Designer Tips from Lisa Worth, Worth Interior Design
By Lisa Worth
1) “Go with the flow.”
When selecting flooring finishes for your home, always strive to minimize breaks, regardless of the square footage. Don’t make the mistake of viewing each room as a separate entity. Repetition of finishes ensures a cohesive look.
Think of your floor plate as the background which sets the stage for all the furnishings in your home. Your taste will change over time as you acquire new items so select flooring that can make the transition and grow with you.”
2) “Colour theories can be confusing.”
There are as many professional opinions as there are colours. Forget what you have heard about dark colours’ making spaces appear smaller, there are numerous other factors that can affect that scenario (i.e. light conditions, ceiling heights). Remember one important point: contrast makes a room appear smaller. For a spacious look try a monochromatic colour scheme.
If your walls are painted in warm, rich colours that are deeper in value try painting your trim a creamy off white. Bright white trim works well with lighter hues but can detract from warmer tones. Trim should contrast the wall but not fight with it.”
3) “When altering your flooring don’t forget to look up.
One element homeowners tend to overlook when renovating is the ceiling. Unless your home is older or custom built, odds are you have a sprayed finish. Good lighting plays a key role in your home. Potlights and pendants will draw attention to this imperfection so don’t turn a blind eye.
There are many options to consider. Unless the ceiling has been repainted numerous times, you can scrape, skim the nail pops and paint it. Or add more details like an elegant coffer. You don’t need 9’ high ceilings to pull it off. The perception of height will not be greatly affected as long as the design does not reduce the ceiling height by more than 6”.
4) “All spaces should be a reflection of you.”
If you’re having trouble getting started, look for inspiration from a favourite piece of furniture, a photograph or area rug. Build from there. Don’t rush it. Rooms should evolve over time.
A big trend in the home furnishings industry has been eclecticism; the clever mix of traditional elements with contemporary or modern furnishings. The beauty of this style is that it does not look too thought out or contrived. But don’t be fooled, pulling this off can be very tricky. A good rule of thumb: try not to mix too many wood stains in one space. Add painted elements or finishes such as glass or iron.”
5) “A home should reveal itself to you slowly.”
Achieve this effect by creating layers and depth. When planning a renovation don’t skimp on the “bones”. In the world of design the bones are the flooring, windows, lighting and trim or architectural detailing.
Add details like wainscoting. It is not only aesthetically pleasing for spaces where you want to make a good first impression, like your foyer, but very functional for high traffic areas. Beef up your baseboards and add back band trim to your existing window and door casings to increase their visual weight. It’s a cost effective alternative to replacing casings, which can add up quickly.
With good bones you don’t need to spend a lot of money on expensive furniture items and decorative accessories to trick the eye. “
6) “Your home is a work in progress.”
Over the years the accumulation of furniture and decorative accessories can result in a cluttered interior. It is important to periodically take inventory and edit. Discard items that no longer hold special meaning to you. Take a hard, critical look at each space in your home. If you don’t love it loose it.
Some furniture pieces can be transformed with a simple coat of paint. Whether your look is contemporary, traditional or modern, all rooms benefit from a hint of black. Take the piece that is just not working and paint it a high sheen or matte black. Guaranteed, it will transform into a sleek new piece and fit right in.”