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Homeowners hire the help of interior designers when decorating their living rooms. However, DIYers create something magical from their own blood, sweat, and tears. The most important thing is that a living room serves its purpose providing a comfortable and visually appealing communal space. If you're wondering what living room interior design to choose, here are 15 designs.

1. Monochromatic

When you enter this living room, you'll feel the atmosphere emanate a bold and dramatic vibe. This living room interior design is a monochromatic concept that features a clean white and beige colors and lines. You'll find low furniture pieces like the sofa and center table, with no complicated decorations. When creating a monochromatic room, ensure you use a base color while incorporating various tints, shades, and tones of the primary hue.

2. Accent Wall

Creating an accent wall could be the first thing people notice when entering your living room. An accent wall is a wall that differs from the other walls of the room. It keeps the room lively and creates visual interest. You have total freedom when creating an accent wall. You can keep it subtle by painting it a different solid color or go all-out by displaying a unique pattern and material.

3. Focal Point

Integrating a focal point in your living room means you'll have one distinct design element that stands out. A focal point is the first thing viewers see when they slide into a room. It doesn't necessarily have to be in the center of the room. However, it can be a component that instantly grabs the viewers' eyes. In this case, the black center table in the middle of the room lures the eyes in. 

4. Modern Rustic

A rustic living room interior design exudes a homey feel everyone is familiar with. However, a modern rustic design leans more towards blending vintage pieces, indigenous materials, and contemporary designs. Modern rustic dwells on warm neutrals, whites, and earthy tones, like this example. 

5. Vibrant Space

Selecting vibrant colors for your living room keeps your space eccentric. This example features dominating green fabric that remind you of nature. This is coupled with two framed abstract paintings that create contrast against the white walls. Plus, multi-colored rug establishes a playful atmosphere�fit for homeowners with quirky personalities. 

6. French Style

A French-inspired living room interior design combines textures and elegant moldings that hook the eyes. For instance, this design example dwells on white velvety furniture paired with beautiful grey wall paint and an elegant chandelier. The overall tone is muted, with decorative elements. 

7. 19th Century

The 19th Century style is also known as Old English or Elizabethan. This living room interior design reminds you of how life as a monarch is, covered in detailed embellishments and luxurious room pieces. It dwells on eclecticism, which is uniquely visually appealing and exquisite. Pieces like oversized wall art, chandeliers, and chaise sofas are common design elements. 

8. Bright Rugs

Rugs don't only serve the foot traffic aspect of home interior design. They are also an excellent way to separate areas without having to cluster furniture pieces together. Plus, rugs add warmth and a layer to your living room. Featuring large rugs can double as a defining design component in a room. In this example, you'll undoubtedly feast your eyes on the multi-colored rug with matching colorful throw pillows. Overall this design emanates a stunning retro feel.

9. Tasty Pastel

Choosing pastel colors for your living room exudes a highly peaceful and calming vibe. This example offers a soft and gentle look that's satiating to the eyes. You'll notice a combination of different pastel colors on various living room pieces. But these are complemented by the standout wall, stunning artwork, and a metallic side table. 

10. Shades of Fiery Red

Red is a striking palette that will look undeniably good in your living room. You can select patterned designs like stripes or flowers if you don't want to stick to solid red colors. This living room interior design example features snippets of various red patterns on walls, floors, and furniture. 

11. Italian Style

An Italian-inspired living room should dwell on mixed raw materials, statement pieces, Mediterranean tiles, Italian ceramics, and a neutral backdrop. This example is an exquisite design that features a modern Italian living room space. The overall design looks simple, minimalist, and neat. 

12. Velvety Space

Nothing can get homeowners more excited than laying on velvet couches with velvet throw pillows. Choosing velvet as your living room's main texture provides comfort, style, and durability. You also can't deny that velvet looks stunning and offers a soothing tactile sensation.  

13. Contemporary

A contemporary living room space means dwelling on the most popular and current trends. However, the overall assembly exudes clean lines, curves, stark contrasts, high-quality pieces, natural materials, and cool tones. A contemporary design looks modern and tasty, fit for new apartments or spaces. 

14. Clean White Lines

Nothing can go wrong with clean white lines that give your space a certain wholeness. The upper hand of choosing white is you can pair it with any color and pattern. Moreover, choosing a white living room makes the space appear larger and brighter. 

15. Botanical

Whether it's integrating natural plants or choosing a botanical rug, plant-like features in your living room stand out. You can select botanical patterns on your sofa or artwork to allow nature-inspired concepts. Plants evoke elegance, beauty, and relaxation, perfect in a living room. 

