LEARNING TO DESIGN Interior design at its core

LEARNING TO DESIGN Interior design at its core is about making rooms both beautiful and comfortable. Think about your own room, and how it is set up to suit your needs and personality.

LOOKS GOOD VS. FEELS RIGHT INTRODUCTION TO INTERIOR DESIGN

INTRODUCTION TO DESIGN Living vs. Looking Emotional vs. Statement Balance vs. Askew

FEELIN’ RIGHT VS. LOOKIN’ GOOD The most beautiful rooms are often perfectly balanced compositions of a number of different elements, and you probably wouldn't be surprised to know that when one of those elements isn't quite right, a room might feel a bit "off. "

REASON 1: LAYOUT Look at how furniture is arranged, and answer these question: • What is the focal point of the room? • What are the rooms limitations? • How is the space meant to be used?

REASON 2: VISUAL HEIGHT Too many elements too low in a space make a room feel squatty and unpleasant. • Add art at a height you might normally consider to be “too high” • Use vertical patterns to display items or artwork. • Curtains/window treatments • Vertical lamps/bookcases/art • Painted ceiling

REASON 3: IMPERSONAL Décor is awesome—but not if it doesn’t make you feel “at home. ” • Use mementos as “art” • Use items that remind you of special places, or memories

REASON 4: LIGHT Lack of natural light can make a room seem smaller, stuffy and claustrophobic—you might not be able to knock out a wall, but you can: • • Place mirrors strategically Use reflective surfaces Use sheer or lighter window treatments Ceilings slighter than walls (Dark walls with a bright ceiling make a room oppressive) • Clean your windows!

WHAT ELSE? What have you done to make your space “feel right? ” What ideas do you have? How could you help a client make their space “feel right” instead of just making it “look good? ”

LOOKS GOOD VS. FEELS RIGHT CHALLENGE Use your notes to determine what you would do to this room to fix it – submit your suggestions on a single piece of paper