick your height and then lower it by 3 inches! 

8.     THE ROOM LACKS TEXTURE

            A mixture of textures is necessary for visual and tactile interest. If you have a lot of hard surfaces in your room, soften them with an area rug, potted plants, or natural fabric draperies. If your furniture is sleek, like leather, try a textured “throw” to introduce a softening element. 

9.     THE ROOM DOESN’T REFLECT YOUR TRUE PERSONALITY   

            Rooms should project the personality of the people who live in them and incorporate their personal interests and lifestyle. Try to identify your hidden decorating “treasures”, emerging color themes and collections found throughout your home in furnishings, art and accessories.  

10. THE ROOM DOES NOT FEEL "BALANCED"

            Be aware of how furniture and accessory pieces interact with each other. Try to offset large pieces with other large scale items; actual or visual.  Don’t use a singular small scale item on a large furniture piece (like a small candy dish on a heavy credenza). It is important to balance both vertically and horizontally. Similarly, do not hang a tall, vertical picture over a long, wide sofa.

A few more tips

• Purchase large elements first (rugs, draperies, upholstered furniture) whenever possible, and use the exact colors and style of those major pieces to coordinate all other choices.

• Analyze your room and establish your focal point. It may be architectural or non-permanent ...depending on what suits your family. Address your focal point with your main conversation grouping. Remember, even if the room is for television viewing, the most important key is to interact as a family.

• Don't think about "matching" colors, think "blend". Good decorating is NOT a paint by numbers game.

• Relate the rug to the grouping of furniture - don't float it alone in the center of a room. Make sure the rug is large enough for the space. A good rule of thumb is a 5' x 8' and no smaller than a 4' x 6'. This usually works for the sofa and love seat combination. For a dining room, it should be at least 6 inches wider than the space a pulled back chair would take.

• Tall with tall, small with small, large with large. Much of successful decorating is about scale and balance. Pay attention to this rule, as it will guide you throughout your decorating process. It holds true on walls, tabletops and shelves.

Certified Interior Decorator

primary contact: 407-718-0410  954-336-2130