Conclusion

Don't be swallowed by all the current trends in interior design. Think about beauty and functionality to make the most out of your space. Also, for living room interior design, ensure that you let your personality shine through by choosing the colors, patterns, textures, and pieces that define you.

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Featured image credit: Katja Rooke on Unsplash

A small bedroom can become a design challenge for anybody. After all, you want a cozy and functional bedroom. At the same time, you want to give it a personal touch with decorations and other accessories. But how can you design an organized small bedroom? Here are 11 small bedroom interior design ideas to check out!

1. Use a Trundle, Murphy, or Foldable Bed

Trundle beds are ideal for those sharing a room with another person. You can save up on space by investing in one. You can place the bed by the wall, so you have space for your other furniture. An alternative to a trundle bed is the murphy bed, another space-saving piece of furniture for a small bedroom. But if that won't work for you, you can use a sofabed instead, where you'll have much more room for other furniture!

2. Save up on Space with Storage

If you have a small bedroom, keeping all of your items in one place can be difficult. After all, you want to maximize the space for all your necessities and other personal items. 

But to avoid clutter, you can invest in storage that you can keep under your bed. Storage boxes are an excellent choice. With this, your room will look neat and organized.

But before buying a bed for your small bedroom, you can buy a bed frame with drawers. This will help you save up on space. If it's too late to buy a bedframe or there's no space under your bed, you can buy a small or narrow nightstand with drawers to keep your items nearby.

Alternatively, storage boxes or other organizers can be placed in corners. This covers corners that don't have any furniture whatsoever.

3. Add Wall-Mounted Shelves

Another way to save space without buying drawers and storage boxes is by adding wall-mounted shelves to your small bedroom. It's a small bedroom interior design idea that you can try at home. You can place all your paintings and other pieces, such as vases, books, or other personal accessories. Plus, you don't have to worry about clutter anywhere else.

4. Hang Mirrors

If you want to make your space look bigger, mirrors will definitely do the trick. Not only will it make your room bigger, but it will make your small bedroom brighter! If you don't want the mirror taking up the whole space, get rid of the frame and place the mirror near a light source.

5. Put Wall Decor

Make your small bedroom look more impressive with wall decor. You can hang small paintings or plants to give them a personal touch. But wall decor isn't just hanging things. You can also use wall decals and let paintings hang elsewhere in your home. Either way, hanging wall decor can liven up the room.

6. Use a Tatami Bed

An alternative to trundle beds or day beds is a tatami bed since there's a lack of a headboard. You can go for a minimalist approach with this small bedroom interior design idea. With this in mind, you'll have more room to put shelves and all the other furniture you'll need to store your items. But if you want a headboard, you can improvise a headboard with a headboard storage cabinet.

7. Buy Multifunctional Furniture

Pieces of furniture are a must-have in any bedroom, but if you have a small space, you might have to reassess which furniture is necessary for your small bedroom. That said, you can purchase multifunctional furniture pieces. 

If you love reading and need a desk for work, there are bookcases with foldable tables. This way, you won't run out of space and will make room for other personal items. Another option is a table with shelves. You can decorate that with frames, vases, and your favorite trinkets.

8. Use a Small Desk

This small bedroom interior design idea is ideal if you work from home or you need the desk to study or complete other projects. Sure, a small desk may not provide ample space for your devices, files, and other things. But the small desk can serve as your small nook for working or studying. In any case, you can always buy a foldable desk which you can store in your room when you don't need it.

9. Choose Colors to Make the Room Look Bigger

When it comes to small bedroom interior design, you can never go wrong with white. After all, white can make any room bigger. But if you're not a huge fan of white and you want another color up on the wall, The Spruce shares other colors to paint your room with:

• Taupe
• Pink
• Blue
• Gray

10. Keep it Simple with Lighting

Natural lighting is always best in any room. If your bedroom has a window, you can place your table there instead of using a lamp while working or studying. However, if your bedroom doesn't have a window, you can use a small desk lamp. This allows you to move the lamp around the room. Or, you can opt for a big one, which you can place near your desk or bed. Alternatively, you can hang a lamp or use a lightbulb.

11. Create Sections

This works best if you live in a small studio. Make sure you dedicate space for your sleeping area and divide the space with a curtain or a huge drawer, for example. If you add sections to your limited space, it creates function.

