Interior Design Ideas and Tips from Devon

Insights by Dev

Need new interior design inspiration to help bring life to your home? Devon breaks down 11 simple tips to help you freshen up your stale look and add energy back into your rooms.

#1: Utilize the “smalls” of a room to add flavor to a space and save on overall costs

When you keep your staple pieces (sofa, armchair, furniture, etc.) simple and basic, it allows you the opportunity to bring personality to your space through accent pieces like pillows, rugs, art, and accessories aka “smalls”. Undoubtedly, in a few years, you’ll become bored with your “smalls” and will want to update and replace them. Your staple pieces should last from 10+ years – that’s why it’s less expensive to update your smalls more often than your staple pieces. We do consider rugs to be part of your “smalls” category unless you decide on a more expensive, investment rug for your space.

#2: Artwork does not have to, nor should it, match your room’s color or style

I suggest intermixing various mediums of art within a room. For example, if you’ve got an over-sized, traditional oil painting and you want to have a more eclectic space, you might want to also incorporate a black and white abstract photo or painting. Or, if you’ve got a lot of photography in a room, you might want to supplement with something more sculptural. You want your art to be an additional design element for the walls, and if it matches everything else in your space, it will end up blending in instead of serving as an additional accent.

#3: Always, always, always measure and space plan first

Don’t ever try to put together a room on a whim – you will make a mistake. Most likely you’ll end up using a piece that is too small for the space, because it seemed like the safer option when shopping. Always have an aerial perspective for the space plan and measure each piece that will go into the space. This will ensure that the space flows and functions properly and correctly.

#4: Be sure to have a well-balanced mixture of texture, pattern and color within a space

A room that feels “off” is mostly likely due to the scale of patterns or pieces. Either they’re too large or too small for the space, or the room lacks texture. For example, a combination of a velvety sofa with a leather armchair might just create that perfect balance of texture within the space. Or a nubby area rug with all leather upholstery might help create that balance and a harmonious juxtaposition of textiles. So, an idyllic blend of texture, pattern and color will help in creating a pleasant composition for a space.

#5 – Utilize lighting as art

Whether it be a light fixture, table lamp or floor lamp, lighting can be used as a form of art. It’s a unique way to add personality and texture to a space without relying on a predictable piece of art hanging on the wall. For example, you could use an incredible chandelier above a table with nothing on it and that alone will speak to the art element within the space.

#6 – Mixing metals is a must

Using multiple types of metals in a space can really make an eclectic statement within a home. Everything in the room doesn’t have to be drastically different that it feels schizophrenic, but having an easy flow from a dark metal to an antiqued bronze to a shiny chrome is a great way for a space to feel designed over time instead of all at once.

#7 – Identify the form and function of a space before proceeding with a design

What is the emotion you’re trying to evoke from this space? Peaceful? Impactful? What purpose will this space serve? Will it be a formal space that’s just for show or rare events, or will it be a comfortable living space that needs to withstand constant use? Always identify first the emotion and the design will organically proceed.

#8 – Select art that speaks to you and not just because it ‘goes’ with your room

Art should always reflect your personality. So, if your gut and heart gravitates towards a piece, use it.

#9 – The rooms within your home should complement each other, but not necessarily match

This is a necessary part of design to ensure your space doesn’t fall flat and sterile. There’s a difference between your home having an easy flow from room to room versus every room matching the next. This natural flow will help your home have a better curated space.

#10 – The more chairs the merrier

I personally feel that you can never have enough chairs in a space. Big comfy chairs to small antique chairs to a chair in the corner of a room with a stack of books on it. Do you have a bath tub? Put a chair next to it for your candles. Need a space in your bedroom to sit and put your shoes on? Pair an interesting chair next to your nightstand.

#11 – Keep different flooring types to a minimum

If you want your spaces flowing well from room to room, especially if it’s a smaller home, you should have the same flooring type throughout your home. This will give the appearance of a larger updated home and a continuous flow from room to room. However, there will of course be areas where you need a different flooring type, like in a bathroom with a shower or bathtub, or any area that regularly gets wet.

With delight

Dev

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