Interior Design Notes

How To Light A Space

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Introduction

• Lighting has the power to make or break a space.
• Poor lighting choices can ruin a well-designed room.
• The video covers three common lighting mistakes and four useful tips.

Mistake 1: Incorrect Lighting Temperature

• Using an incorrect lighting temperature is a common mistake.
• Color temperature is measured in Kelvin, ranging from 1000 to 10,000 Kelvin (warm to cool).
• Four main categories of light colors: warm white, soft white, bright white, and daylight.
  • Warm White (2700-3000K)
    • Mid or warm golden yellow light.
    • Suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms to create a cozy atmosphere.
  • Soft White (3000-4000K)
    • Slightly cooler, yellowish white light.
    • Best for bathrooms and kitchens to create a bright, friendly atmosphere.
  • Bright White (4000-5000K)
    • Between white and blue.
    • Ideal for home offices and garages.
  • Daylight (5000-6500K)
    • Blue tone light, creating a sterile and cold atmosphere.
    • Used in hospitals, commercial, or office spaces to maximize color contrast.
• Smart LED bulbs can adjust both brightness and temperature through apps or smart devices.

Mistake 2: Mixing Color Temperature

• Avoid mixing color temperatures in a single room.
• Inconsistent temperatures create a disjointed feel and make decor and skin tones look off.
• In open plan spaces, compromise with a color temperature between warm white and soft white for consistency.

Mistake 3: Not Layering Lighting

• Use various types of lighting in a room for even light distribution.
• Four types of lighting: overhead, ambient, task, and accent.
  • Overhead Lighting
    • Common ceiling lights.
    • Often relied upon solely, which creates unflattering shadows.
  • Ambient Lighting
    • Soft, natural feeling lighting like lamps with fabric shades.
    • Spread out across the room for even light.
  • Task Lighting
    • Directional lighting for specific tasks like reading or preparing food.
    • Examples: table lamps, bathroom vanity lights, track lights, under cabinet lighting.
  • Accent Lighting
    • Aesthetic lighting to highlight certain areas or objects.
    • Examples: recessed LED light strips, spot ceiling lights, track lights.
• Combining different lighting types can elevate the space and enhance design elements.

Tip 1: Match Lighting Fixture To Other Elements

• Match lighting fixtures to other room elements for a cohesive look.
• This can be done through color, texture, or material.
• Example: Matching matte black hardware with matte black lighting fixtures.

Tip 2: Diffuse Your Light Source

• Diffusing light sources reduces harsh shadows.
• Use lampshades or opal glass shades to soften and break up light.

Tip 3: Use Dimmers

• Adjust the brightness of lights depending on the time of day and task.
• Smart bulbs or traditional dimmers can achieve this.
• Examples: Philips Hue bulbs, Ikea Trådfri system.

Tip 4: Light Your Outdoor Spaces

• Lighting outdoor spaces can make indoor rooms feel larger.
• Examples: Outdoor sconces, spotlights in pot plants, fairy lights on trees.

Design Tips For A Small Space

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Intro

• Living in a small space can be challenging, especially when balancing form and function while making enough storage for all belongings.
• The video covers 12 design tips to make a small space look and feel bigger.

Use Multifunctional Furniture

• Ensure every furniture piece has more than one function to maximize space.
• Examples: Storage cabinets that double as benches, rollout storage systems under beds, sofas with storage under cushions.
• Use decor that hides clutter, such as wicker bins, baskets, and trays.
• Consider multifunctional furniture specifically designed for small spaces, like bookcases with fold-down tables, sofas that convert into beds, storage headboards, expandable dining tables, and white blackout blinds that can be used as a projector screen.

Keep It Organized

• Keeping a small space organized and clean makes it feel larger.
• Be intentional about what you own and where you store it.
• Have specific cupboards or shelves for storage to avoid clutter.
• Periodically deep clean and donate or throw out old items.
• Use a transition box for items you’re unsure about, and rehome them if unused for a month.
• Rotate favorite decor items every few weeks instead of displaying them all at once.
• Use a combination of open and closed shelving for storage to balance clutter and personality.

