Seven steps to create the perfect room

Annette Dasey

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Adding one bright colour to a room works well (Thinkstock)

A rug is a great way to add personality to a rented place, and if you do plan to roll up your rug when you move on choose something that can work in a broad scope of interior styles.

Annette Dasey

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Indoor Decorating Home Improvement Lighting

Follow these decorating tips to make the most of your space and you will maximise your home's potential and simplify your life...

First up, answer the three Ws:

Who – will be using the room

Why – will they be using it

What – will they need to use it in that way

Step one: Future thinking

Spend time getting to know the space intimately. Take note of window placement, wall heights, ceilings and floors. Consider how the light changes at various times of day and year. These things will have a huge impact on what you can do with the room, where you can place furniture, how high it should be, if you need curtains or blinds and the kind of colours and lighting you use. If you aren’t allowed to hang pictures or paint, rugs can add character.

Step two: Colour

Consider the room’s use and, depending on its needs, the colours that soothe you or pep you up then work around them. Choose a great base colour for the walls or, if you don’t want to start from scratch, be inspired by the colours in furniture you will put in there. Pick other items like curtains, cushions and pictures that work within that palette.

Step three: Simplify

Just a colour or two, like black and white, can work beautifully but keep it interesting by adding different textures and shapes: a plush rug next to a wicker basket, round cushions on a rectangular sofa. Emphasise the monochrome by adding one bright colour like turquoise.

Step four: Mood

Create atmosphere by including objects that make the space comfy and less stark like a mohair blanket draped over the lounge or a cool hanging plant.

Step five: Frame

Add features that bring the whole space together. Thick blackout curtains can keep in the warmth and block out strong sunlight. Sheer curtains can help brighten a dark room by allowing in more natural light. Rugs help insulate from sound and temperature plus create separate zones like dining areas.

Step six: Lighting

Lights can add to or destroy atmosphere. Install some downlights if you see the need but remember that they eliminate hanging light fittings which can be an important character filled element. Consider how various lights – floor, table, wall and ceiling – can create different zones and moods, particularly in a large, open-plan space. Use lights to highlight features you love, like an artwork, or create cool shadows.

Step seven: Get personal

Make the space your own by adding personal touches like photos in unusual frames, fabrics that have a meaning and favourite objects.

Your step-by-step plan

1. Design a plan of your home and work out how you'd like to utilise each room.
2. Focus on a colour palette as a foundation.
3. Simplify and add textures rather than more colours.
4. Use accessories to add wow factor.
5. Utilise curtains and rugs.
6. Choose lighting that adds atmosphere and is practical, depending on the room's use.
7. Individualise with mementoes and personal effects.

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