Final Thoughts

Designing and decorating a small bedroom can be tricky, especially if you're not familiar with interior design. But when it comes to small bedrooms, space, storage, and size are key. 

Although you may have a vision of what your room could look like, it's always good to plan, so you'll know what items to buy before putting those in your room. But if you don't know what to do with your small bedroom, why not get a quote from Spencil here? Spencil can help you design your room and make your dream room a reality!

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Featured image credit: Holly Stratton on Unsplash

Inviting an interior designer's creative eye would be recommended for a safer, more comfortable, and functional space. Unfortunately, some homeowners can't afford the steep professional fees of hiring one. This pushes them to DIY the decoration process. If you're in the process of designing your home, here are 20 decorating tips you need to know.

1. Combine various light sources

The three most common lighting fixtures are task, ambient, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting provides illumination throughout the entire space and is considered the most general overall lighting. Accent lighting focuses on artwork, furnishings, and other details. Meanwhile, task lighting is used for detailed work. It's recommended to combine all three types in every space.

2. Separate areas with rugs

Separating areas with rugs is advised in smaller spaces. Choosing various rug sizes is also a smart way to layer the different zones in your space. 

3. Create statement pieces in every room

Having statement pieces will create a focal point in every room. These pieces will also lead the eyes first, amplifying the room's aesthetic appeal. Use wallpapers, plants, big furniture pieces, bright throw pillows, or wall art as focal points.

4. Try out paint samples 

Before committing to a particular paint color, you can try out various paint samples to see if it fits your home and furniture. 

5. Set the tone at the main door 

Experts say a house's value increases if you choose a bright color for your front door. Choose a buttery yellow or fiery brick red to contrast with the neutral colors. 

6. Choose light and neutral colors

Try to avoid jarring transitions, as they can damage the overall appeal of your home. Go for neutral or light colors such as gray, beige, or dirty white. This also allows you great flexibility when pairing with furnishings and furniture. 

7. Create a conversational furniture layout

Your living room furniture must be arranged in a way that engages conversations. Make sure your sofas and chairs match and speak to one another. Aim for balance while achieving comfort and intimacy in your space.

8. Consider flow in your layout

Ensure that your interior design and furniture layout are functional. These mustn't hinder foot traffic in your space. That said, consider flow in your layout to offer a more practical haven where everyone is comfortable and safe. 

9. Go for symmetry 

One of the most common decorating tips is achieving symmetry in your living room. When designing your couch with throw pillows, make sure that the pillows are symmetrical and balanced. 

10. Buy multi-purpose furniture 

It's advisable to buy furniture that offers a double purpose. You can go for a coffee table that serves as storage. Better yet, try an Ottoman that doubles as storage. This technique is beneficial for smaller spaces. 

11. Appreciate the white space

If you're hesitating about what paint color to choose for most of your walls, dressers, and baseboards, go for white. White offers more flexibility, especially when decorating with other bold and bright statement pieces. 

12. Place mirrors in every room

Mirrors bounce off natural light and illuminate the entire space, making it bigger and breezier. Make sure to position mirrors across from windows to make the room brighter. 

13. Anchor rugs under furniture legs

Your rugs should never float in your space. Anchor furniture legs and make sure they accommodate a seating area. 

14. Invite natural light in

Although you diversify the lighting fixtures in your space, it's also recommended to allow natural light in. Natural light offers mental health benefits and makes the area more aesthetically pleasing. 

15. Curate your clutter

The longer you stay in an area, the less you notice the clutter. You can invite a fresh set of eyes who can assess the space or hire experts to curate useful and functional clutter. 

16. Paint the ceiling white

If you have a small space and a low ceiling, you can paint it white to make it appeal less claustrophobic. You can also hang curtains as high as the windows to suggest high-ceiling spaces. 

17. Try diversifying proportions

Play around with different proportions. For instance, you can combine small and big pieces to keep them versatile. However, ensure that you create synergy in the room. 

18. Keep your artwork low

When choosing wall art, keep it low, as this is eye level for most people. You can hang artwork about 60 to 62 inches from the floor. 

19. Mix and match textures

Don't be afraid to play around with different textures, as this establishes the statement pieces and makes them pop even more. You can combine velvet throw pillows, leather furniture, and ceramic vases. 

20. Make your entryway interesting

Your entryway is the first thing people see when they enter your home. Make sure you spend time and effort creating an interesting and compelling entryway by keeping it inviting and homey.

