Design Manifesto

A simple approach to every day surroundings

In an age of constant demands on our time and attention, many people are more than comfortable – unfortunately -- transposing pre-fabricated design ideas (think IKEA and Pottery Barn) into their own spaces. 

But the truth is it doesn’t take a degree in interior design (but it certainly helps) to bring order and harmony to a particular space, producing surroundings that reflect an individual’s personality and lifestyle. Following a few simple guidelines can help even the most design-challenged individuals to overcome their design-o-phobia and pull together more aesthetically-pleasing personal environments.  

Step 1: Take Stock

Start by doing an honest inventory of your space’s assets and liabilities. Determine how much actual room is available in the space you’re looking to outfit, and be honest about its limitations (windows, closets, and stairs are examples of structural elements that limit available space). Then determine which of your furnishings you simply must keep, and which you may be willing to part with (if it comes to that).

Measure these against your goals and aspirations for the space. This is the “reality check” part of the process … because the truth is that most of us fall prey to the temptation to cram too much into too little space – the cardinal sin of interior design. The key to a happy, live-able environment is not the quantity of stuff it contains but the balance between space, scale and furnishings.

Step 2: Seek Variety

Many people will sell you on the notion that to work well, a design approach needs to be tightly coordinated. I disagree. I am a firm believer in mixing and matching pieces from different styles and periods.  The point is not to reflect one particular aesthetic, but to reflect your personal outlook and tastes. The way you combine different looks says a world about you and your personality.

Step 3: Re-Assess Your Layout

Sometimes, merely shuffling a few pieces around will go a long way toward overhauling the look and user-friendliness of your space. For starters, look to the traffic patterns in your space. Are they clear? If not, try creating clean lines of travel for an easy-living space. Then look to the space’s visual balance. Are all your big pieces to one side, with little pieces to another? Try moving some things around to achieve some equilibrium. Finally, look to use pieces in new and interesting ways. For example, the end table doesn’t have to live at the end of the sofa; maybe it’ll work better in the kitchen or even – imagine this! – the bathroom.

Step 4: Let There Be Light … And Color

Illumination is crucial in creating the right atmosphere. Use free-standing lights and table lamps as much as possible; indirect light is much more pleasant than overhead light, and portable lights can be moved around as required.

Color plays a dramatic and powerful role in helping spaces overcome their weaknesses. Light, luminous colors help to expand small, dark rooms and darker hues make big spaces seem smaller and cozier. Colors can also serve as borders that help to delineate specific smaller areas within a larger space.

Many people look to the design of their living space as a reason to stress out … but the most important guideline of all is to see the arranging of a living space as an opportunity to have some fun and flex your creative muscles. Start slowly, tackle the job in bite-sized chunks, and remember that, like life, the joy in designing a living space lies not in the destination, but in the journey itself.