I don’t know about you, but I eat my oreo cookies from the middle out. And according to a recent not-so-scientific survey this means that I’m one who likes to take things apart and put them back together. I don’t know if that’s true, I do know I love design and figuring out how things are made. (I’m smart enough not to take them apart as I’m not gifted at re-assembly and have to call in experts for that.) Well, what I’ve watched all too often, is that you want to start your design project in the middle and that doesn’t work.

Design is foundational and requires you to start at the top with art for example, or at the bottom with a wonderful rug or flooring selection. You don’t start with a sofa in the great room, you don’t start with that bed in the guest room. You need a point of inspiration, something that will provide not only a look and mood but also a color scheme springboard. That’s why a piece of art, or a rug (artwork for the floor) makes it easy.

Lamps are Integral to the Look & Feel

In fact there are seven distinct building blocks for every room and when you can work with these in a logical order you will find your project coming together much more quickly, much more effectively, and much more beautifully. Start with the flooring or a rug, add the wall color or treatment, next is the large upholstery pieces in the room, then the casegoods and tables. This gives you the essential foundation of a room, and this is frequently where do-it-yourselfers stall out. Keep going.

Your next element is lamps and lighting, integral to the look and feel. You can have the most gorgeous room ever but without proper lighting you are in the dark. Your sixth element is accessories and artwork, pieces that make it personal and add character. And last but definitely not least are window treatments to frame your view, control natural light, enhance privacy, augment your acoustics and positively impact the insulation of the room.

Design is a layering process and you have to know the layers in order to create a room that invites, nurtures, and supports your lifestyle. Explore my website for more interior decorating and life design tips.  If you want your own personal interiors coach contact me.

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