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Featured Image Credits: Photo by ClickerHappy from Pixabay

Some homeowners who prefer to DIY their homes rely on interior design apps to create a functional and visually appealing space. These home design apps are desktop or mobile-based applications that allow homeowners to visualize their space. You can build mood boards, measure wall heights, create furniture layouts, model 3D floor plans, and more on these apps. If you're looking for the best app, here are six best interior designing apps worth checking out.

1. Houzz

The founders of Houzz, Alon, and Adi, created Houzz after they remodeled their home. They took inspiration from a pile of magazines to make their dreams a reality. But they still felt stuck. They thought about a better way of creating a dream home, and that's why they built Houzz.

Houzz is an application to browse and save stunning photos of different home interior designs for inspiration. The interface shows a mood board and referral service that connects home professionals with the top vendors, resources, and tools.

2. Foyr Neo

You can build floor plans with the Foyr Neo app and start in 2D to establish the wall sketches. However, you can also upload a floor plan, follow the contour, switch to 2D, and more within minutes! Subscribing to Foyr Neo gives you access to a library of over 50,000 pre-3D models. You can drag and drop these customizable items or add them to your list for inspiration.

The app is also 50 percent faster than any other interior designing app on this list. Plus, this app is your all-in-one interior design software that offers an end-to-end and complete interior design process. 

3. Havenly

If you're looking for the best interior designing apps that connect you with experts, Havenly is your best bet. It's where you can gather interior design tips and have a valuable shopping list for your home. Havenly is a budget-friendly way to visualize your home since the consultancy package only costs $79.�

You can take the initial quiz on the website. Once the system has your personalized results, Havenly designers will connect with you. They will work one-on-one with you and help bring your vision to life, combined with a 3D rendering of your home. 

4. RoomPlanner

IKEA's RoomPlanner is a user-friendly app that helps homeowners create layouts for their homes. The app only offers a few features, which means the more experienced interior designers might not make the most out of it. However, newbies and DIYers will undeniably enjoy using the app because it's fun and easy to use.

You can create a master bedroom planner, add storage areas, or create a virtual kitchen calendar. It only takes a few steps to achieve the home of your dreams. First is to remember the room measurements and input them in the app. You can then design the space by choosing from the gallery; voila, you're done!

5. Homestyler

This is another easy and time-efficient interior design app suitable for amateurs and professionals. Homestyler is a 3D home design app with a supportive community of interior design creatives and design lovers worldwide. You can use the app to build concept projects, save them, and share them. The app relies on Autodesk software, which provides a simple drag-and-drop feature to create your floor plans.�

Using Homestyler means playing with thousands of templates for your outdoor space, apartments, duplexes, or lofts. Using its extensive model library, you may also decorate with over 100,000 accessories and furniture pieces. But the most fun part is participating in more than 1,000 fun design challenges!

6. Planner 5D

Planner 5D offers more advanced features, which are still user-friendly for amateur and professional designers. It's deemed the biggest free room architecture app in the design industry. You'll enjoy this room software that lets you create pools and various environments you can apply to your space.

Get ideas from your gallery and explore trendy designs and fresh concepts from other professional interior designers. Some of the features you'll enjoy from this app are furnishing and editing, layout and design creation, HD visualizations, over 5,000+ item catalogs, an easy user interface, and a growing community of like-minded individuals. 

Conclusion

Choosing the best interior designing apps makes for a better interior design outcome for your home. Although these apps do a bang-up job of letting you visualize your space, working with a professional is still recommended once the actual building commences.

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Featured Image Credits: Photo by newhouse from Pixabay

Interior design trends are similar to fashion trends because they are inspired by culture and current events. However, choosing suitable materials, colors, and styles is quite challenging for architects and designs as they require detailed research. Let's look at the best and brightest interior design trends for 2023 to inspire you in styling your indoor and outdoor spaces.

1. Gold Tones 

Golden accent walls are one of the most sophisticated trends in the coming year. This shimmering wallpaper from Kirkby has a touch of pure luxury. Design experts say this design is inspired by the effect of flying folded paper airplanes created by geometric patterns. 

2. Cozy Seating Area

Designers have used the opportunity to bring people back together by enhancing furniture for reception seating areas. This modern approach to furniture design perceives the selection of cozy seating options to encourage the positive impact of in-person conversation. A bespoke rug courtesy of Area Rugs UK accentuates the entire reception area. 

3. Minimalist Table Lamp

The latest lighting trend focuses more on shapes rather than colors. This pumpkin-inspired minimalist table lamp in white is a perfect example of this upcoming interior design trend. It is not only a lamp but a stunning work of art, too. Go for designs similar to this if you want aesthetic and functional decor. 

