The perfect interior exists – from inspiration to collaboration with a designer
How to define your needs?
Knowing what you truly like and need makes it easier to plan everything and weed out unnecessary solutions. You may not realize it, but over 80% of solutions available on the market are unnecessary, sometimes long-existing but repackaged. Only 20% of solutions are worth considering because of their timelessness and versatility.
5 simple steps to discover your needs
Step 1: What don’t you like about your current apartment or house? List at least five things and features that irritate and annoy you. Perhaps it’s the sink being too close to the hob? Or perhaps the countertop being too low or the lack of space for trash cans? Of course, the more points you list, the easier it will be to avoid them in the future. You can also list things you didn’t like or don’t like about your friends’ apartments or houses.
- Step 2: Which solutions did you particularly like? List as many elements as possible that particularly caught your eye. Look for inspiration in showrooms you’ve visited, and in spaces you’ve rented, both long-term and for the holidays.
Step 3: Divide the information you listed by room to find out what you are paying particular attention to and where information is missing
Step 4: Consider your daily routine. The following questions can be helpful: Do you cook often and extensively? Do you enjoy entertaining? Do you read books or play games in your free time? How much time do you spend away from home and how much time do you spend inside? If you think about it, you’ll see if your home needs more space for guests or a massive bookcase.
Step 5: Who will live with you? One or two people? Perhaps cats, dogs, or other animals as well? Even if pets are just a thought, it’s worth planning a place for them, just as you would for each family member.
How to create a timeless and coherent interior?
1. Choose one specific style instead of several
This is the most important point, because each style has its own rules. If you choose one style, you can create a cohesive interior simply by following the rules of that style.
2. Use durable materials with natural patterns
Although stone countertops are expensive, just like wooden floors, they are timeless materials that can last for many years. Furthermore, their natural pattern soothes our brains, as they’ve already seen something similar in nature. All of this makes the interior less overwhelming and allows us to spend a lot of time in it.
3. Focus on 3 colors
The 60%-30%-10% rule is a great guide to choosing colors for your interior. Choose one dominant color, then complement it with a second. Leave the third color for accessories. And if you’re planning wallpaper in the rooms, it’s a good idea to match it to the colors you’ve already chosen.
4. Repeat patterns and colors in rooms
Not every room has to be different. Contrary to popular belief, you can paint your hallway the same way you paint your living room. It’s even worth doing so if the two rooms are connected. You can get used to the “motley” color scheme, but it’s much harder to concentrate and relax in.
5. Choose large-format patterns
Large tiles in the bathroom, a uniform floor throughout the apartment, or wallpaper covering an entire wall (instead of just a section) will help the interior visually retain its freshness longer. Large patterns give the interior a modern and timeless feel.
