This post could be considered an extension to my previous post dealing with Dining Room.
Follow good design process
1. Consider your style preferences - Modern, Traditional, Country, Transitional, Industrial, Farmhouse, etc.
2. Have a space plan for your room with accurate measurements.
3. Decide on the mood for your room - cool or warm
4. Select fabrics, furniture or area rugs first
5. Measure furniture before you buy
6. Put aside 15% - 20% for accessories
7. Lastly select your paint colour; this is the easiest thing to select. There are literally thousands of paint colours as opposed to upholstery selections or drapery fabrics.
Rules when buying Furniture
1. When purchasing new furniture, measure the space it will be going into. Take note of all doorways, windows, heating ducts and electrical outlets.
2. Measure the actual area you want to put the furnishing into. Draw a small diagram of the room.
3. Take a measuring tape and measure the pieces you intend to purchase or ask your sales rep for a spec sheet with dimensions.
4 At home check the size and if needed, use painters tape to tape out the size of the furniture on the floor. Add approximately 1" to the side nearest the wall to ensure room for bulky padding.
5. Make sure the scale of the furniture will work in your space. Do not overstuff a room and always have clear walk areas.
6. Dining chairs need at 2' pushback space and they should remain on the area rug if there is one in the room.
7. In a sitting area there should be at least 2' of space between your coffee table and your sofa or chairs.
8. Furniture styles should relate to one and other. That's not to say you cannot mix an antique piece with contemporary pieces, just follow the 80 % --20% rule. (80% of one style and 20% of a different style).
A few more important measurements
1. When creating a tall floral arrangement the flowers should be 2 times the height of the vessel. **Note this does not apply to centrepieces on the dining table. They should be 2" lower than the eye level of seated guests.
2. When placing your TV measure the diagonal width of the set and that will help determine the optimal viewing distance.
3. When considering window draperies, multiply the window's width by 2.5 to determine the width of fabric needed for full looking drapes. Mount the rod at least 2" above the window frame. Depending on how much space here is between the top of the window and the ceiling I usually suggest hanging your rod halfway between. The rod should be extended 6" to 16", space allowing so that the window is not made to look small.
Easy steps to help eliminate Errors
1. Look through decor magazines for ideas.
2. Remember not all pictures are accurate - lighting used in photography can distort colour. This is more prevalent in paint colours.
3. If you are still unsure you can hire a decor professional and you will avoid costly mistakes and save money in the long run.
Stay tuned for upcoming posts on how to select the best furniture.
Next posts will go over proper spacing for hanging artwork.
Also, I will be sharing important space information in designing Kitchens & Baths
If you have any questions or topics you would like to see covered in this blog, reach out to me at wisbyjeannette@gmail.com
