Noting and following the prior elements that we mentioned to use in your design will help set you up for success. To continue the trend and add to the list of must-have ideas, here are some more ABC rules and guidelines when tackling a design project.

I | Innovation

Design is ever changing; throughout the decades, trends have come and gone.  While some designs have proven to be timeless additions to homes, whereas the more “trendy” pieces have cycled through the years and become remastered.  Being innovative in your designing is essential.  Never limit yourself but allow the unexpected.  New, innovations always catch people’s attention.  Designing your space with unique, artsy, and innovated styles can really be a game changer in your design.  Staying up on industry trends, fashions, and contemporary designs can allow you to stay ahead of the curb in the design world, but remember, design is always changing! Adaption can be helpful.

J | Journey

Never rush the process.  So many times, people will choose the quicker or less expensive option of flooring, furniture, or other home improvement items.  Making the right decision can sometimes mean making an investment.  Designing your home can be a journey.  Do not find yourself buying quantity over quality. You will find yourself continually rebuying goods that cannot hold up to everyday wear and tear.   Decide what investments are worth and the longevity of every product you bring into your home.

K | Knowledge

Interior design is not only an art but a science.  Educating yourself is key to becoming better at interior designing.  When you first go to an art gallery, the first picture may be breathtaking, but as you progress your journey throughout the gallery, you may quickly find a new favorite.  The more you research and learn about different styles, genres, and themes in interior design, the more you can tailor your home to the best style suited for you.  Maybe you love one method, but as you deep dive more you discover subcategories which steal your heart even more.  Never neglect to add to your overall knowledge when interior designing.

L | Lighting

Lighting is essential to making your home.  Windows add light to rooms and allow rooms to feel more significant; therefore, light colors are great to add in smaller spaces to let light flow more freely throughout the space.  Light can strongly enhance the overall feel, appearance, and size of your room.  There are at least three categories of lighting you should be incorporating into your home.  Your ambient lighting should be used to give overall coverage to your room.  This is you light which allows you to navigate throughout your home and can be a chandelier, overhead light fixture, or a light rail.  Your second type of lighting is your accent lighting.  This lighting is typically used to evoke someone’s eyes towards a focal point of another point of interest in the room.  Accent lighting can be spotlighted on artwork or even be lighting behind an entertainment center to give it a 3D pop.  Lastly, you want to embrace task lighting.   Task lighting is the light you use for performing different endeavors in your home.  This could be a nightlight to read or lights under your kitchen cabinets to help brighten up as you cut your food.

As you can see the more you know, the stronger your design game becomes. Do not rush the process but learn and grow through your journey of designing. An element as simple as lighting has so much to offer to a space. Never limit your knowledge but allow yourself to have the strongest understanding of design when you start customizing your home.

For more design inspiration, be sure to read The ABC’s of Design | M-P.