Paint Walls Light Color

• White or light-colored walls make a space look and feel bigger by reflecting light.
• Dark wall colors absorb light, making a room feel smaller.
• White walls create an open and airy space by maximizing natural light.
• Painting skirtings and door trims a slightly lighter or brighter shade than the walls enhances the effect.
• Keeping the color palette to a minimum simplifies the space and reduces visual clutter.
• Light or neutral shades for furniture can continue the illusion of a larger space.

Accent Wall

• Accent walls bring attention to one area of the space, allowing other areas to breathe.
• Examples: Painting a wall, fireplace, or door in a different color or using wallpaper with a large pattern.

Mirror & Reflective Surface

• Mirrors trick the eye into perceiving more space by reflecting light and color.
• Placing a mirror opposite a window reflects light and makes the space feel larger.
• Tall and slender mirrors draw eyes upwards, creating a sense of height.
• Reflective surfaces like glass or marble on tabletops can also enhance the sense of space.
• Resting an oversized mirror on the floor can be a less permanent option for renters.

Low Profile Furniture With Legs

• Smaller furniture creates breathing room between pieces, making the space look bigger.
• Low-profile furniture with legs allows light and air to flow under and around it, enhancing the feeling of openness.
• Consider using alternatives like side tables instead of coffee tables or mounting a TV to avoid large media consoles.

Round Shaped Furniture

• Round furniture pieces take up less space and create a feeling of softness by avoiding harsh corners.

Leave Enough Space Between Furniture

• Avoid cramming in too much furniture; maintain 45 to 60 centimeters between pieces for walkways.
• Pulling the couch away from the wall can create a sense of roominess.
• Angling furniture pieces in a corner can make the space feel bigger.

Emphasize Vertical Elements

• Vertical wall paneling, floor-to-ceiling shelving, and hanging bare bulbs create the illusion of more height.
• Horizontal wall paneling and longer furniture items can emphasize the width or length of a room.

Roller Blinds / Lightweight Curtains

• Blinds maximize daylight by fully exposing the window.
• Curtains can create a cluttered feeling and block some light.
• Lightweight, breezy fabrics in neutral shades for curtains can work if blinds aren’t preferred.
• Hang curtain rods high and extend them horizontally beyond the window frame to maximize sunlight and create a sense of height.

Layer Your Lighting

• Use overhead, ambient, task, and accent lighting to make the room feel spacious at night.
• Slender floor lamps and recessed or track lighting are good options to avoid imposing on the space.

Sliding Doors

• Sliding doors save floor space by sitting flush to the wall when open.
• Pocket doors slide into a cavity next to the wall, creating the illusion of a larger space.

10 Living Room Interior Design Mistakes

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Intro

• Designing a living room that is beautiful, comfortable, and functional can be challenging.
• The video covers the 10 most common living room design mistakes and tips on how to fix them.

Poor Layout

• Pushing all furniture against the walls may seem like a space-saving solution but can create a poor layout.
• Start with a sketch of the space using pen and paper or software like Rayon.
• Consider the desired use of the room and a focal point.
• Arrange furniture to create an intimate seating area, avoiding shouting across the room.
• Pay attention to traffic flow, ensuring major walkways are roughly 36 inches wide and smaller rooms 24 inches.
• Avoid blocking doors and account for door swings to prevent obstacles.

TV Too High

• Mounting the TV too high forces viewers to strain their necks and disrupts visual harmony.
• Consider using a bracket to lower the TV or opt for a frame TV that blends in with the room’s aesthetics.
• Position the TV at eye level when seated, and avoid placing it too high.
• If dealing with a fireplace, position the TV on a perpendicular wall or the same wall but to the side.

