Think Like A Designer

To contact us Click HERE
I am always thinking of ways to make decorating easier for you.  After all, this is the main reason I started Pinkeggshell.  Early in my career, I had the good fortune of working as an intern at a design firm that taught "How-to" design classes to homeowners and home decorating novices.  The classes were always sold out and the attendees always seemed to have tons of questions.  After a while, I began teaching some of the classes and found myself in love with solving the problems of mix-matched furniture, awkwardly shaped rooms and paint application woes.  For that reason, I've always collected design information with the intention of sharing it.  Depending on when you came to know about Pinkeggshell, you may have missed some of my previous posts on choosing an inspiration item, living with what you love or decorating around your personality.  Don't worry... we've put that information right at your fingertips.  Just click on the tab anytime you have a question or find yourself needing to think like a designer.

1. The Space is the Space

I walk into all sorts of awkwardly designed spaces.  In most spaces, there is always a challenge.  Be it a sloping ceiling or awkward window placement, there is something that makes me wonder, what in the world the builder was thinking.  Your space will probably have similar issues.  So just take a deep breath and relax.  Ahhh!  The best way to tackle the decorating, is to accept the space for what it is.  I normally come to the project while my client's home is either under construction or under contract, so I don't have to deal with furniture.  If you are in a space that has existing furniture, clear the room out and take measurements.  Be sure to made notes of built-ins and architectural details that can not be moved.



2. Start with something that you love.
At this point, I like to find the items that will inspire the color palette for the space.  I prefer this method because it ensures that the homeowner is living with a rug, fabric or piece of art that tugs at their heart strings.  Some people use items from their client's closet.  This is another effective way because you can learn a lot about a person's style by the types of clothes they choose.

www.anthropologie.com

3. Look for Inspiration everywhere.  During this phase, you should collect pictures of rooms that appeal to you. I suggest really looking at the pictures to identify why you love it.  Is it a color palette that you like, furniture placement or just an item in the room?  The more detailed you are, the more success you will have when creating the perfect look for your home.


Bedding and Dress Anthropologie.com
4. Choose your furniture carefully.  Undoubtedly, you will end up living with the furniture that you choose longer than you expected, so choose wisely from the beginning.  I recommend thinking about the furniture layout before heading out to the stores.  I have walked into homes where the sofa or dining table or bed is too large for the space.  In some cases the items were special orders.  When in question, google furniture layout tools or have your sales associate come out and professionally measure the space.  Again, buy what you love.  Stop for a moment and ask yourself, "Do I love it?"  My rule of thumb is, if you don't love it, then don't buy it.  Also, don't fell obligated to buy complete sets.  Switch it up and mix and match items to create an interesting and alluring space.

Leather Tuffted Chesterfield Sofa

5. Design is in the Details Everything else that goes into creating a home goes into this category.  Window treatments, lamps, bedding, accessories.  I love this part because this is what truly gives a room personality.  This is where you can have a lot of fun.  If you choose the foundation (furniture) properly, you will be able to switch these items up seasonally or whenever your mood changes.

Resources:
My favorite Step By Step Guide: "My Name Isn't Martha, but I Can Decorate My Home."
Great For Inspiration: "Inspired Styles" By Assousline
Flip! For Decorating by Elizabeth Mayhew