Important Interior Design Principles

We all love to decorate! That is to say, we all like to infuse our rooms with our favorite colors, photos, and furniture pieces. When we incorporate such things into our spaces, we feel that we have successfully designed our rooms. But there is there is much more to consider. How will your space be used? Are the architectural and product designs compatible? Does the color that you have chosen convey the desired feeling? Does the room draw the eye to a logical central point and then invite the eye to meander around the rest of the room in a smooth, easy manner? Will all of your rooms link together to form one visually pleasing unit?

Usually, the typical homeowner asks him/herself few, if any of the above questions. In my opinion,the most important distinction between the do-it-yourself home decorator and a professional interior decorator or designer is that a gifted professional has the ability to pull together a big-picture plan in which each room is a complimentary element in a whole-house composition, while a homeowner often cannot achieve a cohesive result. Of course, most professionals have the advantage of possessing natural talent as well education in this process, but you may also learn to consider a few key elements that will help you as you tackle your own design project:

• The space itself: dimensions, potential and limits
• Desired use of space: relaxation, entertainment, work or learning
• The message you would like for the room to convey: luxury and achievement, calmness and relaxation, fun and games

Also, keep these design principles to keep in mind:

• Unity and harmony: Making sure that everything you bring into a space belongs together. Everything should have at least one thing in common such as color, style, or texture. For example, give an open living and dining room area a sense of cohesiveness by using the same flooring across both areas.
• Balance: Equally distribute the visual weight within the space. Symmetrical balance uses the same objects repeated in the same positions on either side of a central object For example, two identical table and lamps on either side of a sofa. Asymmetrical balance is achieved with different objects that have equal visual weight. A large plant on one side of a central object with a large floor lamp of similar height on the other side is an example of asymmetrical balance.

• Radial symmetry is achieved by arranging all elements of your space around a center point.
• Repetition: The use of the same element more than once throughout your space. Patterns, colors, textures, and shapes are all elements that can be repeated around your room to create a pleasing “rhythm”.
• Variety: Use contrasting elements such as color, size, and materials to create excitement and interest.
• Focal point(s): The “eye-catching” piece in the room such as a fireplace, or large window. It’s crucial that you let these types of items shine above all else in your space.

• Scale and Proportion: Proportion is the ratio between two items such as a lamp and its shade. Scale is how the size of one item relates to the scale of another item or to the room itself. For example, a 16” high table lamp may be too small in scale for a 20’x20’ room.
• Color: Color is critical because it relays a definitive statement about the intend mood of the space
• Details: As architect Mies van der Rohe and many others have often said, “God is in the details.” So be sure to pay attention to the small stuff in your space by not overlooking the cabinet knobs, lamp shades, light switch covers, etc. Should you neglect these things, your space will still have that “something’s missing, but I can’t quite put my finger on it” look.

Details: Pheasant floral arrangement, and Finial Company drapery hardware, www.shop.carladavisdesigns.com

Add Custom Style to Ready Made Curtains

Orginially posted at www.carladavisdesigns on 8/27/09

So you want something on those windows, but you really cannot stand the idea of waiting the 2 months that most custom drapery outlets require to fabricate your draperies. Well, pull out your needle and thread because you can run down to your nearest Restoration Hardware Store and do it yourself this weekend! You will need:

Restoration Hardware Belgian sheer linen drapery panels are shown below with custom drapery hardware from Gould and The Finial Company...

but you could easily purchase Restoration Hardware solid wood white drapery hardware while you are at RH selection your draperies. Please note my use of wood and metal together on this project. When it comes to decorating, "all or nothing" seldom applies. I have flipped over the rod pocket header that most ready-mades have to create a straight from the workroom look. You will need five rings to sew about 10 inches apart. Total $$ you will drop at RH this weekend for two linen panels, one rod, rings, brackets, and one pair of finials: Around $400.

On a tighter budget? Try Walmart...yes Walmart!



Total $ you will drop at Walmart this weekend for two Canopy faux silk panels and Tivoli metal drapery rod/rings: Around $130

Tips for Buying a New Sofa

Originally Posted at www.carladavisdesigns.com on 8/26/09

Buying a new sofa? Ask yourself how long you plan to enjoy your new purchase

...because aside from your budget, this is the most important question you need to consider before you head out to the furniture store. There are certainly bargains to be had at every price point, but you have to look for certain things and be sure to avoid others.

Check for signs of quality:

• Pattern match-up. The pattern direction and alignment should match on all sides and on the cushions and skirt as well.
• Trim. Cording should be even and flat without puckers or twisting.
• Cushions. Cushions should minimally have some combination of wrapped foam, down or springs inside. If the cushions are made from any other materials such as peanuts, do not purchase!
• Padding. All surfaces of the sofa should be covered and padded. If not, the fabric will quickly wear against the wood. You should not typically see any wood under seat cushions.
• Springs. Springs are generally a good thing. The most desirable and expensive springs are "8-way, hand-tied". Sinuous spring construction is cheaper, and can be just as comfortable as the 8-way, had-tied variety; however, sinuous springs will not last as long as 8-way, hand-tied.
• Corners. Corners should ideally be blocked and glued, but glued and bolted is acceptable. Glue, plus staples, equals a waste of your money. The sofa will not last.

Beyond the technical stuff, some might argue that it is most important to simply do one thing when shopping for your sofa: sit on it! I agree that comfort is of utmost importance, but a sofa without the six quality points listed above will not be comfortable for long.

