3 Common Design Do-Overs Homeowners Wish For

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After 28 years in the business, we’ve gotten a lot of feedback from clients who wish they had made different decisions with their interior design projects. They either come to us after having attempted a makeover on their own, working with a designer that wasn’t a good fit or going overboard with a fad that fizzled. We have found that when this happens, it usually boils down to one of three main issues: scale, balance and impersonal design. Read on to learn more about the importance of taking these factors into consideration as well as the value of hiring a professional to guide you through the process. 

Scale

Scale problems occur when a space has not been thought through holistically. You may find the Restoration Hardware sectional of your dreams, but you’ve got to keep in mind that you’re probably looking at it in a 10,000 square foot showroom with 40 foot ceilings, not in the actual space that is your living room. Believe me, many a fine piece of furniture has been returned due to scale issues. 

A properly designed space needs to be carefully planned, taking into account the size, shape and function of the room. Ceiling height, light exposure and traffic flow are also factors that need to be considered. Sofas and chairs need to be the right length and height, floor lamps need to stand at the right level, art and accessories need to be sized correctly- it all needs to be coordinated in order to meet the needs of the client. A professional designer uses tools like elevations and computer programs to ensure that the scale of a design is correct.

Balance

Walk into a perfectly curated room and you’ll feel a sense of harmony. That’s because the elements are balanced- from the colors on the walls and ceiling to the rug grounding the space to the finishes on the cocktail table.

 Whether you choose a natural palette or a bold hue, saturated tones or neutral, the goal is to achieve a balance of color, texture and placement in order to make your space warm and inviting. When each space in your home is balanced accurately, the energy flows from room to room. 

Impersonal Design

Your home should be a reflection of your own unique personality, not a carbon copy of a design showroom. It’s tempting, but resist sourcing your ideas entirely from outside of your own preferences. What speaks to you? Are you a minimalist at heart? Do you love primary colors? Are you happiest surrounded by loads of house plants? Let your intuition inform your choices. 

Build a foundation for your space with a handful of pieces from a showroom or website or pin, wherever you find inspiration. But then weave in personal mementos and artwork, add in meaningful pieces like a hand-knit throw or an inherited chest. Lean into your personal style and make your space your own. 

Sounds simple enough, but in reality bringing in professional assistance can go a long way toward achieving the results you’re looking for. 

You may have fantastic taste, but pulling together a fully curated space is a specific skill set worth investing in. Having someone with years of education and experience who will listen to your ideas and lead you in the right direction; someone who can see the big picture and make sure the design works holistically, is invaluable. 

Whether you want to turn over the whole project, work side by side or simply get a little feedback, the degree of involvement is up to you. A professional will provide inspiration and help you make the right choices the first time, saving you time and money. 

And if you’re building a new home, the importance of hiring a professional interior designer is even more critical. Many clients lean heavily on their architect to plan a new home, but architects and interior designers come equipped with very different skill sets. The architect approaches the project from the outside in and the designer looks at it from the inside out, from an aesthetic and functional perspective. 

Hiring a designer for your team early in the planning process (and not as an afterthought) to help you wade through the hundreds of options available and decisions that need to be made will ensure you achieve the results you’re looking for. 

Miranda Cullen is CEO and Principal at luxury interior design and decorating firm Inside Stories. From a paint consultation to a full home luxury renovation, the award-winning team at Inside Stories makes your dream design attainable. View their profile or contact them at 303.783.9327

Content provided by Inside Stories.