3 Tips for Learning to Design

You many not have schooling in visual design or what you think is a well-developed sense of style. But you can cultivate your own sense of design in order to design your own room.  Here are 3 tips for gaining your own sense of style.

1.  Learn from the best
Every day, there are magazines, television shows, blogs, internet videos and articles written about design.  Generally, they have photos or videos of some of the best design accompanying them.  Take the time to look them over.  If you want to be inspired to do something great, you will want to spend your time reading and looking at the best books, articles, and pictures.  There are a wide variety of sources for interior design tips, from Pinterest to Better Homes and Gardens to a simple Google search.  In many places, there are shows like the Parade of Homes that allow people to wander through model homes.  You can use these opportunities to see what you like and what you don't like.


2.  Learn the basics
Lets face it, design is a lot more subjective than doing a math problem.  But visual design is based on principles that can be learned and used, just like in any other subject of study.  Take the time to find out about the basic principles of design, such as line, symmetry, proportion, contrast, color, etc.  These principles will help you understand what makes a good design, which will help you come up with your own.  You can even look at the RoomDesign lessons here:  http://www.howtodecoratemyhome.net/


3.  Take the time to analyze
So you have found a picture of a room that you like or you have seen someone's house that you love.  What about it do you like?  Why is it that you enjoy that design?  Is it the theme that you like, or the color?  Do you like its uniqueness, or its harmony?  Once you have found designs that draw you in, take the time to figure out what it is about the design that you particularly enjoy.  As you analyze different designs over and over, your own sense of design will evolve and you will be able to come up with your own ideas much easier.  Remember to learn from the best, and your basic knowledge of design principles will help you understand what you are looking at.

Room design can be a fun and rewarding activity. With a little effort, you can learn more about good design and create your own room designs in your own house. 

How To Get Started In Decorating Your Home

The way you choose to decorate your home is an extension of yourself - an outward expression of your personality. For some people, the ability to translate their personality through modifying their surroundings seems almost second nature. They instinctively know how to combine colors and styles in a way that reflects their individual tastes and preferences. For most people, however, it can be difficult to know where to start. While many may know what colors they find aesthetically pleasing or that they like the look of a particular sofa or armchair, knowing how to combine all of the elements of room design into a cohesive whole can seem overwhelming. If you seem to struggle knowing how to get going, here are a few simple starting points that may help you in your attempt to design a home in a way that is uniquely you.

Set A Deadline  - With so many options available to you in how you decide to decorate your room or home, projects can be endless in their nature and quantity. Whether for a single room or your entire home, pick a date by which you hope to have your project completed. Failing to do so can culminate in an unending series of run-on projects.

Set A Budget - Just as projects can go on and on if you don’t set a limit, the amount of money you spend decorating your home can be infinite. Set a budget early in the decorating process to give yourself reasonable parameters in your home decorating initiative.

Prioritize Your Projects - Whether you are working on a single room or your entire home, pick your priorities. It can be so easy to get lost in a myriad of rooms and aspects of home design, often leading to an overwhelming sense of “too much to do”. Focus on the rooms that you are most important to you (often the rooms that are most commonly used, especially when entertaining guests), and work your way through each part of your project systematically.  

Learn The Basics - Understanding a few key elements of room design can go a long way in effectively decorating your home. Knowing how to apply the basics of color schemes, design styles, and simple concepts such as focal points and spacing can give you a great place to start in planning any room. For a great resource on the basics of home decorating, color, and style try our free online lessons at www.howtodecoratemyhome.net.

Coordinate - If you live by yourself, then designing and decorating a room or home primarily affects one person: you. However, most people live with others - roommates, a significant other, or family members. Make sure that your plans to design and decorate your home are also in sync with what others who share your residence want as well.

While there are endless tips and suggestions when it comes to home decorating, these simple steps are a great place to start. To learn additional hints, tips, and principles, visit our free online courses on home decorating at www.howtodecoratemyhome.net.