Home design is a reflection of one’s personality. While creating a functional, fabulous flat can be accomplished over time, basic design fundamentals like scale, proportion, balance, harmony, light and rhythm are the elements that reflect our design personality. A home is where you go to relax, be inspired and find comfort. Incorporating these design elements into your space can be done subconsciously and are as easy as bringing home that coffee table you fell in love with from the local charity shop.
Cosy Comfort
One’s home interior must be as comfortable as it is visually appealing. Creating comfort is based very much on functionality. If there are elements in your space that allow you to use the space effortlessly, you will be comfortable spending time there. Accessorizing an already functional space is the icing on the sandwich-cake. Layering and adding heavier textiles in the colder months and alternatively, using lighter colours and featuring fresh, contemporary elements when it is warmer out is the best approach. Knowing your style preference will allow you to easily use timeless furniture pieces and then blend in season-appropriate accessories throughout your home.
Functionally Fabulous
Whether you prefer cosy-casual, favouring warmth and comfort from traditional-styled rooms or are more modern-graphic and into colour, a functionally fabulous flat can be equally eclectic and contemporary at the same time. Humans require and thrive in both large and small spaces and the most important design element of function in any room is lighting. Light creates shadows, showcases colour and changes the mood of a room while also illuminating and adding length and visual dimension to our living spaces. Rhythm is what makes your space flow and is accomplished through functional furniture placement.
Ten additional design tips
- Rearrange your furniture often. This keeps your space interesting and allows you to incorporate seasonal accessories and display artwork throughout the year.
- Decorate your home with items you love. Home design should be dynamic and reflect the current happenings in your life.
- If you enjoy seasonal activities and celebrate holidays, incorporate these touches into your home.
- Knowing how you live. If you are a morning person and enjoy being awake in the early morning hours design your space with dim-able light and area rugs that will protect you from the cold morning floors.
- Look through magazines and create a sample board of fabric scraps, paint chips and even flooring samples that appeal to you.
- Use decorative dishes and cushions to express your style.
- Always create a feeling of unity in your living space and promote harmony by coordinating textiles and tchotchkes.
- Definitely include photographs from special occasions, or paintings that you like.
- Use symmetry in your rooms to promote balance. Mirrors are an excellent tool for creating balance in your living space.
- Lastly, maintain access to all utility closets and your boiler just in case power flushing or other essential maintenance is necessary.
Turning a house into a home is done by allowing style to come together on its own. Spending time in your cosy home and sharing it with the ones you love will fill your home with fond memories and many happy times. Finally, creating a living space that is as stylish as it is practical, can give you a continuous sense of rejuvenation and promote a positive outlook on life.