6 Interior Design Essentials

With so many things to consider when designing a home (and the list really is long!),  you may wonder which elements designers consider key ‘must have’ pieces.  I’ve put together 6 essential interior furnishings and elements I think help you achieve that polished designer look in any space in your home.

 A great rug

A great rug finishes a space well and can really pull the room together, uniting the elements and telling a story in the room.  While some irregularity is inherent to any rug, a well-made rug lies flat and straight on the floor and is reasonably regular in its shape.  The colors should be uniform and balanced, free of fading or bleeding and it should  have a finish that is not washed out, unnaturally shiny, or overly bright and harsh.

A great area rug adds visual interest to any room {Almiorda}

Indoor / outdoor living has gained popularity with many families as of late and has really been a staple of European living for centuries.  Rugs for these areas are not only made for 3 or more seasons, they finish a space just as well as their interior counterparts!

This outdoor rug is made for all seasons and finishes this space well {DesignerRugs}

Versatile side tables

A terrific side table, whether it’s done in wood, resin, mirror or metal, lends a certain amount of credibility to a room, just like a great pair of shoes and a beautiful bag does to a woman’s taste.  When you see one of your friends with a great bag or pair of shoes or walk into her home and she has a pair of amazing side tables,  you instantly think she has great fashion sense.

When choosing side tables, look for those with great lines and a little versatility and they’ll look great by the sofa, in front of the sofa or even tuck one into a corner in a smaller room.

A side table with interesting lines and versatile color can work most anywhere in a room {Griege}

Mixing unusual materials like rough wood or a smooth surface into a modern or traditional space also adds visual interest.  For instance, using a mirrored side table here that is similar to the cocktail table would look just as nice, however it wouldn’t be as interesting.

{Elle Decor}

A sumptuous, comfortable sofa

Whether you like modern clean lines, timeless tradition or reflections of the utmost in modern sophistication, a sofa is one of the best, or worst,  statements you can make in a room, and it’s best if comfortable, wouldn’t you agree?  It’s also important to choose a piece with good lines and versatility.

I could just sink into this after a long day! {Outer Limits}

A great chair

Sometimes we just want to be alone with our thoughts, book or cocktail and at times like this, a beautiful, welcoming chair is like an old friend.  Choose one that fits your frame and try a fabric that is a compliment to the other pieces in the room or one that makes a bold statement.

{Decorpad}

Color

I’m not a fan of all white rooms, however I do prefer a clean, fresh approach to design.  There are too many things to say about color, so the one thing I will say is that if it looks ‘off”, it probably is!

{BHG}

Proper use of color is so important in any space so use it wisely and pay attention to the undertones.   If you have any questions about color, we offer Certified True Color Expert services, so please feel free to email me a question at nicole@cdgdesign.com.  I would rather help you than have you suffer through terrible undertones!

This wall color absolutely sets the stage for this room while maintaining a fresh, clean look

The white accents here allow a place for the eye to rest from the intense yellow wall color.

{Material Girls}

The soft tone of the wall color sets the mood in this airy, peaceful living room.

{CWB Architects}

Lighting

Color will never come to life in a dark room, so lighting is a must.  Whether you prefer a gorgeous floor lamp, table lamps, pendant lighting or sconces, make sure your rooms are well-lit.

Great lighting comes in all shapes and sizes (Pinterest)

{Housingtouri}

Giving thought to these key elements first when designing your home will help you set the stage for a home you can relax and enjoy for many years to come!