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Principles of Design
by Valerie Lee, Anastasia Design Group, St. Augustine, FL
Whether you’ve just moved, are looking for a simple home facelift or perhaps
something more significant, there are many tricks that designers use to create a
big impact for minimal effort and cost. A beautifully decorated interior not only
functions well, it uses color, patterns, and texture to create a mood that reflects
the individuality of the owner and their family. By sticking with these three main
principles of design – mood, function, and individuality – you will be on the path
to a successfully designed living space.
Let’s begin by setting the mood. Before selecting paint or rearranging your existing furniture, spend some time thinking about what mood best suits you and your
family. Most designers suggest finding an inspiration from a magazine, or perhaps
the color or pattern of your favorite dress, before making larger commitments.
Once you have selected an inspiration that suits your individual style, it’s a good
idea to create a name for it. Maybe your style is coastal transitional, bohemian
chic, or modern contemporary. Once you are descriptive and specific with your
style, design ideas will begin to flow naturally. Colors and patterns should also support the mood of your space. Be sure
that accent pillows, rugs, and artwork have complementing and matching color schemes to ensure the style flows
throughout the room.
Functionality is key to a lived-in space. Contrary to popular belief, design is more than just aesthetics. By complementing
focal points with a functioning floor plan you will create a space that is both stunning and comfortable. Since each space
differs from the next, it’s important to highlight natural focal points such as a fireplace or a beautiful view. If there is no natural focal point in the room, you can create one with a accent wall or a dynamic piece of art. Then, determine whether
the existing furniture works well in the given room. If a piece of furniture is too large or small for the room, consider trading
it with something else that makes more sense for the mood and function you’re going for. Finally, when selecting lighting
fixtures for a room, be sure to consider both the style and function of the space. Soft mood lighting suits a conversational
space such as a living room, whereas recessed or track lighting is a good option for kitchens.
Home is where the heart is. Therefore, your home is a space in which you are able to express your personality through
elements of design. Redesigning your living space is a chance to show off your personal style. In my experience, most
clients have sentimental items that they want to make an integral part of a space. I always suggest each acc \