Design Tips And Tricks

I’m a keen home improvement and interior design enthusiast, and I’ve noticed while searching the web that many people feel put off by both subjects as the designs often seem too elaborate or complicated to recreate. This is why I thought I’d share some ideas on how to easily create a stunning design without the stress. Here are some great design tips and tricks the specialists don’t want you to know:

Illusion Tricks

Feeling that you simply don’t have the space as designers do to recreate the look is a common feeling, but an imagined one, as designers often don’t have much space to work with either. The difference is that designers know how to make rooms appear bigger than they actually are. I’m convinced you all know the benefits of adding mirrors to a room, but do you consider the colour of the room and the power of lighting. Simply changing a dark or neutral colour to a pastel tone can immediately create a larger looking room.

The light of the room both natural and artificial must be considered, too. Having a large light feature with several bulbs which can be pointed towards certain dark corners of the room is an alternative to having several standing and small table lamps in the room; although these too are better than using just one bulb hanging from the ceiling.

Your windows are the important source of natural light, which must be used to your advantage. So, be sure to have open window treatments such as curtains or wooden shutters as opposed to vertical or venetian blinds which often keep too much natural light out of room.

Colour Tips

Colour is not only important for creating a bigger looking room, but it can highly influence the feel of a room. For a cheerful and upbeat room consider sunshine yellow and fuchsia (2012’s most popular spring colours), while a home office can benefit from having three white walls and one feature wall in navy blue. Blue is a relaxing colour, which also stimulates our creativity. The white of the other walls helps this colour stand out without the room becoming too dark. When choosing colours, consider complimenting and supporting colours.  Complimentary colour pairs are red and green, yellow and purple, blue and orange, while colours such as light green and teal can support sunshine yellow. Be sure to use colour within your design and don’t just leave it to chance.

The Secret Lies In The Detail

Using design accessories in the main colour of your room can transform a good design into a stunning design. Choosing accessories such as cushions, rugs, lamp shades, wall art, even colourful picture frames can all be included in your design idea or theme. But you needn’t buy all of these accessories, as many can be crafted yourself. Cushion covers for example can be recycled curtains, while jam jars can become charming tea light holders to replace expensive candle holders.

Whatever your design, be sure to add your own personal touches to it all.

This article was written by soxley on behalf of Shutters Direct, providers of quality wooden shutters. Sarah is a proud member of the gather community and appreciates any comments or feedback on her writing.