Scale & Proportion

• Scale refers to the overall size of an object, while proportion is the balance of components in relation to one another.
• Avoid oversized furniture in small living rooms and undersized items that make the space appear awkward.
• Follow the Golden Ratio or 2/3 rule to ensure proportionate and aesthetically pleasing spaces.
• Apply the 2/3 rule to the width of sofas, coffee tables, and artwork for a balanced look.

One Light Source

• Relying on a single overhead light source makes the room look dingy and uninviting.
• Use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting.
• Mix ceiling, table, and floor lights at various heights and locations.
• Consider the temperature of light bulbs, preferring 2700 to 4000 Kelvin for living rooms.
• Use smart bulbs or dimmers for adjustable lighting intensity.

Matching Furniture Sets

• Matching furniture sets can make the living room look like a showroom and lack personality.
• Mix and match new and vintage pieces, and experiment with shapes, colors, and personal touches.
• Look for common threads like material, style, or color to tie the room together.
• Don’t rush the process; take time to source pieces that you like and that will be useful.

Not Layering

• A fully furnished room can feel flat due to a lack of layering.
• Introduce different textures, materials, shapes, tones, and scales for depth and richness.
• Contrast various elements like hard and soft, straight and curved, and dark and light.
• Add variety and contrast to avoid a flat and boring space.
• Pay attention to height, using tall lamps, plants, artwork, and curtains to add dimension.

Not Considering Lifestyle

• Tailor the living room design to fit your lifestyle for functionality and enjoyment.
• Evaluate your needs and preferences before purchasing furniture.
• Ensure furniture is kid or pet-friendly if needed.
• Consider storage needs and traffic flow in the space.
• Choose pieces that align with your budget and preferences.

Looks Over Comfort

• Don’t prioritize looks over comfort; ensure furniture is practical and comfortable.
• Avoid pieces that look good but aren’t comfortable or functional.
• Choose furniture that suits your lifestyle and is comfortable to use.

Wrong Sized Rug

• A common mistake is getting a rug that is too small for the space.
• Ensure the rug is big enough to fit the front legs of sofas and armchairs, or all four legs.
• If the rug is too small, layer it with a larger plain rug underneath to rectify the size discrepancy.

Not Considering Storage

• Clutter is the enemy of a well-decorated space.
• Use the 80/20 principle: keep 80% of items in closed storage and 20% on view.
• Add storage solutions like long units or custom pieces.
• Think vertically to maximize storage space.
• Utilize void spaces, such as under sofas, for additional storage.

Secrets To A Magazine-Worthy Home On A Zero Dollar Budget

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Intro

• Instagram and Pinterest feature beautiful spaces that seem like distant dreams for many.
• There are ways to make your home cozy and elegant without breaking the bank.
• The video covers eight tips for transforming your home on a tight budget.

Focus On Atmosphere Rather Than Aesthetic

• Focus on how you want your space to feel rather than solely on how it looks.
• Three easy elements to change with little money: scent, sound, and lighting.
  • Scent:
    • Scent has a massive impact on the atmosphere.
    • Options: candles, diffusers, essential oils, room spray, plants.
    • Example: Green fragrance from Muji for a calming scent.
  • Sound:
    • Sound impacts ambiance; play soft jazz or classical music for a calm atmosphere.
    • Play upbeat tunes for an energizing atmosphere.
    • Music personalizes the space and reflects your identity.
  • Lighting:
    • Lighting creates a cozy atmosphere.
    • Use warm and dim lighting to create an intimate atmosphere.
    • Layer multiple light sources, hang sheer curtains to diffuse sunlight, and use the correct light bulbs.

Reverse Image Search

• Reverse image search before buying to find similar products for less.
• Companies often track trends and competitors, leading to similar-looking products with different price points.
• Urban Outfitters is known for high markups; reverse image search on Google to find cheaper options.
• Check specifications to ensure quality when finding cheaper alternatives.

