Professionals in many areas of design can often times do things that seem impossible to the non-designer. They don’t possess some magical power, they have simply done them so many times, they’ve learned the best way to accomplish different tasks.
Over the years, I have learned many tips and tricks about interior design. These tips, while relatively easy to implement, can have a huge impact on the overall appeal of your space. I love showing them to clients and watch huge smiles come over their face when they take notice. So, in the spirit of giving, I’d like to share with you 8 insider secrets to great interior design.
Secret #1: Grouping Photos
Grouped photos should have a separation of about 3 inches. This will make the group feel like one cohesive unit and will have a greater impact than simply spreading them throughout the room.
Secret #2: Hanging Chandeliers
When you hang your chandelier or other light fixture in your dining room above your kitchen table, the bottom of the fixture should rest 36 inches above the table top.
Secret #3: Dining Room Chairs
Always leave 2 feet of space between the back of the dining room chairs and the wall. This allows for safe and easy passage when someone is trying to get around a sitting guest.
Secret #4: Hanging Items
When you hang artwork, portraits, or a mirror above a console or buffet table, always leave at least 6 inches between the bottom of the hanged item and the top of the console table. Additionally, the table should be at least 1 inch wider than the hanged item on each side.
Secret #5: Rugs
Rugs in a living room space should take up a significant amount of space—usually 60 percent or more. Additionally, leave at least 1 feet of space between the edge of the rug and the wall.
Secret #6: Sofa and Coffee Table
You should have about 18 inches of space between the coffee table and the sofa to allow for safe passage. If your space won’t allow for this, consider leaving the coffee table out. This will ensure your space doesn’t look cramped.
Secret #7: Sofa Table
Your sofa table should be the same height or a couple inches shorter than the sofa arm.
Secret #8: Side Lamps
Never blind your guests. Make sure your side lamps are at eye level when you or your guests are seated.
These 8 secrets, while simple in nature, will improve the overall appearance of your living space. Give them a shot the next time you’re in the mood to switch things up and let us know how it turns out!
(Special Thanks to Anne Engelbrecht from 35DollarDesigner.com for this great article!)
My husband and I are looking at a house that has an HOA, but we never lived with one before so we are curious to know if there are benefits to having one. I liked how you pointed out that one good thing is that they will provide a landscape company to help with the yard work. It will be great not having to worry about spending all of our time doing it, but having it still look nice.
Very nice love the colors
I would love to have a tiny home to live in! It seems more manageable and affordable. The Hiatus in Oregon is beautiful. I love the wood floors. can you put a tiny house on any property? Thanks for the inspiration and information!
I have a home in Stamford CT and I am looking for someone to assume my mortgage. Not sure if you are interested in something like this based on what I saw on your website. Eric
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