Interior Design Ideas - April 2024

Interior Design Ideas - April 2024

INTERIOR DESIGN IDEAS

Throughout my real estate career, I have met lots of folks who enjoy personally decorating their home's interior. They may have experience in the field of interior design.  Perhaps they spend endless hours on Pinterest gathering ideas.  Or, simply, they enjoy the process.  With a little education and a lot of inspiration, it is possible to create a magazine-worthy interior.

Keeping that in mind, let’s explore a few ideas and suggestions that could result in a picture-perfect space.


Furniture Placement – Living Room

In recent years placement of furniture pieces, particularly in a living room has moved from placing pieces against the walls to floating pieces in the room.  Keep in mind that the placement should offer a clear path either behind or in front of the main sofa.  If the room is large enough, place a narrow side table behind the sofa.  Size permitting, place two chairs across from the sofa and facing the sofa to create space for family and guests to use should you need extra seating.  If the room is smaller, just pull the sofa off from the back wall, or window, approximately two feet.

Touring new community model homes provides both the experience of the newest floor plans, as well as great ideas for furniture placement and design.


Window Treatment

Selecting the window treatment can often become a daunting task.  I usually start this process by looking at a lot of online photos.  I decided on 4” plantation shutters and roller blinds (for my French doors) throughout my home.   There are a lot of choices between shutters, blinds, and/or drapery treatment.  If using shutters, I suggest you visit two to three local shops to review samples and speak with the salespeople.  Also, an important question to ask is if they have in-house installers.  You will want the assurance they are a full-service provider.

Regarding the use of drapery/curtains, most often they are installed at windows that also have vinyl blinds installed.  When possible, purchase curtains that are long enough to be hung at the ceiling line and extend to the floor.  This technique will enhance both the look of the area and cause the space to look larger.


How to De-Clutter a Space

When possible, use built-in cabinets, free-standing cabinets, and even decorative baskets to place items in that would be best kept behind doors and in containers.  Many of the items found throughout the home are seldom used and should be kept out-of-site until needed.


Let’s talk TVs

Small, medium, or large – TVs are an important part of today’s living environment.  Regardless of which room they are in – sizing it properly for the space can add to the overall effect of the room design OR detract from it.   Select a size that fits the space.  For some that might cause a budget consideration.  Shop the brands, and pick one that fits the best size, best offer, and best price.  Do the homework on the best way to mount the TV, if you elect to place it on a wall.  This is one time you might wish to hire a professional to install.

 

Rugs Are A Design Focal Point

Rug selections and pricing are endless.  Online shopping, local store shopping, and even resale shops offer a plethora of colors, sizes, and textures.  Some believe that a room is not complete without a rug as it gives a sense of well-thought-out, complete design.  Select either a neutral to allow the color of the furniture pieces to shine, OR, add color in the rug as an accent to a neutral furniture ensemble.
A rug warms up the room and can often be easily replaced or cleaned. 

Fully carpeted rooms close in the space.  Wall-to-wall carpeting may trap pollutants and allergens, as well as pet dander.


Adding Color with Accessories

It is not uncommon to favor more than one decorating color trend.  The time of year and the season can bring the desire to change up the look in either one room or even throughout the entire home.  It can be costly to make these changes by changing out furniture pieces.  A more cost-effective alternative is to change the room’s accessories.  Rotating decorative pillows, vases, baskets, indoor planters, pottery, floral arrangements, books, and even candles to take on a seasonal color will both enhance the room and change the mood.


Summary

If this is a time you wish to make changes in any part of your home, start by simply entering the room to glance around, without moving from point to point.  It helps to take a few pictures of the entire room and then perhaps areas of the room you wish to focus on.  This is a starting point and can be followed by writing down what you wish to change.  Use the photos to refer back to the project as you continue to determine what changes you wish to prioritize.  Shop online and in local stores to gather information on what products and items will best serve your designs.  Planning before you start buying will help you to stay on track and accomplish the final desired look.

Take time to digest the many decorative offers available to you.  Most importantly, enjoy the process of selecting well-thought-out items and purchases.

Regards, Linda

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Linda's dedication, experience, and empathy set her apart as a real estate professional who can guide clients through the complex processes of buying or selling properties, making major life changes, and achieving their real estate goals.