What makes a home look decorator quality? Is it the right shades? The perfect fabric on your sofa? The right flooring? It doesn’t matter. What? Did she really say that? Actually, there’s one principle that’s fundamental to ALL decorator quality homes. I’ve even written a book about it. (7 Fundamental Principles of Interior Design – Ignore Them at Your Pocketbook’s Peril!)
The principle I’m talking about today is Detail. Oftentimes, people overlook the details and don’t realize how important they really are. I can even go so far as to say – the attention you give to carefully planned detail is what separates your home from the everyday look of store bought. Detail is what creates a home with a decorator quality, look and feel. It doesn’t matter what style of furnishings you have – traditional, cottage, beach, casual. . . even if you don’t have decorator quality furnishings!
Many people purchase ready-made products such as curtain panels, valances, bedding, table skirts and pillows. But what they don’t realize is by doing so, they’re dummying down their home.
I’ve listed a few things to consider about ready made products –
1. Quality – Store bought fabric items are made FAST – the workmanship and quality is on the low end of the scale. That being said, they’re made to appeal to a mass market, a larger audience, everyone and anyone! The products don’t usually last long and they wear out in no time flat, especially after you’ve laundered them for the very first time. It’s almost as if the stiffener is the thing holding them together! Here’s what’s common – stitching is missing, the hems are crooked, the seams are too small, they’ve skimped on fabric, they hang off-kilter, the corners are sloppy, the thread doesn’t match, they aren’t lined, or if there is lining it’s too short and not hemmed properly.
2. Color – The use of exquisite trims, bandings, borders and beading is virtually non-existent with ready-made. The style is basic. The colors are boring. It’s the same stuff your neighbors have. And it doesn’t provide any of the extra added ‘zip’ that would look great in your home.
3. Repetition – If you find an item you like that has some detail to it, oftentimes it’s the only one like it. When you bring it home to your house, it’s the only item in the room with that detail. This creates a lack of repetition and unity in the room. You’ll want to tie things together and create a well-thought out room. Using only one item with that one detail could be too random.
4. Decorator Details – Pay attention to items like lampshades, trim on window treatments, knobs on the kitchen cabinets, light switches, pillows, live plants, pots, accessories, etc. Think these items through and the detail opportunities they provide. It’s what professional interior designers do to make your home look ‘decorator quality’.
5. Play Hooky – On the other side of the coin, don’t be afraid to remove details to keep things simple, chic and less cluttered. Too much detail in a room can be overwhelming, or too matchy-matchy and doesn’t provide a place for your eyes to rest. A carefully planned absence of detail in a room can look absolutely fabulous!
You can learn how to develop an eye for detail. It takes time, but building your ‘attention to detail’ muscle is a skill you can acquire with ease. Who knows, maybe your home could be featured in an upcoming decorator magazine!
Who do you know that needs our design services for window treatments or bedding?
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