Did you know that the home remodeling industry is expected to reach annual revenue of $95.1 billion by the end of the year? It’s easy to see that people care deeply about improving their homes.
Unfortunately, when it comes to interior design many homeowners get stumped when deciding whether to hire someone or do it themselves.
It’s not an easy consideration. DIY designs can be more personal and affordable.
But, they also require insider knowledge that not many people have. So what should you do? In this article, we’ll help you decide whether to tackle your home design project yourself or seek outside help. Let’s get started!
Get Inspiration Everywhere
Many people who are new to interior design feel the need to be wholly original in their home layouts. After all, what if someone accuses you of copying a style? Our response: so what!
Interior decorating is much similar to clothing fashion in that trends exist to be copied. That’s what makes them trends.
As such, we recommend avoiding this mentality. Don’t be afraid to borrow from different styles that interest you.
Often doing so can inspire you to make new and creative interior design choices. For example, say you love the nostalgic look of mid-century 1950’s interior design.
But, you also have your eye on the sleek, minimalistic arrangement of a modern layout.
Why not combine the two? There are truly an infinite amount of combinations. Because of this, the result is sure to represent you. So where can you find inspiration?
Home décor magazines and websites are a great place to start. Or, if you want to see what non-professionals are doing, then check out Pinterest for some ideas. Remember: imitation is the best form of flattery.
Choose DIY Designs That Interest You
Oftentimes, homeowners choose a design that reflects what they think other people will like.
For example, some people may choose a French country design because many of their friends are into it.
There’s nothing wrong with using these styles if you like them. However, these design trends shouldn’t keep you from hiding your interests.
Remember that a home is your haven. As such, it should reflect the things that you love.
For example, if you love photography, then don’t be afraid to cover your walls in photos. The same goes for paintings and other art.
Or, if you love music, then incorporate concert posters and musical instruments into your room layouts.
Book lovers can add large bookshelves or stacks of novels to add a literary vibe to the room. Don’t be afraid to experiment and show off the things that you love.
Use Multiple Colors or Shades
For many people, color is one of the toughest design elements to nail. The color theme of a room is intensely personal, so no one can tell you the option is “best” for a room.
However, some principles can tie the room together in a beautiful way.
We recommend using roughly three different colors or shades in any one room. The main color option should be the paint on the wall. The next option should be either the same shade or a different, but complementary, color.
Put this shade into the furniture around the room — the couches, chairs, and tables. The final color can go into the accessories in the room. Flowers, pillows, and lampshades are a great place to start.
Go with any color scheme that makes you feel happy and comfortable in your home.
Don’t Forget About Lighting
Lighting highlights the design elements that you want people to see. So, if you have a large painting you want to show off, then consider putting an overhead studio spotlight on it.
This will make the piece pop out.
Also, don’t forget the natural lighting. The more windows in a room, the less you need to rely on traditional overhead or lamp lighting.
Plumbing Fixtures Can Transform a Bathroom
It can be difficult to add design elements to a bathroom. This is because bathrooms serve an important utilitarian purpose that doesn’t mesh well with elaborate accessories.
Instead, try adding style in the form of plumbing fixtures.
The look of a shower or a towel rack can do wonders for tying together a room. Once you have these fixtures installed, then work backward from there. Choose a color and layout that fits these types of fixtures.
Know Your Limits: Hire a Professional If You Need Them
It’s important to realize that not everyone is cut out for interior design. If you find yourself struggling to come up with an idea, or having difficulty executing it, then consider contacting a pro.
Often, when people think of interior decorators, they envision someone coming into their home and making all the decisions. But these professionals can be as hands-off or hands-on as you want.
For example, there are interior design packages that allow you to talk to a consultant for just a day. This option is ideal for people who just want a few new items in their room.
Or, you can go with the full-service design option.
This option is for people who want the interior decorator to handle all the major decisions. Regardless of which option you choose, the one-on-one approach is a great option for people struggling with DIY undertakings.
Want More DIY Home Improvement Content? Keep Exploring Knock Off Decor
We hope this article helped you find a good compromise between DIY designs and professional interior design services. If you have the experience, or the desire/will to learn, then going the do-it-yourself route can be a rewarding experience.
However, if you hit a roadblock or two, then don’t be afraid to call on professional services. Remember: they’re here to help.
Looking for more content on the décor you can do by yourself at home? Knock Off Decor has you covered. Keep reading our articles to find something that inspires you.
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