Discover Your Interior Style

With the housing market in a slump at the moment, there are few people willing to move or sell right now. So, with this in mind, give your humble abode a face lift and find your inner interior designer!

Some people have a clear idea of their tastes and know how to achieve the looks they're searching for. To others, the whole 'decorating thing' is a bit of a mystery. Avoid the nightmare that is bad interior design and read on to enhance your knowledge and your home.

Visualize Your Style

image source: Paul Smoothy

image source: Fragmented

To formulate a solid idea of what is exactly your style, browse through magazines and mark pages of fully styled rooms that appeal to you. From this, you should build up a collection, where you can spot a common theme and reoccurring features. Break down your analysis into the follow aspects:

1. Colors

   Think of your house as a whole, rather than individual rooms, you can start to think of a range of colors that work together. Yellows and oranges work well in hot climates, but can be garish in the gray British light. So, think about a color that works with the lighting in that room, as well as a color that you won't get tired of!

2. Fabrics

   It doesn't matter if your fabrics don't match, but do try to separate them into "airy and light" and "rich and heavy". Also notice that a strong effect can be achieved, by simply using touches of fabrics here and there.

3. Walls

   Pay attention to whether you're drawn to painted walls, or elaborate wallpapers; however, remember that painted walls are so much easier and quicker to do! Walls are the unifying element that ties a room together, yet they're also the easiest things to get wrong, especially if you don't consider what's going on in other rooms.

4. Furniture

   Coordinating furniture throughout your home would is dull, but too many furniture styles look "bitty". It's a good idea to link upstairs and downstairs, as well as finding bedroom and bathroom furniture that works together. Likewise with living rooms, dining rooms and kitchens.

5. Lighting

   The use of lighting is crucial, especially when getting the mood just right: soft, dispersed light from lamps, dimmer switches, candles, and backlit mirrors all create a glamorous, enticing atmosphere. Remember kitchens need adaptable spotlights for work surfaces, as well as good overhead lighting.

image source: Decor8

So, once you've sussed your interior style, how do you make it work? Well, here's some top tips to completing and making a success of your interior designs…

• Take time to learn about scale and proportion, and don't clutter your spaces: stylish little pictures look lost on expansive walls
• Never group furniture around a TV. It speaks volumes about your social life, and evening meals will always be a silent affair. So, ensure at least a few rooms are TV free!
• Never miss the opportunity for an open fire (even a fake one), as this will add character and value
• Decorate properly or professionally. Shoddy workmanship is easily spotted.
• Don't buy a load of matching accessories to showcase, as your room will look bland and lack character. Be patient and take your time, and pick things up that you want in your home.

image source: Qwin Cooper

Finally, have the courage of your convictions! Deciding what you like and going for it, looks better than a half-hearted muddle, and don't be afraid to take ideas from magazines or showrooms, as you can make it your own as you progress!