Master the Basics of Interior Decorating Design in One Evening

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Master the Basics of Interior Decorating Design in One Evening

Staff Writer · Dec 13, 2009

To master the basics of interior decorating design in only one evening, you need to know how color works into design as well as become acquainted with the various styles. The following information should give you the rudimentary information you’ll need to decorate your apartment so you can add to its comfort and enjoyment.

Color Basics

To understand the kinds of colors to incorporate into your design ideas, it’s good to have a fundamental knowledge of color. The three primary colors are red, yellow and blue. Combining two of any of these colors will result in a secondary color. For example, blue and red creates the color purple; yellow and blue combine to make green; and red and yellow creates orange. Warm colors, which are better used in larger spaces, are normally comprised of colors using red as their base. Cool colors comprise colors that mainly use blue as their foundation and are best used in smaller spaces. If you add white to a color, it is a tint. Adding black to a color creates a shade. Using tints and shades then can effect a color scheme. Typically, in most apartments, a monochromatic scheme is used.

Monochromatic Color Scheme

As stated, colors can be used in a variety of schemes in interior design. A monochromatic color scheme is often used in small spaces using neutral or muted hues. In this type of color scheme, the designer employees one color with variations of the color  in the room design.

Different Styles

To understand the basics, it’s essential to learn the types of styles that work best in small room design. These include Mission Style decors, Art Deco, Retro Decorating, Contemporary Design and eclectic themes. All these styles have one thing in common and that is they all use neutral hues, pale colors or earth tones and incorporate clean lines into their designs. For inspiration, review the time period when some of these themes were popular. For example, the Mission Style was used in the late 1800’s to 1920’s, Art Deco was a popular style in the 20’s and 30’s, Retro Decorating is a theme from the 60’s and 70’s and an eclectic theme can combine one or more period styles into your design ideas for your apartment.

Furniture and Accessories

Once you find a style you like, you can better make a selection as to the type of furniture and accessories you will use in your decor. For instance, if you find you like contemporary styling, you can stay with neutral colors or white for your walls and ceilings and add furniture made of natural woods, leather, chrome, glass or stainless steel. It’s easier to make a decision in this regard once you find a style that appeals to your tastes and personality.

Overall Decor

Appreciating color and style is basic to design success, whether it be your living room decor, bathroom decor or furniture arrangement on your patio or deck. Good design also entails making optimum use of your space. You can do this when you have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of color and style and use this knowledge to add to the aesthetic appeal and decor of your apartment.

Study the  styles and make use of color. You’ve mastered the basics. Now you can decorate.

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