Decorate Slowly

• Decorate gradually rather than all at once to save money.
• Wait for sales and look for secondhand options.
• Define your aesthetic or vision before shopping.
• Keep a schedule or list of items to manage your budget and track purchases.
• Use professional scheduling templates to keep track of items.

Resell Old Stuff

• Sell old stuff to fund new purchases.
• List items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
• Selling items is often easier and more environmentally friendly than dumping them.

Lookout For Freebies

• Check free sections on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.
• Look for curbside pickups for used furniture needing minor repairs.
• Ask family and friends for unwanted furniture.
• Search your cupboards, attic, or shed for forgotten items.

Decorate With Plants

• Greenery is uplifting and reduces stress and anxiety.
• Get plant cuttings from others to propagate.
• Look for free plants on Marketplace or Craigslist.
• Use foraged branches and flowers for homemade arrangements.
• Local nurseries offer cheaper plant options than plant shops.

Rearrange Pieces

• Rearrange furniture for a fresh look without spending money.
• Address issues like chairs scraping walls or coffee tables being too far away.
• Use floor planner software to test new arrangements or physically move items to see what works.

Declutter

• Declutter to make your space feel less overwhelming and more inviting.
• Ask yourself if you use or love each item when sorting through belongings.
• Use a donation basket to gradually reduce clutter.
• Donate items if you haven’t thought about them for six months.

How To Elevate Your Living Room

Video link

Intro

• Decorating your living room can feel daunting as it is one of the largest and most important areas of the home.
• The video covers common mistakes people make when designing their living rooms and provides design tips to elevate the space.

Purchasing All Furniture From One Place

• Buying all furniture from one place makes the room look like a showroom, lacking personality.
• Combine pieces from various places within the same theme for a unified but interesting look.
• Variety makes the living room feel rich and layered.
• Example: Coffee table, side table, and TV unit in similar styles but different finishes.
• Avoid buying everything from one line as it limits the room’s development over time.
• It allows for flexibility in replacing or upgrading pieces.

Artworks or TV Too High

• Hanging artworks or mounting TVs too high creates an awkward gap and can cause neck strain.
• Artwork should be hung at eye level, roughly 150 cm from the center to the floor.
• Above furniture, artwork should be 10-15 cm above the piece, and above a sofa, 15-20 cm.
• Treat a gallery wall as a single piece of artwork for hanging.
• Use painters tape or paper cutouts to plan the arrangement before hanging.
• Avoid mounting TVs above fireplaces; if necessary, use an adjustable mount.

Too Much Furniture

• Ensure there is enough space between furniture pieces to avoid a cramped atmosphere.
• General guideline: 75-90 cm walkways between large pieces, 45-60 cm for smaller spaces.
• Negative space is important for balance and focusing on specific objects.
• Avoid using furniture that is too large for the room, which can look heavy and suffocating.

Too Small Rugs

• Small rugs feel awkward and make the room appear smaller.
• Rugs should ground the seating area, with either the front two legs or all legs of furniture on the rug.
• Rugs should be at least 15 cm wider than the sofa on both sides.

Too Small Artworks

• Small artworks cheapen the look and highlight large blank spaces.
• Art above furniture should be half to two-thirds the width of the furniture.
• If unsure, bigger artwork is always better.

Plan Ahead

• Take time to plan your design style, collect inspiration, take measurements, and set a budget.
• Avoid buying random pieces that don’t go together.
• Repetition of colors, patterns, textures, or shapes creates cohesion.

Incorporate Color or Contrast

• Adding contrast through color makes a space look more elevated and balanced.
• Use multiple shades, tints, or tones of a favorite color.
• A hint of black adds needed contrast while maintaining balance.

Add Greenery

• Include indoor plants, faux greenery, flower bouquets, or simple branch arrangements.
• Greenery adds life and visual appeal to a room.

Use Multiple Light Sources

• One light source is not enough; mix and layer accent, task, and ambient lighting.
• Use floor and table lamps to vary height and balance light throughout the room.
• Turn off harsh ceiling lights at night for a relaxing atmosphere.

