Before starting a project to decorate a space in the house, you have to ask yourself some questions in order to get to know the space better and become aware of our area of intervention.
These questions that we present to you will also help you to be more clear about the objectives, functionalities and effects that you want to achieve in the space, as well as the time and resources that you want to invest to make the change you are looking for.
To get started, the first and most essential thing is to know:
Do You Want to Modify the Entire Decoration Base or Do You Want to Give a Renovation to Space With Different Touches of Style Than There Was?
Once you are clear about this, it will help you to think about some key points to give harmony, coherence and quality of life to the spaces. We will tell you about them below, grouping them into 3 focuses, so that it is more comfortable for you to cover them all:
- The previous state of decoration
- Functionality and distribution of spaces
- Composition, style and contrasts
Within each of them, you have to review different things to take into account: some will have more to do with a complete change, while others will serve as a reference in case your decorative project is aimed at more specific aspects.
PREVIOUS STATE OF SPACE AND DECORATION
Is the Space in Good Condition or Does It Need Repairs?
Before starting to decorate it is important to check the state of the room since if there is an important element that is in poor condition, the best option will be to evaluate the possibility of making the necessary repairs.
You also have to think about whether you have good insulation since quality doors and windows help improve the well-being of the space and provide a structural base that will look visually cleaner when decorating.
What Do I Like About My Space That I Want to Highlight?
Once we evaluate the quality of the space, you have to look at the space with love and take a good look at the original details that can be recovered or highlighted in the decoration. Beams, door frames, some applique or dust cover to which, by applying colour, you can give a different and charming touch. For example, in the photo, the structural beams are painted black, which gives the decoration of the space several extra points.
What Do I Want to Get Rid of or Leave More Out of Focus?
It may be that in the evaluation of the space you find some detail that you want to be seen less, or also part of old furniture or “decorative” elements (that are not so decorative) that you want to get rid of. This is the time to think about Marie Kondo and throw away what you don’t need. In this sense, it is also a good idea to detect the points that you like least in the space you are going to decorate, to find ways to hide them by diverting attention from those areas.
What Can I Recycle From the Decoration That I Already Have?
Another important point is to take advantage of elements that we already have, looking at them with new eyes and giving them a new life: perhaps an old carpet, which washed and accompanied by the appropriate elements will give a vintage touch, or take advantage of those inherited furniture or elements that, well maintained and restored, they can make our space more interesting. Remember that classic pieces never fail.
FUNCTIONALITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF SPACES
Who Will Use the Space or Room That I Am Going to Decorate?
Because decorating a children’s room is not the same as a desk for someone who spends a lot of time in it or a bedroom for a married couple. Thinking about the people who will inhabit the space and the type of activity that they will carry out, you will be able to better know what basic elements are needed to provide comfort, what moods you want to achieve with the chosen colours and styles, and you will be able to project better. the type of atmosphere you are looking to achieve.
Is It a High Traffic Area or Infrequently Used Space?
Closely related to the previous point, is to think about what function the space to be decorated inside the house fulfils, if it has an intensive use or not. Knowing this, it will be easier for you to choose materials and accessories that will be perfect and that can give durability to the decoration: for example, do not put fragile elements in a children’s playroom or choose a floor made of resistant material and support furniture such as mirrors or a coat rack for a hall.
What Textiles Am I Going to Use and How Can They Contribute to the Decoration?
Textiles are sometimes an aspect that tends to be forgotten when one begins with the decoration of a space, and in reality, we should not leave them aside, because they can give a very special look to areas that would otherwise go unnoticed.
For example, in the windows we can create combinations of colours and textures by combining curtains with sheers, or if you want more insulation, including a roller blind. In the same way, in a bathroom, a new curtain and a colourful towel set can help bring light and joy to space.
Special mention should be made of the tapestries for chairs and armchairs, which give new life both to the furniture where they are applied and to space where they are located, as well as the blankets and cushions that give an extra feeling of warmth and comfort.
COMPOSITION, STYLE AND CONTRASTS
What Colors Do I Want to Use? And What Combinations?
Entering the questions related to the visuality of the space to be decorated, it will be essential to choose a colour palette in which to move when choosing the decorative elements.
Choosing a base tone that is neutral will help a lot if we want to create a decoration that does not go out of style and to which you can later add more daring tones or innovative style elements.
Is It a Good Idea to Try to Give a Specific Style to the Decoration?
Taking inspiration from a specific style will help you to have a base that guides your choice of decorative elements, including those that connect with that style and substituting those that do not connect with it. For example, for a rustic style, we will have to prioritize natural tones and materials, while for a hippie-chic style we can start with bright colours and patterns and more psychedelic objects.
Can I Create Contrast With Textures or Decorative Elements?
Absolutely! Once you have chosen your style and colour palette, think of elements that can generate contrast and interest, especially in areas that you want to highlight: it can be a centrepiece, a piece of art or cushions with more daring patterns to generate touches that take you out of a flat decor and make space more fun.
What Different Atmospheres Do I Want to Create?
Here the luminosity of the environments comes into play, which is very important to create the atmospheres we want for each space. Either taking advantage of natural light or creating intimate corners through lamps or wall lights (which is especially interesting to devise the look that your spaces will have in the evening-night) think that light naturally delimits points of interest that you will be able to take advantage of to create ideal environments and atmospheres.
How Do I Print My Personality?
Last but not least… Include personalized details that connect with your life, experiences and best memories! It can be an object that you brought from a trip, accessories related to your tastes and hobbies, photos that connect with exciting moments in your life, and everything that expresses your style and personality.
This will be the final special touch that will end up making the space you are going to decorate unique and unmatched.
And you, do you have any tricks when you start decorating? Tell us what it is!
