As we journey through life, we are charged with picking up new skills through growth and change. And home decorating, with its semi-mythical status as a destination to feel relaxed, linked to past memories, becomes a place to discover new design techniques and concepts. It feels especially true with large living spaces.
Everything begins with simply asking yourself, what do you want to feel like? What is comfortable and comfortable for you? What would draw your friends and family in? These two questions may not be immediately evident, but they really are right there in front of you every day. Think about what you really enjoy doing, and see that quality in your decorating choices. However, it also helps to enjoy a space and enjoy it. An empty mind with nothing to think about is not a happy mind.
Big spaces create a challenge – whether you’re to put them in or out of the way
The most effective way to get started in decorating is to select and collect a visual of what you would like to feel comfortable with – then play with this in your own home before acquiring a bigger place. Throughout your career, try to collect little pieces that can be combined in many different ways. But it’s all about colour. Remember, smaller and softer is easier to live with.
Ask yourself, how do I want my spaces to feel about me? Can I live with that? Then try to live with it for a while. To make it comfortable and light you need bright colours in the kitchen and dining room and areas that are open and inviting in all other places. Light levels and furniture style can also help create an inviting space.
Wanting to be comfortable is not just a good feeling, it helps you to feel confident.
Starting to dabble with colour is not a step to be afraid of. It can be scary at first to go down this path, but when you start to associate and look for colour, it is a way of life. Starting with a palette of reds and oranges in the kitchen and then moving into a bright pinks and yellows in the living room is not a big step, but rather a logical progression. When you are inspired by your favourite colours, you can easily cross over and make use of many other colours in your home too. It is important to remember that you can use any colour in your living and dining rooms if they are safe for you. It is all about the harmony of colour and making sure that the mix is not too overwhelming.
Once you start to ask yourself what you want, do not worry if you are not ready for it all at once. Asking yourself a few questions can also help, such as “can I live with that?” and “is it how I want to live?”
Seeing the results is the most rewarding part of decorating. Starting with furniture makes sense in this regard. Furniture reflects your decor and makes your living space feel right. If you have a big house, think about getting the same sofa in several rooms as you can see your sofa in one room and then change in another. Get rid of the area rug in one room so it can be filled with the latest storage or outdoor furniture, and then put it in the kitchen next door.
Once you start to choose, start feeling how you want your space to look, and then drop in a few pieces from shops and at antique stores to see the effect.
The most successful interior designers are artists who use their creative energy to transform a space for a specific person, with their own personality. Today’s consumers are more involved than ever. You really want to research what you are buying and if it is really right for you. There is no point in only buying quality things for your home. Make it work for you.
Tips and tricks from an interior designer
Put as much of your favourite colours in your living room as you can.
Use prints and colourful art to wake up your space.
Take a sense of humour into the rooms of your home.
Check every day to make sure everything is working properly.
Ask yourself, how will I want to feel about my home? Then go ahead and design and decorate to achieve that effect.
Learn from last year’s holidays and from the few months left before Christmas to plan, create and present your holiday home. Then enjoy in your new home during the festive season.
J’amon Ebrahim – aka Painter of Symbols – is a commercial artist and interior designer. For more of his artwork or a chance to meet him, visit hearon.e.ibrahim.co.uk.
