Recently I've been getting a lot of emails and questions asking for design tips. I thought I'd put together a few posts here and there to help those of you who are interested in learning more. Design has always been one of my passions. I constantly have ideas floating around in my head and wish I had 5 different houses so that I could decorate them all in a different style! I took a few design classes in college expecting to love them but instead was disappointed. I didn't want to learn about the different types of springs in a cushion. If I was going to buy a couch or chair it was going to be #1 because I loved the way it looked and #2 because it was comfortable...not because it had a certain type of spring!
I really feel like design is about creating something you love. A space that makes you happy. It doesn't have to be expensive. The first thing I always ask people when they ask me to help them create a space is "what do you like?" I often get a blank stare back like "um, I don't know...that's why you're here...to TELL me what I like." lol! :) You know what you like, you just may not realize it. That is a key element to starting any project. You need some direction. The best thing you can do is to start a library. I purchase empty three-ring binders and a big box of sheet protectors every year. It's like making your own book of things that you love. Whenever you buy a magazine..tear out the pictures of things that you like and put them in your binder. When you're out and about, take pictures of things that you like and put them in your binder. and I mean ANYTHING. color schemes, decor items, paint swatches...etc. I have binders for all the things that I love. Recipes, party planning and ideas, interior design, crafts, photography, scrapbooking, creative gift giving and wrapping...I've got them all.
Before you know it you'll have a great resource. When it comes time to tackle a design project you can pull it out and help guide yourself in the direction you would like to go with your room. If you aren't confident enough in your own abilities this will be a great help to your designer as well.
So start tackling your own library...and then we'll move on to the next project! :)
Have a great day!
-t
Comments