Cindy Aplanalp.... By Design Interiors

I came across this article by Kimberly Fusaro the other day and thought it had some great rules that I try to design by!  It was about interior design faux pas and I've made my fair-share of mistakes and developed some guidelines, much like these because of those experiences.  Of course I have added a little commentary of my own!

"Faux Pas #1: Ignoring Scale

Every piece of furniture looks great in the store—but chances are your rooms aren’t showroom size. “Measure your space and decorate accordingly,” suggests Kenneth Brown, a Los Angeles–based interior designer who sells home decor pieces through QVC. For smaller rooms, ignore your instinct to use a series of diminutive pieces; fewer large-scale pieces will make it seem less busy. On a similar note, consider filling a wall with a single large painting, rather than a group of smaller frames. “It will act as an additional window and draw the eye beyond the room,” says Brown."

I always try to draw furniture to scale on a floor plan before suggesting it to a client or purchasing it for myself- it always gives you a better idea of placement and scale.

"Faux Pas #2: Relying on Recessed Lighting

“I’m so tired of recessed lighting,” says Brown. “It makes a room look like a football field.” If you have recessed lights, use them, but layer your lighting by incorporating additional lighting features. Consider table lamps and floor lamps, and highlight artwork with picture lights. “Your room—and everyone in it—will look beautiful,” says Brown."

Different moods and feelings can easily be accentuated with different lights, not to mention how different tasks require various sources of light.  Task lighting, such as under cabinet lighting, needs to be bright and strategically placed.  However, lighting set on dimmers and lamps can dramatically enhance a space.

"Faux Pas #3: Buying the Entire Matching Set

Just because a store showcases a sofa, loveseat, chair, table andottoman as a set doesn’t mean you have to buy every piece. The first piece Brown recommends leaving behind? The loveseat. In its place choose two chairs, which will allow you to mix and match colors and patterns. Another way to mix things up: Choose a traditional sofa in an unexpected, modern color."

Never buy a matching set!  Mixing and matching different furniture pieces creates a 'layered-over-time' look.  Its interesting and looks like a unique collection of items from throughout a lifetime.

"Faux Pas #4: Picking Paint Colors in the Store

“Stores have terrible lighting,” warns Brown. If you choose a color based on what you see in the store, chances are you’ll hate what winds up on your walls. Before you have an employee mix a few gallons of paint, first consider the colors in natural light, and then again in your home. For the best perspective, Brown suggests poking a hole in a piece of white paper, holding the paint swatch behind it, then looking at the color through the hole. This will give you an unadulterated view of the color."

Light dramatically changes the way a color looks on a wall!  Always take large paint swatches to the space, tape on the wall and live with it for several days.  You will be surprised how much the color will change during the morning, afternoon and night.