‘Too overwhelming!’ Follow the ’70/30 rule’ to avoid ‘biggest decor mistake’ by Angela Patrone

When it comes to curating a beautiful home, there are a lot of little things that have to come together to create the perfect space. But sometimes, knowing what not to do can be just as helpful as knowing all the rules.

Lucy Henderson, Head of Design at My Bespoke Room said: “We have clients that come to us and they’ve created a space but it really doesn’t feel like them. They’ve maybe been influenced by someone else’s home or somebody’s house they’ve seen on social media.

“Although, it’s virtually impossible not to get influenced by all the styles we see around, you need to take your time to consider what you enjoy and how you want your house to feel – unless you want to constantly be updating your home.”

1. Not having a clear vision 

Starting a design project without first making a plan is like driving to an unknown location without looking at a map. People might get to where they want to go in the end, but you will make a lot of wrong turns along the way.

While not all design projects will require scale drawings and a full set of specs, households should always establish a few guidelines before they begin. No matter the size of their project, following a consistent design style and colour palette will ensure the space feels cohesive.

This common mistake often happens when people rush into a room transformation right away without a clear vision of what they want the end result to look like.

The experts said: “People tend to design their spaces from details upwards rather than the other way around, but we would always suggest having a very holistic approach to the design to avoid the final results looking disjointed.

“Mood boards are a wonderful way of creating a design scheme for a room and we would always advise having one before starting a project.”

2. Buying the wrong sized furniture

Another common design mistake, and one that many are guilty of making, is buying furniture that’s the wrong size for the room. When space calculations are made without accurately measuring the room size and big purchase decisions are made based on loose measurements, then there are chances of it becoming a regrettable decision. 

The experts said: “This can really alter a space, for example a banquet-size dining table in a small room will only make it feel smaller. Equally a tiny sofa in a lofty space will look comical. Make sure you measure up correctly and use a floor plan to be certain before you buy. Don’t spend lots of money on huge items before you know if they will fit.”

3. Trying to mix too many different styles

With so many styles out there, it can be overwhelming when deciding how you want a room to look and feel, from contemporary to art deco to maximalism and thousands more decor styles there’s lots to take inspiration from but having too much of a mix “can lead to the end result looking like a real mess”, warned the pros.

They said: “This is one of the biggest decor mistakes we see regularly, one trick for mixing styles together is the 70/30 rule so to use about 70 percent of the space in one style and then add the 30 percent of a different style. For example, you could spice up a very traditional space with a few contemporary pieces.

4. Not having enough contrast

Not having enough contrast in your home decor can make a space dull and flat, which can then reflect on one’s mood. Contrast is key to highlight certain features in a room.

The interior designers explained: “It’s largely about colour but contrast can be achieved whether you’re mixing shades or adding texture with different materials or plants. Contrast is key to adding depth to your space.

“For example, in a neutral scheme, natural elements can make a lovely contrast without being too overwhelming.”

Plus, having contrasting pieces rather than matching decor sets will make it easy to swap out a piece when it’s time for a change.

5. Relying on trends 

Many love an interior trend, but they can come and go very quickly, so if you’re too quick to buy into a fad, you may then realise too late that it’s not really your style. Relying heavily on trends can actually have a negative impact on how Britons feel in their homes, cautioned the experts.

They insisted: “Your home should be unique to you so use trends as inspiration rather than a strict formula to follow.”

Design is essentially a reflection of who you are from within, your tastes and preferences, and choices—your roots. Homeowners may update their design preferences occasionally, but they may soon get bored of a quick trend once it has passed.  So instead, households should plan how best to incorporate their decor choices, like their favourite piece of art or indoor plants and any element that’d have their personal touch, and make the space their own. 

Article courtesy & detailed read at- https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/property/1697855/interior-decor-mistakes-how-to-avoid

Home decor tips: 2023 interior design trend forecast by Zarafshan Shiraz

Credit:Hindustan Times

Interior design trends for 2023 are vast and varied where there are some new colours, textures and materials  but most importantly, there are new moods and most of the moods revolve around a spa-like sense of serenity or a fun and patterned decorative boost of joy. For a start, we’re all craving a better outlook, and part of achieving that is to condition your brain to think more positively, which you can do by surrounding yourself with things that make you feel happy.

