Photo courtesy of PinkberryI wrote in Saturday’s “In House” home and design briefs column about Pinkberry’s current room makeover contest. There’s still one day left to apply for the contest, which celebrates the frozen yogurt chain’s seventh birthday. But if you miss it, here’s a complete list of decorating tips assembled by the corporate design team at Pinkberry, a company that’s is as dedicated to fresh fresh design as it is to using fresh foods…Pinkberry’s 20 Rules of Design
”Luminosity: bring light and air to any room.”
Tip 1: Ambient light – Use dimmers to “set the mood” in a space. Dimming the dining room chandelier, for instance, can create instant ambience.
Tip 2: Accent light – Light display areas and under cabinets with small halogen puck lights or fluorescent fixtures to brighten areas usually cast in shadow. Use timers to have them come on for mornings and evenings – set it and forget it!
Tip 3: Environmentally smart – Replace inefficient incandescent bulbs with lower wattage compact fluorescent bulbs or LEDs to lower your energy usage while maintaining your light levels.
”Color: harness the power of the palette.”
Tip 4: Unify your home with color – Avoid individual color schemes from room to room, as it will make your home feel smaller. Rather, use similar colors from space to space but use them in a variety of ways to add richness to the space.
Tip 5: Create texture and pattern – Monochromatic doesn’t have to mean boring. If you prefer to use just one color, vary its intensity. Add lots of texture and pattern to provide interest or create a bold strike with a complimenting color.
Tip 6: Express yourself — Match your color choices to your personality. If you are a lively, vibrant person who loves life, for instance, it should be reflected in your color choices.
“Simplicity: less is always better.”
Tip 7: “Quality, not quantity” – It’s an old adage, but still rings true when decorating your home. Having one piece that’s unexpected is the key to any good design.
Tip 8: When simplifying, focus on details – Baseboards, door and window trims and other architectural details should reflect and complement the style and era of your space.
Tip 9: Don’t be afraid of negative space – Not every area of a floor or wall needs to be full of things to be complete. Sometimes the most precious item is space.
Tip 10: Maintain clean lines and uncluttered spaces — One way to maximize a sense of space in a home is to cut down on accessories and wall hangings. Clearing clutter will help free the senses.
“Originality: find a signature.”
Tip 11: Start your decorating with a piece that’s significant to you – It could be heirloom furniture that’s been in the family for generations, a work of art painted by a friend or favorite artist, or something unusual you bought at a swap meet. The most important element is that you love it.
Tip 12: Don’t feel locked into decorating in a particular style – Mixing and matching pieces from different style periods personalizes a space and adds individuality.
Tip 13: Inspiration – Search for an inspiration that can help create an overall concept/feeling for the space and always remember it when designing the space.
“Intention: the function behind things.”
Tip 14: Little investment, big performance – A great way to spruce up your home is to replace door knobs, light switches and cabinet hardware. Replacing the objects that you touch every day with quality hardware can change your entire perception of a space.
Tip 15: Keep functional areas functional – Bathroom floors, kitchen counters and other areas that get a lot of use need to be made of appropriate materials that are designed for their purpose.
Tip 16: Design for how you really live, not how you think you are supposed to live – A formal dining room may be used twice a year, but if you love music that space could be converted into a listening lounge that you use every day.
Tip 17: Focal Point – A touch of pattern/texture or a simple graphic element can bring playfulness and interest to the space.
“Timelessness: avoid trend, go for classic.”
Tip 18: Anchor – Trends come and go, but a classic piece will last for generations. Anchor a space with well-built, quality furniture that can complement a variety of design choices.
Tip 19: Classic doesn’t have to mean old-fashioned – There are lots modern furniture choices that will be just as great ten or a hundred years from now.
Tip 20: Show patience when decorating your home – If there is a great piece of furniture you’ve always loved, wait, save your money and buy that piece. Trying to find an imitation or “reasonable facsimile” just isn’t worth it.
