1. Give your room some breathing space
Gracious living means the ability to move through your room with ease.Fight the urge to fill your interiors wall to wall. Good design does not mean crowding a space with lots of furniture. Consider spending more of your budget on specific, quality pieces and your room will look better than if it’s filled to the gills with flea market finds.
2. Save the themes for Disneyland
Any designer will tell you that too much of a good thing is, well, simply put…too much.Say for example you want to achieve a nautical feel. You know the markers –bead board, blue and white paints and fabrics, anchors and a sail boat here and there. Sure, it works, but you have seen it so many times that it lacks uniqueness. Instead, strive for materials and a palette that provide the overall effect without going for the obvious clichés.
3. Create a focal point…and stick with it
Just like in the movies, every room needs a star. Something that draws you in, is the focus of attention and is hard to take your eyes off of. My personal design philosophy is that each space in your home should be balanced by a mix of dominant and subordinate elements. For example, in a kitchen, an amazing hood over a six-burner stove may create the focal point. With this element, simple unadorned cabinets take on the supporting role. In a living room, often the fireplace is a focal point. Instead of adding competing elements elsewhere, focus on the fireplace and one fantastic piece of art above it.
4. Hang artwork at the right height
We’ve all seen it. We’ve walked into a space and the art was installed so high on the wall that you feel you need a ladder to view it. Typically art galleries hang art so that the mid-line (or center) of each piece is 55 inches off of the floor. However, keep in mind, this is just a guide. Some of the most impactful art installations consist of art stacked in a vertical line. Often with the lowest piece 18-24 inches off of the floor.
5. Edit, Edit, EDIT
Just as you would never consider wearing all of the jewelry that you own at one time, apply the same principal to the accents and collectibles in your room. While thoughtful groupings of three or five items create interesting layers, they are most impactful when balanced by negative space in other areas. For example, a living room sideboard with a dramatic layered grouping works best when the cocktail table is simplified with one oversized object such as a bowl or stack of large art books. Avoid filing all spaces equally; it creates visual noise and distraction. Remember to edit.
David Lyall is the owner and principle interior designer of David Lyall Home & Design and an elegant, urban showroom located at 241 N. Prince St., Lancaster. Peruse ideas online at www.davidlyalldesign.com. Or call 717-690-8477 to schedule a free, in-studio consultation, or to simply ask a question.