How To Pick The Right Furniture For Your Home

Video link

Intro

• Designing a room or apartment from scratch can be challenging due to the many factors involved, from color and design style to furniture size and placement.
• Often, this results in a place that feels disjointed, lacks personality, or looks like a showroom.

Assessing the Space

• Before starting the design phase, assess the space by asking key questions:
  • What are the functional needs of the room (e.g., extra storage, workspace, dining area)?
  • Consider your lifestyle and how the space will be used (e.g., working from home, entertaining, cooking habits).
  • Determine if there are existing pieces to keep or part with.
  • Establish a budget to allocate funds wisely.

Using Milanote for Organization

• Use Milanote to organize and connect all information.
  • Drag and drop elements, use sub-boards, columns, and arrows.
  • Utilize pre-designed templates for interior design, customizable to your needs.

Finding Your Style

• Create a dedicated Pinterest board for each project.
  • Pin everything that piques your interest to identify your style.
  • Pinterest will recommend relevant images based on your activity.
  • Trim down the board to focus on the overall vibe.
  • Create separate boards for specific ideas or layouts.
• Use Milanote’s web clipper extension to save images directly to your board.
• Look at interior design website like Studio Mcgee

Measurement and Planning

• Take measurements of the space using a laser measuring tool and draft a floor plan.
  • Use free software like Floorplanner to visualize the scale and placement of furniture.
  • Mark walls or floors with painter’s tape to test furniture fit and look.

Research and Budgeting

• Research furniture pieces, referencing your style and aesthetic.
  • Budgeting is crucial to avoid overspending.
  • Narrow down to roughly three choices per category.
  • Use Milanote’s web clipper to save product links for easy reference.
• Decide on the major piece or focal point of the room first.
  • Repeat the same wood or metal tones at least twice for continuity.

Creating Mood Boards

• Play around with combinations and create mood boards in Milanote.
  • Edit images to remove backgrounds for a cleaner look.
  • Use tools like Photoshop or free options like remove.bg.
  • Generate complementary color swatches in Milanote based on existing images.
  • Utilize resources like the Dulux Color Atlas for paint colors and hex codes.

Furniture and Decor Placement

• Ensure rug size is appropriate:
  • Rugs should be at least 15 cm wider than the sofa on both sides.
  • Front legs of the sofa and chairs should rest on the rug.
• Coffee tables should be half to two-thirds the length of the sofa.
• Add decor items to incorporate colors and contrast.
  • Combine warm and cool tones and include some neutrals.

Final Styling

• Styling makes the room unique to you.
  • Experiment with lamps, books, and decorative objects.
  • Don’t be afraid to make changes until you are satisfied.

How To Turn A Rental Into A Warm And Inviting Home

Video link

Intro

• Designing a home that is warm and inviting is a common desire, but renting comes with limitations.
• This video covers principles to make your home warm and inviting, whether you rent or own.

Lighting

• Good lighting is essential for a cozy atmosphere.
• Avoid using ceiling lights as the only source of light; they can be harsh and cast unflattering shadows.
• Mix different types of lighting: table lamps, floor lamps, overhead lamps, and ambient lighting such as light strips.
• Rental-friendly solutions don’t require drilling or routing cables.
• For homeowners, options include pendant lights, chandeliers, wall sconces, and track lighting.
• Warm light temperature is key for coziness.
• Smart lighting like Philips Hue bulbs allows you to dim and change the temperature through a phone, remote, or smart devices.

Bring in Natural Elements

• Greenery adds warmth and a pop of color, brightening up a space.
• Options: live plants (purify air and look best if maintained), dried plants (low cost, zero maintenance), and faux greenery (avoid anything that looks too fake).

Use Natural Materials

• Natural materials like wood bring instant warmth.
• Light-colored woods such as oak and birch provide a nice contrast to black furniture and metals.
• Add wooden elements through decor and kitchenware.

