For some, it’s the place they feel safe, like their childhood home back in India. For other’s, it’s the adventure their mind sets off to when they curl up for their favourite reads. The oasis of serenity for these two aforementioned individuals are completely different spaces, so why apply the configuration of a cookie cutter, template living space?
Here are the simple steps to create a retreat you can’t wait to come home to:
Step 1 – Create a Floor Plan
This is simple. It is a sketch of the shape and dimensions of the room. To do this by hand, follow the layout of your floor and measure the required dimensions. However, if you are computer savvy, there is free software on the web that will create a plan for you. Recommendation would be homestyler.com/designer.
Step 2 – Consider the Function of the Space
What do you need this space to do? Create a list of all the actions you would perform in this room and for how many people.
Step 3 – Connect the Space to You
How and where do you picture yourself in the actions above? It does not have to be elaborate, just targeted to pull a few details. For example, it could be a depiction of relaxing on a beach or maybe all the fun times enjoyed at your favourite restaurant or hangout.
Step 4 – Create Your Style
Your connections to your actions are what develop into your style/personality of the room. If relaxation is the beach, then incorporate the airiness of that ‘scape. Perhaps to do so with light walls, a well-lit space with both natural and
artificial light and neutral furniture. If having fun brought to mind “that English pub,” you may consider some wood tones, leather and vintage wall hangings.
Step 5 – Select Your Finishes & Furniture
Now that you have the plan, function and style of your room, keep it on guard as you select everything. For example, when purchasing the furniture, be aware that it needs to seat 4 people. In addition, the layout must have an allowance for eight people to gather, as well as for a guest to sleep in. Hence, your purchases could include a sofa bed, a chaise and a couple of upholstered stools to pull up. Also, consider adding a larger coffee table to play board games. Once armed with the pertinent information, making selections at a store becomes fairly easy – it becomes down to a process of elimination!
Follow these five steps and you will be well-equipped to creating a space tailored to what you need it to do, as well as reflect the uniqueness of your personality!
However, if this task or these steps seem daunting, you have the option of engaging with a professional, such as designers and even decorators. But what is the difference between the two and who should you hire?
Designers
An interior designer is a professional that establishes a conceptual plan, refines the design direction and produces graphic communication and construction documents. Designers are able to visualize a structure from its raw form and develop it into a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They are multifaceted and their applications are many from construction to planning (including furniture layouts).
Decorators
An interior decorator is someone who will help you select colour choices, fabric and furnishings, but they cannot directly design blue prints for custom items. They can do a mark up of what the client wants, but then the actual design goes to a designer. Whatever your persona for style, bring it into your home. Infuse it into your walls, floor and furniture and make it “your own!”
Your home should speak volumes of who you are – a reflection of your life, likes and who you share the space with. Often times, it’s the place you come to relax and let loose of the world’s pressures, where you build a lifetime of memories with the people you love. So what does that haven look like to you?