What separates the middle of the road sofa from the creme de la creme? Simply materials and workmanship. If you want a "lifetime" sofa that is considered one of the very best on the market, consider a sofa from Baker, Henredon, Century Furniture, Bradington Young, Hancock& Moore, Hickory White, E.J. Victor, or Hickory Chair. Budget: $3500+.

If the middle of the road sounds like where you would rather stand, you may want to consider a sofa from Highland House, Drexel, C.R. Laine, Michael Thomas, Harden, Sam Moore, Fairfield, Lexington, Broyhill, or Thomasville. Budget: $1500-$3500.

If you really are not impressed with the idea of passing your new sofa down to your grandchildren, but you are impressed with the idea of immediate savings without sacrificing style, consider a sofa from Lazy Boy, Room& Board, Crate & Barrel, or Pottery Barn. Budget: $500-1500

Budget below $500?

...Consider reupholstering an oldie, but goodie (no, not your spouse!). Seriously, one of the best ways to find out if something will last is to look at a second hand piece. If it has already stood the test of time, chances are that it will last quite a bit longer. Quality stuff 40 years ago is still quality stuff today, and arguably, even better constructed than anything new on the market. Quality stuff is worth fixing.

Home Color Styles and Trends

Originally posted at www.carladavisdesigns.com on 8/19/09

Coral has been crowned as one of this year's "in" colors.

While it's definitely a variation of red, it separates itself from the other reds by having the unique ability to be both invigorating and extremely relaxing at once. While other shades of red, as well as gold, orange, and yellow are considered to be warm and inviting, they can often run so hot that they can become a bit too much. After trying to relax in a room that is dominated with one of these colors, you may feel like stepping out on the front porch to cool off!

While I'm the first to advise my clients to carefully choose room colors that they think will make them feel good for the long haul, I think this latest coral trend is one in which you can indulge without regret. Coral gives us all the goodness of red, but without all the drama. Jump across the color wheel and try adding further relaxing cool colors with it such as grays, blues, greens, and enjoy the best of both worlds.



Here's a sampling of exciting coral accessories from this year's Atlanta Market:

Well-priced readily available coral accessories that qualify as some of Carla's

Really Cool Stuff:

Benjamin Moore Paints New Zero VOC Option

Originally Posted at www.carladavisdesigns on 8/13/09

Benjamin Moore's Natura line comes in a variety of colors

In today's green conscious environment, we are all more concerned with the minimizing our exposure to chemicals in our homes. When purchasing your next can of paint you may want to consider the amount of volatile organic compounds, or VOC's, to which you may be exposing your household.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines VOC's as organic compounds that participate in atmospheric photochemical reactions except those they have designated as having negligible photchemical reactivity. Since the amount of VOC's that are safe is truly unknown, I recommend that we adhere to the "better safe than sorry" adage when buying paint, especially for babies' and young children's bedrooms.

There are standard paints that have typcial VOC's, low VOC's and now zero-VOC's! Now Benjamin Moore's new Natura line of paints has zero VOC's and every Benjamin Moore color can be created as a Natura paint!

If you are painting a baby's room, are expecting achild, or just want to avoid that typcial paint smell, this is for you. Go to
Benjamin Moore's website for more information about this new line.

Introduction: The Case for Decorating Your Own Home

Originally posted on 8/6/09 on my website: www.carladavisdesigns.com

Welcome to my blog about all things beautiful for your home! My goal here is to encourage, motivate, and inspire with an easy source to share advice, insecurities, and find bargains for you home decorating projects. Please let me know your thoughts and opinions on the various topics. They offer an invaluable resource to help keep me focused on the things you truly want for your home, but above all, your opinions truly matter to me.

There are several reasons that we may choose to hire a professional designer or decorator to make our homes more appealing. As we come to the conclusion that we should hire outside help to create the home of our dreams, we may think, or even utter aloud one of the statements below:

1. My time is worth more than the money that I am willing to pay to get this place into shape.
2. I want it done right!
3. I don't know what I like; therefore,
4. I don't know what I want.
5. I don't want to waste money (because I don't know what I should like.)
6. I want to be the first on my block to hire a designer.

Sadly, all of these statements indicate one thing: We all need to have more confidence in ourselves!

In a time of so much economic uncertainty, and so many things that we cannot control, I challenge everyone to take command of the spaces inside their homes. Lately, there may not be much that we can trust, but we should surely maintain faith in ourselves. We all have a pretty good idea of colors we prefer to paint our walls, we know whether or not we absolutely detest Victorian-style furniture, and we know that if we see another ragged or sponged faux-finished wall...well, you know what I mean. We all have our own valid opinions about such things. So there's absolutely no reason that we should not trust our own instincts.

So now it's settled. We can all trust our instincts. Despite all of our newly boosted self-confidence here, we still need good resources, some advice, and occasionally a bit of encouragement. Every two weeks, I plan to blog about new information and/or new products that I have found to be exceptional in style, value, and utility:"Really Cool" stuff. Things you can use to pull together the look you want. These items will be available for purchase from my web store, as well as from others sources both online, and in the greater Washington, D.C. area.

We all know what we like, as well as what we don't. It's time to exert our self-confidence, save money, save time, and get the job done ourselves. Let's go!

Carla Davis, Principal Designer, IDS Associate
Decor on a Dime, LLC
Ashburn, VA
www.carladavisdesigns.com