4. 1960s Armchairs 

Armchairs seem to be disregarded over the last few years. People are likely to choose velvet sofas and jewel-toned loveseats and overlook the beauty of an armchair as accent furniture. Italian designers are bringing back attractive accent chairs to the trend. And they have something in common - they're all inspired by 1960s styles, materials, and colors. 

5. Vintage Tiles

Impress your guests with vintage-inspired powder room tiles and other design elements. The mirror and sink make the design more beautiful and famous than ever! This is a good design inspiration if you're considering revamping your powder room. Remember, powder rooms may be smaller than full bathrooms, but they often have even higher demands, especially when hosting a gathering or an event. 

6. Sculptural Wall Lights

Beautify your walls and light up the room with sculptural wall lights. It doubles as decor and as a lighting fixture. Hanging them a little higher on your walls makes them a perfect work of art. 

7. Modern Curtain Trim

Adding a pop of modern curtain trim elevates even the dullest area of your home. This is one of the hottest interior design trends for 2023. It encourages designers to embellish a portion of curtains with a decorative detail that is visible whether the curtains are pulled back or closed. 

8. Clever Hideaway Home Offices

Hide the work day away as innovative work-from-home spaces are now being concealed. To others, they'll look like a drinks cabinet, a writing bureau, or maybe an armoire. But they hide all your work stresses and strains and papers and bits.

9. Bold Borders 

While curtain trims hit the big news, design experts bring back bold borders. It adds accents and invites a happy vibe into a plain and boring room.

10. Al Fresco Shower 

Ever since Gwyneth Paltrow showed her luxurious home spa to the world earlier this year, designers have been looking for new ways to integrate this feeling into decorations. Alfresco or outdoor shower, return for a refreshing blast first thing. And there's no need to miss a moment of warmth as bathroom trends join the season's open-air lifestyle.

11. Outdoor Lighting

As we all want to spend more time lounging in our backyard, it's no wonder the trend for luxurious lighting has come outside with us. But this is not an ordinary outdoor garden lamp. It's chic and contemporary and brings an elegant vibe.

12. Wickerwork

Wickerwork is quietly but firmly back on the design trend. As people look for design elements that carry a story and carve a sustainable stance in the interior marketplace, wickerwork products offer features of chic status and sustainable living practices. Wickerwork is indeed a piece of functional outdoor furniture.

13. Rugs In Unconventional Shapes

Irregular rugs are eye-catching designs that undoubtedly have all established their worth. These rugs, with striking prints, signal the public's readiness to embrace unpredictable design ideas. Our featured rug is a Mala rug by  A Rum Fellow.

14. Plumped-Up Seating Arrangement

Chubby chairs and bloated curves are the next big thing in interior design. Top interior design websites show how a more relaxed seating design style can combine comfort and practicality with high-level comfort and desirability. 

15. Ocean Blue Color Trend

The blue and green hues create a beach-inspired interior design. As it represents the calm color of the sea, ocean blue will become one of the season's hottest shades.

16. Night Sky Minerals

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A mesmerizing new material trend is on the horizon, flush with galaxy-inspired designs. Dark blue, with white streaks and pale blue accents, is showing up everywhere, from vanity units to luxury table tops.

17. Contemporary Trompe L'oeil

Meaning 'deceive the eye,' trompe l'oeil has been an artistic device in the creative backdrop for centuries. It demonstrates an artist's skill, a part of delight for owners and visitors alike. 

18. Significant Arches

While the use of arches in architecture dates back to the 2nd millennium BC, the Romans solidified them as both an engineering element and a symbol of military victories, which we now see excessively as memorial arches. Shortly after, different civilizations and cultures adopted the arc for their purposes, bridging structural necessity and aesthetics together. Today, arches have evolved from significant structural elements to fascinating decorative details.

19. Red Earth Ceramics

Red clay's inherent warmth makes a surprising transformation on the usual white ceramics. Red ceramics are linked with more coarse pottery, but there's a finesse to this new wave of earthy vases and pieces. Generally, it exudes a modern stylistic trend. The subtle curving forms and intricately handcrafted look is perfect as living room decor.  

20. Wavy Wood

The curved and modern interpretation of the finest materials is an appealing interior design trend. It's a new wave. It's time to forget straight-edged wooden furniture options in favor of more flexible forms.

