The Basics of Decorating
An interior decorating project will be much more successful if you pay attention to a few key guidelines. Once you know the basics of interior design you can create rooms that really work.
Have you ever walked into a room that was full of nice things but just didn't "feel" quite right? The chances are that the person who decorated that room might have great taste but simply did not know the basics of interior design. Many people fall into this category but you don't have to be one of them.
Most of us know what we like but just have no idea how to pull it all together to create a warm and inviting room when interior decorating. We are giving you a mini course on interior design which will help you make more informed decision with your home decor. You will learn the basics of interior decorating and gain the confidence to take great decorating ideas and use them together to create one cohesive look.
When starting an interior decorating project remember to keep it fun! While learning the "rules" of interior design is important, you must always keep in mind that your interiors should reflect your lifestyle and tastes.
Proportion and Scale
In the Smart Approach to Home Decorating the authors give the following description of scale and proportion; "Scale refers to the size of something as it refers to the size of everything else, including people and the space itself. Proportion refers to the relationship of parts or objects to one another based on size - the size of a window is in proportion to the size of the room, for example. Good scale is achieved when all of the parts are proportionately correct relative to each other, as well as to the whole." |
Don't let yourself get bogged down in the definition of these terms. The important thing to remember is to pay attention to how items in a room relate to the size of the room (scale) and to each other (proportion) in terms of size. For instance a grand piano would be out scale in a small sitting room. Often people make mistakes in this area when it comes to choosing occasional tables, picking something too small or too large in proportion to the sofa and other furnishings. For instance an overstuffed sofa and a delicate side table would be out of proportion.
Balance
Balance refers to the arrangement of objects that create an even feel in a room. Balanced objects can be either asymmetrical or symmetrical.
Symmetrical balance is achieved when objects are arranged like a mirror image. An example of this formal type of arrangement would be an armoire against a wall with a candle sconce hanging on the wall on each side of the armoire.
Asymmetrical balance is still balanced but is not a mirror image. An example would be a console table with a floral arrangement on one end and a grouping of candlesticks on the other. While the items are not the same if they are the same scale and weight as the floral arrangement when grouped together they will balance each other.
To maintain balance large heavy pieces of furniture should be placed around the room and not grouped together on one side of the room.
Contrast
Contrast can be used to create interest in a room. The decor in your room should maintain the same style but vary in the elements of color, pattern, size etc.
Rhythm
While it is important to use contrast in a room to keep it from being boring it is just as important to use repetition to create rhythm. The room will feel pulled together if a color, pattern or motif is repeated throughout.
Harmony
A harmonious room will be achieved when the rules of scale, balance, contrast and rhythm are followed. In addition, a harmonious room will have furnishings and other elements that relate to one another within a interior decorating scheme.