Regardless of what the trends suggest, 2023 isn’t just about one style. It’s more or less focusing on being candid and authentic and giving priorities to areas that give you happiness.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Narendra Rahurikar, Managing Director at D’fine Arts, asserted that nothing beats coming home to a pleasant setting that grounds you and allows you to completely unwind in a world that seems to be changing all the time and suggested a few steps to keep your home decor to the tee in 2023 –

  • Focus on wellbeing: In recent years wellness has become the focus, and self-care is one of the key elements to improve well-being. Designing your home with the taste of wellness can set a tone for slowing down and practising mindfulness. In turn, we can function at our utmost. So, you can bet on seeing innovation foster beautifully healthy spaces in months to come.
  • Hues of primary colours in home accessories: Red, blue, and yellow are the primary colours that represent the body, mind, and emotions, respectively. Primary colours are loud and unapologetic, with high saturation and will add a playful charm to a space, bringing with them distinctive energy.
  • Sustainability is here to stay: The sustainability movement is stronger than ever. Materials such as bamboo and terracotta are used to access sustainable resources. Revamping the existing furniture or painting walls with non-toxic materials are also some eco-friendly home decor trends that are used and will be used in coming years.
  • Pure white light: Made out of aluminium and painted in a cool white hue, is a perfect example of this interior design trend. It is arguably not just a lamp, but a piece of sculpture too. Looking a little like it’s coming into land (clear a space on that sideboard).
  • Pattern play: Introducing more patterns in home decor can embrace the space. We don’t suggest going overboard with overmixing large, bold prints or overusing prints on all the fabrics, walls and rugs. Instead, mixing a patterned wallpaper with a stone, wood or brick floor that has a shape and form, like herringbone or chevron, is a great way to play with patterns without looking chaotic.
  • Placing more importance on sourcing and reusing what already exists is refining the shape of designs. More specifically, natural, clean lines will take precedence over more intricate alternatives. This, in turn, will also emphasize whatever ornamentation or detail exists within an interior.

Parvez Khan, Director of Java Interior, shared, “As a designer, I anticipate seeing more nature in everything, giving emerging trends a notably relaxing and coherent tone. The features, from quartz to organic shapes to warm, neutral hues, are expected to be surrounded by some seriously calming interiors. The integration of nature to normal interior-designed homes not only improves their aesthetics but also gives them a luxurious appearance.”

He advised, “As millennials seek a relaxing and luxurious atmosphere in their homes, adding browns, greens, and blues will be one choice. While the other would be to install a tiny table plant indoors on a dining table or a kitchen counter.” He insisted that while the number of trends is immense, there are a few explicitly chosen themes that may be trendy in 2023 –

  • The use of natural materials for a smooth and organic environment, such as wool, cotton, clay, velvet, and ceramics.
  • Background walls, a dramatic wall that works beautifully for Instagram and work video walls
  • Luxury monochrome, aesthetically pleasing, and minimal trend with a focus on the living room, baths, and kitchen.

Parag Supe, Principal Designer at Kreon Projects, recommended, “In 2023, look for cocktail cabinets that move and rotate, furniture that’s geared towards sitting together and being convivial, anything that is a bit playful and glamorous and dramatic. Furniture designers have spotted the opportunity to bring people back together again and this new era in furniture design sees a selection of seating options that are all about encouraging the art of in-person conversation. A single seating arrangement with curvaceous convivial seating that offers two people the opportunity to sit separately but with the feeling, they are still next to each other. It is neither a sofa nor is it two individual chairs.”

He highlighted, “Reclaimed or vintage-inspired patterns are more popular than ever. You can bring a touch of it home. Use independently or pair with single-color tiles for a more understated aesthetic. Hideaway home offices are now in trend, as smart WFH stations are now being disguised. To the unassuming eye, they’ll look like a drinks cabinet, a writing bureau, or perhaps an armoire. But what they hide is all your work stresses and strains and papers and bits.”

The expected 2023 interior design trends are fairly balanced as some lean toward decor or decoration while others toward neat, tidy, luxury aesthetics. So refresh your space with these 2023 forecasts.

Detailed read at- https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/art-culture/home-decor-tips-2023-interior-design-trend-forecast-101668673713271.html