TAKE YOUR HOME TO THE NEXT LEVEL OF MODERN INTERIOR DESIGN
With contributions from Guest Blogger Jane Spitz of Roadway Moving
Design: Rooted Reno & Redesign, VIGO
Unless you’re a professional interior designer, curating your ideal home can be quite the challenge. Whether you are moving into a new house or already living in a comfy abode, we have some tips and tricks to transform your space into a modern masterpiece. Kick your design journey off on the right foot by following these guidelines and get ready to fall in love with where you live.
1. TELL A STORY
Design: VIGO
Using expensive or ultra-trendy furniture and accessories can be appealing at first but may quickly become dated. Instead, focus on building your home around a message or “story.” This will make the space more meaningful for both you and your entire family. Think about the kind of feeling you want to have every time you walk into your main entryway and try to capture that through strategic furniture choices and placement.
Contrary to what others might think, it’s best to furnish around a theme and not the other way around. If you’re going for a specific vibe, stay consistent with it and purchase your furniture accordingly. For example, an ideal pairing for a modern bathroom might be the VIGO Wisteria Matte StoneTM Vessel bathroom sink and Niko Vessel Faucet Set in a matte black finish. These two offer unbeatable contrast that speaks clearly to contemporary aesthetics. That said, this duo probably wouldn’t be well-suited for a room with a more traditional aesthetic. As long as you consider your preferences and your vision, you’ll stay on the right path.
2. USE SPACE WISELY
Design: Amber Wallace, VIGO
Every room has a purpose, but you’ll likely want certain rooms to stand out more than others. Many interior decorators may advise clients to be efficient with how they use their space, but this doesn’t mean they should pack as much furniture in as possible.
MIRRORS
Mirrors can be great for adding depth, playing with perception, and creating visual dimension in any room. Small rooms can especially benefit from strategic placement of mirrors as they may make the room seem larger than it actually is. Consider adding a gallery of mirrors or one huge mirror. Also don’t be afraid to play with different shapes: round, square, or anything in between!
RUGS
Carpets or rugs bring warmth and color to certain areas of a room. Small rooms do well with lighter carpeting to keep a spacious feel while larger rooms lend themselves well to darker varieties. In the event that you choose to install a carpet, here’s a tip: do it before the movers come so you don’t have to do double the work.
3. WORK WONDERS WITH COLORS
Design: LK PROJECTS, VIGO
Just as mirrors and strategic floor coverings can visually expand or shrink the appearance of your room, so too can the coloring you choose. Be smart about how you outfit your walls and accent pieces to ensure that they’re in alignment with your overall design aesthetic.
LIGHT SHADES
If your room is on the smaller side, lean towards lighter shades of beige, pink, or even a soft white.
DEEP HUES
Larger rooms can handle darker, bolder colors. If such coloring is your preference, leave those shades to the rooms with more open space so as not to cramp your quarters.
BEYOND THE WALLS
When we say “colors,” we don’t just mean wall paint - we’re also referring to patterns and textures. Don’t be afraid to mix and match elements to add dimension to your home. Herringbone, chevron, and argyle are classic home decor patterns that are sure to make a statement wherever they are placed.
4. GET GREEN
Design: John Webb Construction & Design, VIGO
A lot of homeowners fail to realize that any space can livened up with one simple addition: a plant! Both flowers and standing plants can be great ways to add color, drama, and life into your room without breaking the bank. Incorporate more natural hues into your space by using the wooden stems of plants to your advantage. Bring rich browns or deep mahogany hues into focus by highlighting their natural elements. The simple nature of plant life, and the obvious color of greenery will make these accents more than just space fillers.
THE TAKEAWAY: SIMPLE CONCEPTS WORK
If there’s anything the above has shown, it’s that simple changes can really transform your entire home. Staying consistent with the message you want to convey and the theme you want to present is key. Try not to overthink or overdesign but have fun and enjoy the process!