Interior Decorating Information

Decorating Spaces for People

When it comes to decorating your home, forget about the empty, lifeless rooms you see in interior design magazines and books. Instead, concentrate on designing all the rooms in your home as backdrops for the people who will be living in those spaces. Here are a few simple ideas for designing dynamic spaces:

Leave some empty spaces in your rooms. Empty space allows for breathing room, letting the more important things stand out -- the people who live there!

Avoid large fabric patterns and wallpapers. These only tend to draw all the attention from a room.

Use paints and patterns that complement skin and eye color. For light complexions use yellows, pinks, and beiges. For darker complexions use yellows, olives, and tans.

Use textures that stimulate the sense of touch. Look for textures that are nice to feel, such as velvet, chenille or satin. These create a feeling of being pampered.

Always choose comfort over pretense. Just because a sofa looks great does not mean it is comfortable. When you visit a showroom, remember that in order to truly test a piece of furniture, you need to sit on it until you feel totally rested. Only then will you get a realistic feel for its support and comfort level.

Your home is meant to be a place for people. Therefore, if you always keep yourself, your family, and your guests in mind, you will be well on your way to designing spaces that will be more comfortable and emotionally appealing than the staged photos you see in magazines and books.