Conclusion

The prominent styling looks coming in as the hottest interior design trends for 2023 focus on spa-like ambiance. Every idea lies in believing that every room must be opulent and relaxing. Now that this design guide has inspired you, it's time to pick the best that suits your preferences.

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Featured Image: Photo by Curtis Adams from Pexels

Designing your space can be exciting and, at the same time, challenging and intimidating. It's easy to feel discouraged when the vision in your head doesn't seem to materialize. It would be best if you had a detailed plan to make your dream a reality. So, here are some interior design tips for beginners to help you handle the process with confidence and ease.

Tip No. 1: Know What You Want

Start your interior design project by figuring out what you want and need. Ask yourself these essential questions to formulate the best plan on how to decorate every room in your home or workplace. 

• Where am I hoping to make changes? 
• What am I trying to accomplish? 
• Why do I want to design this room or space? 
• Who do I need to help me achieve my interior design project? 
• When do I hope to start and complete my project?

Tip No. 2: Find Your Style 

Do you have an office reception area or living room with a view? Get inspiration from Samuel Amoia, who designed this apartment along Manhattan's Park Avenue. While it is decorated with low furniture and colorful sculpture, the emphasis remains on the breathtaking view of Central Park.

If you're a neophyte decorator and not familiar with the difference between traditional design and contemporary design, you should explore the unique characteristics of every interior decorating style. Here's a quick review of the most common types to consider for your space:

• Traditional Design

Traditional interior design is the classic interior design style worth considering. It's a foolproof route if you're looking to invest in timeless pieces that will endure in style for years to come.

• Contemporary Design

Contemporary interior design style trends also give you more freedom as modern interior design usually features squares, graphic lines, and a particular take on design periods of the past.

• Mid-Century Modern Design

Mid-Century modern interior design is inspired by the best of the '50s and '60s while boasting a clean and timeless retro-inspired Danish feel. Think clean, straightforward silhouettes, organic shapes, subtle fabrications, and an importance on the functionality of every element.

• Bohemian Style Interior Design

Bohemian interior design's playful vibe is a timeless interior design style. It is attributed to the decorative freedom of Boho looks. 

• Art Deco Interior Design

 Art Deco interior design may be an option if you love all things jewel-like. Think of the Great Gatsby and the roaring '20s as Art Deco interior design easily conveys all things luxurious.

• Asian Zen Interior Design

Create a rich influence on minimal interior design in any space by getting inspiration from the Asian Zen interior design style. It features a layered look that feels unique via a mix of intriguing add-ons inspired by the exotic feel of the far east.

Tip No. 3: Know The Space You're Working With

Of course, you have to know the space you're working with before making informed decisions about furniture and artwork, so take 30 minutes to measure each room, including the size of the doors to help you develop a relevant design strategy. 

And since you're the one who's in charge of our space, you'll likely have a sense of what you need and want to decorate every inch of it. Take time to find the essentials. This is also a good way to maximize the cost of furnishing the room over time while preventing rushed judgments.

Tip No. 4: Consider These Lighting Ideas

To ensure that your area is well-lit for the entire day, check the amount of natural light every room gets. Then, use it as a guide in choosing the right lighting fixture for your space. 

Tip No. 5: Pick The Right Furniture 

Two of the biggest flaws novice interior designers make when selecting home furniture are not realizing the importance of an accent piece and believing they can get everything they need in a single day. In contrast, people seem to be playing safe in their choices. As a result, the areas end up looking bland. 

Also, note that going with "matchy-matchy" furniture does not always look good. 

Tip No. 6: Flooring Ideas

When you ask where to start decorating a room, people will instantly tell you that they consider flooring the most basic foundation. So whatever your preferences are, flooring ideas should be included as the first step when styling a space. For instance, adding an area rug is an easy way to add color or texture to any room. It also provides a comfortable surface to walk and sit on.

Tip No. 7: Add Some Art That Reflect Your Personality 

Art offers an excellent opportunity to reflect your tastes and personality throughout your home. Choose the best pieces for your home, and don't be afraid to experiment. And don't let unframed prints stack up, have them properly framed and hang them on your walls. 

Determine the kind of art you find inspiring and how much you're willing or able to invest in art for your home. If you have a limited budget, there are many practical options. You can purchase masterpieces from art shows, street vendors, and websites where you can buy prints from famous artists or original pieces from up-and-coming talents. Also, remember that art isn't just framed photos or canvases, it can be objects, too, like hanging plates or tonal macrame wall hangings, or decorative wall sculptures.

After all, the artwork makes the perfect modern decor for your home or office.

