Learning to be Creative: Lessons in Interior Design

Think for a minute if you will about the many homes you have visited over your lifetime. Did they seem to follow a particular formula? In other words, were the interior spaces of these homes all decorated the same way? No. You might argue yes, they all have a couch, chair, dining table and television. Yes, the interiors might share the same furniture staples, but is the furniture upholstered in the same material? Are the dining room tables all the same shape? You see, it’s in variation that we find creativity, even the most logical of people have a preference when it comes to home d cor.

Despite what you might have been told, there are no hard-and-fast rules in interior design; it’s all up for interpretation. However, there are still lessons we can learn from people who have made design their calling: interior designers.

Lesson 1: Design a Functional Arrangement

Your interior spaces should be comfortable and user friendly. Stating “user friendly” probably reads as strange, but people have made the mistake of designing a room that has no flow or character. Consider your needs in the space: is it being used for work, recreation or relaxation? To make the space adhere to your needs and wants it must be designed in such a way as to accomplish this goal.

To help you in your mission, there are online software tools that with a simple upload of a picture of your interior can help you decide where to position the couch or the office desk for the best usage. It’s your space, design it to fit your needs.

Lesson 2: Make a Statement

Every room should have one piece that ties the interior together, think of it as an anchor. The “anchor” will draw your eye (and that of your guests) to an area in the space you wish to highlight or make central to the space. It can be a large wall painting, chandelier or some decorative accessory that has a significant meaning to you.

Personally, I would suggest making it a lighting accessory like a chandelier. If you want your space to feel light and playful, designs like the Paper Patchwork Chandelier by Moooi will bring the spirit of fun and adventure to your living space. Don’t you want to feel good when you get home? A little fun and light will brighten even the darkest of moods.

Lesson 3: Invest in Quality Furniture

This cannot be stressed enough: “you get what you pay for.” Yes, making smart financial decisions is to be applauded, but when you’re paying to replace furniture items of couple of years for hundreds of dollars apiece, it doesn’t ring as an economically sound decision, does it?

Don’t be afraid to put a couple thousand down on a couch. You’re going to want your space to feel put together and complete, if you’re constantly worrying about too much strain on the furniture you’re not going to want to use that room much. Furniture is meant to be used, so make it an investment.

Lesson 4: Layer Textiles and Textures

Interior designer Shaynna Blaze says that “the best interiors are those that take you and your lifestyle into consideration. When focusing only on the final look, it will lack soul.” She’s absolutely right. Rooms need more than the staple furniture pieces. How warm and welcoming is a space that has only a chair and floor lamp?

In layering rough textures with soft colors, patterns with solids, you are creating a space of dynamism and personality. Do you love the color mauve? Throw splashes of it into your throw pillows and rug. Don’t be afraid to think a little bigger.

Our spaces are our personal sanctuaries. Make it yours by designing it with things you love.