Add Texture

• Texture adds depth and coziness.
• Use rugs to brighten the room, warm up your feet, and add personality.
• Rugs can also create zones in open-plan spaces.
• Comfortable slippers keep feet warm and reduce dirt and dust.
• Add texture with functional decor like pillows, throw blankets, and woven baskets.

Hang Artwork and Mirrors

• Empty walls lack homeliness; artwork and mirrors help.
• No right or wrong amount of artwork, but ensure intentional placement.
• Fill about 2/3 to 3/4 of wall space with artwork.
• Hang artwork 4 to 12 inches above furniture.
• Command picture hanging strips are rental-friendly and allow adjustments.
• Mirrors reflect light and make rooms feel more spacious.

Avoid Clutter

• A tidy house leads to a tidy mind.
• Organize everything and ensure each item has its place.
• Keep surfaces clean and perform daily tidying tasks.
• Use cable trunks and organizers to reduce visual clutter.
• Consider a floor TV stand for a hanging look without drilling.

Fragrance and Scent

• Scented candles, potpourri, and diffusers keep your home smelling pleasant.
• Essential oil diffusers offer natural scents and health benefits.
• Fragrance oils are cheaper but lack health benefits.
• Open windows to let in fresh air for natural scent.

Sound

• Background music enhances the ambiance, like in a coffee shop or restaurant.
• Inexpensive speakers can fill a room with sound.
• Sonos speakers allow for the same music to play across different rooms.
• Nature sounds are also effective for ambiance.

How to Choose A Color Palette

Video link

Intro

• Designing a home can be challenging due to many options and combinations for color palettes.
• This video covers the basics of color theory and steps to choose the perfect color palette.

The Basics of Color Theory

• Hues: Colors on the color wheel divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary categories.
• Tints, Tones, and Shades: Created by altering hues with white, gray, or black.
  • Tint: Adding white
  • Tone: Adding gray
  • Shade: Adding black
• Warm and Cool Tones:
  • Cool tones: Blue, violet, green (calming, soothing)
  • Warm tones: Red, orange, yellow (cozy)
• Color Schemes:
  • Analogous: Three hues next to each other on the color wheel.
  • Complementary: Two opposite colors on the color wheel.
  • Monochromatic: Variations of a single color.
  • Triadic: Three colors evenly spaced on the color wheel.

Choosing Color Palettes (7 Steps)

1. Establish Mood:
   • Decide the mood you want (calm, relaxing, warm, welcoming).
   • Assess current colors and their impact on your home’s atmosphere.
2. Find Inspiration:
   • Use Pinterest, mood boards, fashion, and personal preferences.
   • Determine whether you prefer neutrals, warm organic looks, or black and white schemes.
3. Choose Dominant and Secondary Colors:
   • Consider existing architecture and non-negotiables like fixed finishes.
   • Use tools like the Canva color wheel or color palette generator for guidance.
4. Repeat Colors but with Variants:
   • Use different tints, tones, and shades of the same color to create rhythm and visual interest.
5. Combine Cool and Warm Tones:
   • Balance cool and warm tones for a welcoming atmosphere.
   • Ensure variety within monochromatic or analogous schemes.
6. Consider the 60-30-10 Rule:
   • 60% dominant color (walls), 30% secondary color (furniture, rugs), 10% accent color (decor items).
7. Test Out Your Chosen Colors:
   • Use samples to see colors in different lighting conditions.
   • Paint swatch stickers can help visualize colors without residue.

Low Commitment Ways to Add Color

• Use neutral bases (white walls, neutral furniture) and add color with:
  • Throw pillows, blankets, flowers, budget artwork, plants, and books.
• For more permanent changes:
  • Change cabinet or door hardware.
  • Paint existing doors or furniture.
• For larger but non-permanent changes:
  • Switch rugs, change curtains, or use removable wallpaper.