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8 Ways to Jumpstart a Room Design
Get Your Design Moving With a Signature Piece, Color, Fabric or View
Hello there! I'm Erika Ward, Owner and Principal Designer of Erika Ward Interiors. It's my greatest pleasure to inspire you to live well, to live in style, and to extinguish the myth that style and budget are mutually exclusive. Read more about my design philosophy and my work at http://www.blulabelbungalow.com
Hello there! I'm Erika Ward, Owner and Principal Designer of Erika Ward... More »
The process of starting a decorating project can be daunting. With an array of beautiful images vying for our attention, we can become indecisive, frustrated, then immobilized. Even as a designer, I used to ponder and procrastinate when it came to decorating a room in my own home. But not anymore. In an effort to assist in tackling this debilitating dilemma, here are 8 elements that can help you jumpstart a room design.
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Choose a stunning architectural element. A home's permanent fixtures often dictate decor, especially when they're as large as this fireplace. Soothing, creamy hues make this tremendous conversation space less intimidating and more intimate.
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Add artwork. If you happen to be an art lover, find a piece that really speaks to you and let it drive the direction of your design. In the foreground, an entryway borrows a bold accent color from the painting in the background. Varying hues of the same color is used in the dining room seating.
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Add a great rug. When you purchase a colorful area rug, you not only receive its function but also a kaleidoscope of color options.
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Capitalize on any views, large or small: If you have a breathtaking view, use it! This dining table was centered around this lovely vineyard which appears to go on for miles. The openness of the space also gives the illusion of dining outdoors. If your view is shorter but still sweet, use it.
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| Add your favorite fabric. The fabric swatch you've been carrying around in your purse could be the key to your decorating plan. Decide what you love about it: is it the texture, pattern, color, or a combination of three? In this family room, the color and pattern in drapery fabric influenced the paint color, the motif in the wall decor, and the pattern on the accent pillows. |
| Plan for kids and pets. Whether your kids have two legs or four, they tend to be little busy bodies, and at times accident prone. When selecting furnishings, choose fabrics that are easy to clean, allowing you to maintain a healthy and beautiful home. Note to parents of tiny tots: This room also has a built-in safety feature — no sharp corners — yet it is quite mature and sophisticated. |
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| Create a signature color. Make a personal statement by incorporating your favorite color in a bold way. This sleek cobalt blue den/office takes on a modern vibe when paired with pure white. The high contrasting colors make for an interesting space and makes you look like a fearless design pro. |
Embrace family heirlooms. If you have been blessed with a group of cool family heirlooms of the same era, you are halfway done. Current trends embrace a curated mix of old and new furnishings. Mix until your heart is content, just keep in mind the rules regarding scale and proportion.
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Comments
Rebecca Malik Great tips! I especially love the idea of using a dominating architectural element in your design!
2 years ago · Like
Danielle Fabulous Eika, I loved every one of these photos...they are absolutely beautiful designs. Thanks
2 years ago · Like
dreemer not to sound redundant, but every single one of these photos is beautiful! great suggestions on how to get it all started...very helpful!
2 years ago · Like
kimg924 One of the best posts yet! I've seen the advice to find inspiration in art and go from there, but I've been completely stuck on how to start if the room doesn't already have art. This post breaks it down: choose an inspiration point and go from there, i.e., it's ok to start with amazing drape fabric and build on it. I've been afraid of starting at the wrong point, and I now I see that there is no real wrong point. Maybe the clarity is starting from *one* point, not from multiple!
2 years ago · Like
Kitty Tolbert I am attracted to jewel tones but also love classic neutrals, traditional woods and art deco pieces. Erika you are a bit all over the design style map with fantastic style.
2 years ago · Like
olldbobbi Great instructional post, especially for those of us frozen with fear of making the wrong move! (I especially like the Rice Krispy treat ottomans in the first picture!)
16 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on May 9, 2011.
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