You have probably heard the terms interior designer and interior decorator interchanged, but what really separates the two genres of careers? Interior designers must have a vast understanding of all fields including architecture, design, and psychological knowledge of different cultures and styles. Interior decorators are based on the aesthetics of the atmosphere and how it makes the space feel, whereas interior designers need to worry more about functionality and flow of the space. Understanding the differences between both fields and how to borrow their styles and incorporate it in your own home is a powerful tool. Here are three easy techniques to use from each career field to help you design your own home. Let’s take a look!
- Design Themes and Colors
Designers have a vast understanding of diverse design styles, themes, and colors. They can take the influence of an urban neighborhood to amplify the design of an industrial-themed space or likewise make a country home rustic-themed. Different styles and techniques are applied to make a room feel well-rounded, balanced, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. For example, the rule of 60-30-10 is a guideline many designers use in determining a room’s color scheme. This rule suggests that the most balanced color is with sixty percent being a primary color to the room, thirty percent is a secondary color, and the remaining ten percent being an accent color.
- Decorating
Decorating is a blend of fashion, aesthetics, and colors that can help influence how a room portrays itself. Different decor pieces can be used to enhance a look you are going for in the space. Decorators use a trick called the “Rule of Threes” when decorating a home. This principle implies that decor looks better in odd-number groupings, preferably three and insinuating the outline of a triangle. Using tricks like this throughout your space is a perfect home remedy for decorating display shelves and cabinets.
- Functionality
Both designers and decorators know the importance of functionality. While architects make the blueprint and layouts of the home, it is essential to keep the room functional. If a room is circular, roundtables may be the route to go to prevent unwanted loss-of-space. A room should always be easy to navigate and never confusing; think of pathways and accessibility when decorating and designing.
Using these general but helpful tools in your own space is the perfect way to imitate a designer and decorator. While both designers and decorators have a whole arsenal of tricks to use, these are some good general guidelines to help you with your own home. For more great tips and tricks, visit us at From The Floors Up. As always, thanks for reading!