There are many elements that come together to turn a house into a home, but perhaps one of the most important is interior design and decoration. You don`t even need to be an expert to turn your interior design visions into reality, the key is simply to find a style that suits your way of life. No matter how big or small your budget, here are some simple tips to help you get started.
Decorating tips for each room of the house
- Living room décor tips
The key consideration is your use of the room, for example is it used simply for relaxing or do you also use it for dining or entertaining? The purpose of the room should dictate the type of flooring and furnishing you use; heavy traffic areas or those likely to suffer from food or drink spills will require durable flooring, perhaps laminate or wooden floorboards or stain resistent carpets.
Living room layouts work best when they are based around a focal point, such as a fireplace, a piece of artwork or, in a contemporary home, a large plasma TV. If this is the room where you spend most of your time then consider investing in some good quality curtains as they will help to keep the room cosy and insulated during the cold winter months.
Use textures such as leather, suede, velvet and silk to add warmth to a room whilst layers of cushions or throws can make a room feel much more relaxed and welcoming. Think about grouping furnishings, particularly sofas and chairs, close together to create a platform for conversation rather than isolating individual items.
- Dining room décor tips
Again think about how you plan to use the room. Your main focal point will of course be the dining table itself, but how you dress the room depends very much on whether you intend to use it mainly for formal dinner parties or whether it`s simply a place for all the family to get together at meal times. A sideboard is not only useful for storage but is key to a more formal dining room.
Red is popular choice of colour for dining rooms as it is thought to stimulate the appetite. The key is to choose the shade carefully so that you create a feeling of warmth rather than anger! The wrong shade of red can be very oppressive, so use plenty of test pots before you take the plunge. Oranges and yellows also work well but if bold colours aren`t your thing then go for something neutral and perhaps add splashes of colour by dressing the table with a vibrant tablecloth, placemats or napkins.
Your choice of lighting is important. Daytime dining should make the most of natural light but of an evening it is important to use ambient lighting, such as wall lights, uplighters or lamps to create a feeling of warmth. Candles or tealights are good for adding that extra sparkle and atmosphere.
- Bedroom décor tips
Bedrooms are the ideal place to make a personal design statement. Soft hues of green, white and blue are restful and can give a bedroom a light, airy feeling of space but if you want to add warmth opt for darker shades, perhaps creams, reds and browns.
Bedrooms should have different zones, such as an area for dressing or reading as this prevents items such as magazines, clothes and shoes from intruding into the sanctuary of the sleeping area. Cushions and throws can add a touch of luxury and can help to warm up a cool colour palette.
Involve children in your choices when decorating their bedrooms and give them some freedom to express themselves even if you do end up making the final decisions. Remember that the most important design consideration for your child`s room is that it needs to be functional and have plenty of storage for clothes, books and toys. If you have a larger budget or you`re a dab hand at art then a mural is a really good way to personalise a child`s room and add interest.
- Kitchen décor tips
Pay attention to the details and invest in good quality taps, tiles, work tops, handles and appliances to give a cheaper kitchen the air of one that is much more expensive. Choose durable but non-slip flooring and use lighting strategically to create mood and to showcase the best bits of your kitchen. If possible, locate `ugly` appliances such as washing machines and tumble driers in a utility room or integrate them behind cabinet doors to give a seamless finish. An island is a striking addition to a large, contemporary kitchen and is a useful way of adding extra storage or seating.
- Bathroom décor tips
As with the kitchen, pay attention to details such as taps and tiles. Bathroom lighting needs to serve two purposes - mood and function. Function lighting for grooming is best tackled by brighter lights around mirrored areas while soft bulbs in ceiling and wall lights can create a more ambient feel.
How to choose wallpaper and paint shades
For high traffic areas such as hallways you`ll need durable paper that can be wiped clean if possible. For bathrooms and kitchens always use emulsions that are designed specifically for those areas as they contain properties resistent to mould and grime.
Never choose paint colours before fabrics as you`ll drive yourself crazy trawling around town trying to find a carpet, rug or curatins that match. Always buy test pots to try at home, you`ll be surprised at how different colours can look once they`re on the wall.
Final things to consider
Think about the durability, colour and texture of fabrics and find something that is well co-ordinated and fits the overall style and tone of the room. Stripes are a good way of bringing different colours together but use patterned fabrics sparingly as they can be overbearing otherwise.
Finally, remember to check that your home insurance includes accidental damage cover before you start and decorating or renovating work.