Conclusion 

One of the exciting things about decorating is that your space will constantly be transforming, and you need to be free from negative emotions due to cluttered surroundings. So, if an item doesn't bring you joy, don't force it into your interior design. The interior design tips for beginners will let you enjoy the whole journey as you accomplish your vision of a fantastic home or workplace.

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Featured Image: Photo by Clay Elliot from Pexels

Residential and commercial spaces won't be as beautiful and comfortable without interior designers. Interior designers work with clients to create a safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing space. Whether corporate, sustainable, healthcare, or universal design, these designers use color palettes, decorations, furniture placement, and functional decor to achieve the client's vision for their space. If you're in the process of hiring one, it's crucial to know the right questions to ask an interior designer.

What to Do Before Speaking with an Interior Designer

Before we tell you the questions to ask an interior designer, do these steps before meeting with one:

• Identify the design concept or theme for your space. Knowing your design theme dos and don'ts will allow you to focus on precisely what you want. Decide what things you like and don't like so you can relay this to the designer. 
• Browse for interior design inspiration online. Check out some beautiful and functional interior design spaces so the designer can see your desired project outcome. 
• Check the interior designer's background. Do your due diligence and check the designer's portfolio. See if he's done similar projects and check if he has a proven track record. 
• Set a budget. The project won't commence if you and the designer don't settle on a budget. Make sure you're flexible enough but don't stray from your budget.

12 Questions to Ask an Interior Designer

Once you know what you want, ask these questions before hiring an interior designer. 

1. What is your design style?

You want the designer's style to match yours. Ask what they specialize in and what their most assertive design styles are so you can gauge if it's the right fit or not.

2. How much do you charge?

Establishing the budget right off the bat enables you to filter out designers who are way out of your set budget. 

3. How do you charge?

Another follow-up question after asking the designer's project amount is how he plans to charge it. Does he charge hourly, per finished project stage, or a percentage of the project cost?

4. How do you plan a budget?

Budgeting is vital in interior design, and asking the designer what he prioritizes when planning a budget is strongly advised. Some would allocate a considerable sum for contractors and some for furniture. Know how he plans to budget wisely. 

5. Have you had similar projects? Describe how it went.

Knowing if the designer has had similar projects would give you peace of mind that he can achieve the goal. Ask what the most challenging part of the project was and how he circumvented those issues. 

6. What are your credentials and references?

You may want to ask about the designer's employment history and if they've had former certifications. Also, it might boost their credibility if they show any awards and recognition from licensed interior design organizations.

7. What's included in your services?

Once you've set a budget, ask what interior design services and responsibilities are included in the project. Some examples are design consultation, site assessment, space planning, material procurement, project management, etc.

8. How will you present initial design plans and ideas?

One of the questions to ask an interior designer is how they will present the initial design plan. With the adage of technology, you'd expect designers to utilize interactive design presentations. However, combining it with mood boards and drawings is also an excellent way to diversify perspectives. 

9. Who is the team working on the project?

You may be interviewing the interior designer, but he will work with a team of builders, contractors, and painters. Ask how these people will be selected and what their credentials are. 

10. Describe your management style.

You want to know how the interior designer communicates and collaborates with his team. No matter how skilled the designer and his team are, the design and build process is futile if they can't work seamlessly. 

11. How do you feel about regular client involvement?

As a client, you want to get involved in the project from time to time to see if everything is going as planned. Ask the designer how he feels about this. A designer with good collaboration and communication skills will feel comfortable with this setup. 

12. What if I don't like the initial design plan?

Interior designers make an effort to present the initial design plan based on your specifications. Once you give the GO signal, the building commences. In some cases, clients may prefer something else to the initial plan presented. That said, ask if the designer goes back to the drawing board to create another design plan and concept to your liking. 

Conclusion

Hiring an interior designer doesn't have to be an uphill battle. If you know the right questions to ask an interior designer, you'll be more confident in finding the most suitable one.

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Featured Image: Photo by Vecislavas Popa from Pexels

Do you need expert advice on your new space or help with redesigning one? Many homeowners or business owners can reach out to an interior design consultancy to help them with their design needs. And if you need one for your home or office space, we have listed down the top interior design consultancies.

What Does an Interior Design Consultancy Do?

As the name suggests, an interior design consultancy provides professional advice about a client's home or office space. Interior design consultants would survey the space, home, or office and ask their clients about their design preferences. As their potential client, you should have the necessary documents ready, such as the floor plan, that would help them decide on the overall interior design.

