Sometimes we need a little help with our homes.  Whether we have lived in our homes for 2 months of twenty years, we all need to change things up from time to time. Our lives our ever changing and this should also be reflected in our living spaces. Changes can be simple, the purchase of a few new accessories, or perhaps a painting. But maybe a big change is due, a new paint color, some new furniture, perhaps even a remodel. Following are some very simple secrets from some well known interior designers to help you transform your living space to best reflect your style and personality.

1. “The first rule about decorating is that you can break almost all the other rules.” — Billy Bladwin

2.”Never push furniture up against the walls. By pulling your seating arrangement in (even just a few inches) you instantly warm up a space and create flow. ” — Betsy Burnham

While each designer has his or own trick to transforming a room, they unanimously believe that a home should feel well lived in, represent the home-owners interests and passions and should never be too serious. Above this cozy library manages to do it all. This library is warm and inviting while giving us glimpses into the owner’s own life.

3. “Ceilings must always be considered. They are the most neglected space in a room.” — Albert Hadley

When decorating one’s home one tends to immediately think of the walls, followed by the furniture and then the floor, but rarely do people think of what’s overhead. This gold ceiling manages to do several things in this room. It reflects the natural light coming in from the oversized windows, it adds depth and warmth to the room, and it certainly adds a touch of whimsy.

 

4. “Pinches of color keep a room feeling youthful and engaging.” — Christina Murphy

Many people are afraid to paint their walls a bright color. Color can also be added through accessories. Lovely blankets, vases, paintings, pillows and rugs are a wonderful way to add a pop of color. Start in small increments. Perhaps add a colorful lamp, then you can add a vase, the blanket, and if you are ready try tackling larger areas. Color really does affect your mood and can make your living space a happy and energetic one.

5. “Use wallpaper in unexpected places: on the ceiling, in a paneled room, in closets, hallways and small foyers. A great pattern or texture in small spaces can be a prodigious twist.” — Lindsay Coral Harper

It’s always fun to walk in to someone’s home and find the unexpected. A formal dining room with a bright colored ceiling, a white hallway and an unexpectedly colorful stairwell. A simple white bedroom may offer up a playful surprise with a fun patterned papered wall in the closet.  In the room above one’s eye is immediately drawn upward to the playful yet elegant ceiling.

6. “I appreciate history but you have to bring your own experience into your rooms.” — Istvan Francer

What makes your home uniquely your own home are the things you have in it. Showcase your personal possessions to reveal your personality, adventures, and achievements. Mix your accessories with new and old. We all have a past, present and a future and these are all a part of our personal histories.

7. “I don’t think people have enough fun with decorating. It doesn’t always have to be so serious. Design isn’t like marriage, you don’t have to commit for life.” — Ross Cassidy

Don’t be afraid to try something new. You can always change it. Furniture can be rearranged and walls can be repainted. As with all things, in home decor, try something new, you might like it. Start small if you must then go bigger. The room above would be very bland without the fun and colorful furniture. The furniture gives the room its personality. It shows that the owner is fun loving and most likely doesn’t take him or herself too seriously. Conversely, if the walls and lamp shades were not white, the room would be much too busy and too distracting.

8. “Real comfort, visual and physical is vital in every room.” — Mark Hampton

Another area where all designers seem to agree is the importance of comfort in one’s home. It doesn’t matter what your own personal style is – Whether  you are elegant and sophisticated or casual and whimsical… Whether you are minimalist, eclectic, classic, bohemian – the most important thing is to make your home livable. A well designed home is one that is both comfortable and functional.

9. “The most important thing? Perfect lighting at all times.” — Oscar de la Renta

Natural light is best but when natural light sources are limited there should be plenty of light sources. Consider your environment. Are you in a large city, near a forest or by the ocean.  Some homes will have more natural light than others and the light in your home will shift and vary through the day. Sit in all the rooms of your home throughout the day and you will notice where lighting needs to be supplemented. The right kind of lighting in the right space will add a glow and a warmth to your surroundings.

10. “Accessories are where I like to make a statement. They’re the soul of a room.” — Austin Warner

Accessories are a great way to tie in all decor together. They can pull all the pieces together to give your space a finished look. Accessorizing is another way to add a personal touch to your space as they often tell a story of where you have been and where your interests lie. If you are too timid to go for large amounts bold color, patterns or decor in your home, you can still create a colorful atmosphere with the accessories you choose.
Are you inspired to make a few changes around the house? Where will you start? What will you do? I need to add some more color, myself and am looking for just the right rug to tie everything together.

http://freshome.com/2012/09/13/10-secrets-from-top-interior-designers/