Over in the Curio Collaborative we notice patterns to the questions and conundrums our amazing community comes up with. (psssst…did you know we have a free Design Community where members ask questions and create design solutions together…well now you do! Join us.)
OUR TOP 12 DESIGN TIPS
The truth is that while professional help (hi!) is a huge asset when planning a design project, there are also a lot of easy-to-apply principles that you can use to make your space more polished and practical…right now!
1. Always mount curtains high and wide. No matter the size or use of the room, having curtains wider and higher than the windows themselves gives things a more spacious, grander feeling.
2. Layer texture. Put a plush rug on top of a flat weave. Use various textures (leather, fur, wood) in your throw pillows. Put a cable knit throw on the back of your couch. Textures add interest and depth, think contrasting not matching!
3. Use multiple light sources. Lamps, hanging fixtures, recessed canned lights…use a variety of lighting to affect the mood of the space and add versatility. A dining space that can be bright for homework or craft time but switch to mood lighting when you’re entertaining is beautiful and practical.
4. Use rugs to create spaces. Anywhere you want to designate space, particularly in open concept homes or large rooms, rugs can help create definition while adding texture and warmth.
5. Gallery walls. Display your art or photos in a classic gallery wall. This is a simple way to create a focal point in your space and incorporate images that are personal to you and your family story.
6. User personal objects for character. Accent pieces, knick-knacks and framed art mean more and look better when they are personal to you.
7. Use real fruit as decor. This decor changes with the season, comes with aromas, can be purchased at your neighborhood grocer and…you can eat it. Need I say more? Having your fruit displayed in the kitchen adds color to the space and is an easy to access snack for the kids. Win, win.
8. White bedding. Before you start commenting ‘But my kids! My dog!’ let me say one word: bleach. Followed by OxiClean. White bedding gives your room a luxury hotel feel, brings brightness and a clean look, and can be cleaned more easily than you think. (find a link to our favorite splurge for this here!)
9. Real plants, everywhere. If our collaboration with Flower Works didn’t sell you, let me try again. You CAN keep plants alive, and when you do they will add a freshness and interest to any space. Not convinced? We don’t discriminate against faux plants and our faves are right here.
10. Group things together on a tray. So many of our clients know when they like something, buy it, bring it to their home…and then tell me they don’t know how to make looks feel ‘finished.’ A tray can help pull things together by literally, you know, keeping them together and creating zones on your tables or countertops.
11. Mix metals for a custom look. Until the end of time, we will be encouraging our community to break the ‘don’t mix metals’ rule. The key to mixing your metals? Keep it simple; try not to incorporate more than 2-3 different metallic tones. Keep it together; utilize groupings of 3-5 metallic objects to create a sophisticated and balanced look.
12. Use an accent wall to create a focal point. Not everyone is feeling accent walls…is this design trend in or out? The official Curio Design position is that a punch of color or pattern can highlight a piece of furniture or help balance an oddly shaped room.
Loving the tips, but needing some help implementing them? Let us help! We work locally with clients in Marquette, MI and virtually with clients nationwide!
Sincerely,
Allison
MY SHORT BIO.
Founded in 2012 by Allison Harlow, Curio Design Studio focuses on creating distinctive interior environments for new construction, whole house renovations and kitchen + bath remodels for modern families and leading professionals.