Most interior design consultancies would have businesses as clients. However, some interior design consultancies can do residential living spaces too.

Is an interior design consultancy different from an interior designer?

No. The consultancy is like a firm. They also provide advice to their clients before moving forward with the interior design project. But some interior design consultancies can already help clients with the interior design work, should the client push through with the recommendations they have provided.

Global Interior Design Consultancies

1. M Moser Associates

M Moser Associates is a global design firm with offices in Asia, America, Europe, and Australia. Their specialty lies in people-first design, ensuring the wellness of occupying office spaces. That said, they incorporate interior design into an inclusive workplace design and also provide strategies to ensure an efficient workplace. As interior design consultants, they aim to make successful and innovative workplaces by integrating their ideology and technology.

2. Space Projects Ltd

You can consult with Space Projects Ltd for your design needs if you need a redesign on your residential or commercial space. They mix three design disciplines, graphic and interior design, and architecture, to provide the best space for you. Although they might be UK-based, they also work internationally. They ensure a seamless experience, and their insight and creativity will guide them to produce beautiful outcomes for your home, office, or retail space.

3. Steven Leach Group

The Steven Leach Group is one of the few interior design consultancies in Asia. They have offices across the region and have been the go-to interior design consultancy for many corporations and hospitality and finance businesses. Productivity and comfort are two of their main philosophies when creating commercial spaces. 

In addition, they want to ensure that employees are interacting well with the space and it's effective for them to get the job done. And if clients want their design needs addressed, the consultancy has its signature �Design and Build� service to make the design come to life.

4. Via Interiors

Via Interiors is a UK-based interior design consultancy. Before moving forward with the construction and redesign, Via Interiors ensures they get to know their client. They want to know the client's preferences, and in turn, they provide the clients with a design based on their needs and generate design ideas. Plus, during the consultation period, they won't move forward with the project unless the client is ready.

5. Janine Stone

Luxury is the specialist of Janine Stone & Co. You can expect sophisticated and elegant spaces from them. Their studio helps clients visualize their new residential space through mood boards, CGI, and illustrations. And once any client gives their seal of approval to push through with the project, Janine Stone and her studio will build the space.

6. Afroditi

If you're going for a luxurious commercial space for your hospitality business, Afroditi is one interior design consultancy to consider. The consultancy ensures that they provide one-of-a-kind designs for their clients. Plus, they aim to give their client's customers a wonderful experience in their restaurants or hotels.

7. Leanne Bunnell Interiors

Based in Canada, Leanne Bunnell Interiors will provide full-service interior design work for their clients, starting from the consultation up to the construction. Leanne Bunnell herself will talk to the client about how to design or renovate the space and make it homey and comfortable. The assessment takes two hours to complete, and the client can decide if they want to push through with the design project.

8. Geyer

Geyer Interior Design prides itself on intelligent consulting. To them, intelligent consulting is asking the right questions to the client and ensuring that they think ahead. And Geyer aims to have a creative partnership with their client, resulting in meaningful and positive outcomes. They have a full-service interior design consultancy, including the following services:

• Space and master planning
• Environmental graphics and wayfinding
• Conceptual, detail, and schematic design
• 3D visualization and VR
• BIM Management
• Services coordination
• Full documentation and specification services

9. Shed Interior Design

Shed is another interior design consultancy focused on providing interior design work for leading companies worldwide. They have more than 20 years of experience and completed projects worldwide. And to ensure a customized interior, they discuss the project with the client by identifying problems and solutions for their design concerns. Plus, whenever they think of designs, they're innovative, creative, and original.

10. Elliot James

Elliot James is an interior design consultancy with offices in London and Singapore. Their consultancy can help clients with their design needs by letting them answer a questionnaire first. According to the interior design consultancy, the questionnaire includes queries regarding their client's behavior, lifestyle, and preference to know them better. 

Once filled out, they return with an in-depth proposal with a timeline to ensure to keep themselves on track during the project. And you can be sure that when you choose Elliot James, they'll be there for you every step of the way. Plus, they have experts that will realize your interior design vision.

Final Thoughts

Most interior design consultancies have made the mark locally and internationally through their roster of prestigious clients. They bring invaluable experience to the table and will help homeowners and business owners achieve their dreams of getting their new space. That said, you want to make sure you're ready to tap an interior design consultancy when you need full-service interior design work. But if you only need design ideas from professionals, you can rely on design services like Spencil to help you out with your design needs.

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Featured Image: Photo by Yolk CoWorking - Krakow on Unsplash