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TESTIMONIALS
“It’s cool and light. Not too loud. Comfortable color (especially if you want people who come into your office to feel “chill”... shoutout to raging parents or intimidated students).”
“I will definitely recommend you to my friends. I’m also excited to see their reactions when they see the dining room.”
Scandiriffic!
Make your space cozier and adopt the Scandinavian design philosophy! No, you won't need to change design styles. Yes, you can still get a similar aesthetic.
If there's one thing I have learned about designing interiors, it's that every client has their own design style. Learning about styles in my courses in PSID (Phil. School of Interior Design) and my review classes at CDEP (Center for Design Environments Profession) taught me that design styles are rooted in history and are always a reaction from the previous period. No, I won't bore you with a recount of the long history of art, architecture and interiors. I will however, give you some tips that you can use in your own space.
As I've mentioned in my previous post, Scandinavian design is here to stay. You may not have a Scandinavian interior but that doesn't mean that you can't adopt their philosophy!
1. Practice "Hygge" ("hue-guh").
Hygge is a Danish word that is used when acknowledging a feeling or moment. It only means a conscious appreciation, and the ability to recognize and enjoy the present. It's not about buying things at all. It's appreciating everything from a simple cup of coffee to having a home-cooked dinner with friends.
2. Marry Form with Function
Over the years, different architects and interior designers have varying philosophies. From "function over form" to "form follows function." Each one has a different belief. Why the need to sacrifice one over the other? The beauty of Scandi design is that it believes in function and form at the same time. That means no, you don't need to sacrifice beauty in favor of function, and vise-versa.
What's more, great design can be affordable. Do you know that plenty of the chairs you see at the restaurants are actually made by well-known designers? The chair below was designed by Charles and Ray Eames.
3. Add plants!
Natural is in! And even if it's not, who cares? I love plants and the way they liven up the space and makes you feel calmer. If you notice the Scandinavians, they love placing plants everywhere! Think you don't have a green thumb? That's actually not true! Just know that different plants have different requirements for sunlight, air, and soil. Find some recommendations on my post about indoor plants.
4. Seek warmth.
Nordic countries are cold. That's why they love adding rugs to their floor and sheepskin to their sofa. If you live in a tropical country like I do, I don't necessarily advocate that you add sheepskin, however, you can always add handwoven throws or blankets! Of course, if you do want to have sheepskin, go right ahead. I love the texture and warmth it brings. You can also add candles. In the bedroom, lavender scented candles are perfect to melt your stress away.
5. With warmth comes character too.
For me, a house with character is a space that showcases the homeowner's personality. This means displaying your collections, and not simply keeping them where you can't see, hanging art, and maybe sculptures too. Whatever floats your boat. While I do, of course, appreciate well-known artists, nobody ever dictated that you had to have a Hidalgo or a Manansala for your space. There are plenty of artists who can make your home beautiful as well. My only guideline: Do buy the one that makes your heart beat faster!
If you're not into art, there are homemade crafts as well. My grandma loved to crochet. Although it may seem "old," what better treasure to use than hand-crafted works of art? You don't even need to spend at all and beautiful memories will always be one for the books.
A final note: No need to spend a ton for all your design needs too. You can scour thrift shops. Sometimes, vintage looks even better. We all know how companies try to imitate that vintage look. For further guidance on thrifting, check out my guidelines too!
Secrets I Learned as a Designer
Some things I certainly wish I knew earlier. But, no worries, I will let you in on my secrets!
1. Always measure your space.
It always pays to measure. You can never be too careful. The wrong size can always lead to purchase regrets. I once purchased this beautiful mirror that I thought was perfect for my bath. But I wasn’t sure about the size. It ended up being too huge. It’s still there grossly reminding me of my mistake!
2. Have a mood board.
A mood board helps set the ambience, the feelings you want evoked in your space. You can make this digitally and use it whenever you go out shopping for your furniture and accessories. It will help you narrow down your choices and definitely eliminate those unwanted impulse purchases.
3. Have a photo of your space.
If it’s a trend, ask yourself “Will I still love this a year from now, 5 years? Just because everyone’s in love with it now doesn’t mean you should buy it. It may not fit your room or even your scheme. So always have a photo of your space to check if it actually fits your decor.
4. Follow your color scheme and design style.
You see this gorgeous azure vase and it seems to be calling to you. The price ain’t bad either. You think it’s a deal but check out your design colors and design style too. Will it fit? Or is it too harsh? Don’t buy it and only regret over impulsive decisions. That’s always something that will be relegated to the corner.
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PORTFOLIO
DESIGNER SECRETS TO MIXING INTERIOR STYLES
It's not often that we find purists of one design style. After all we are human, and humans are complex. So we gravitate towards two or three design styles. But how do you mix them without looking like a big mess?
It's not often that we find purists of one design style. After all we are human, and humans are complex. So we gravitate towards two or three design styles. But how do you mix them without looking like a big mess?
via Pinterest
First, think of your shell – that means your walls, floor, ceiling. Use a single style for your shell. For instance, a good design mix is industrial chic. That would mean a warehouse base with large expensive windows, raw cement floors, and exposed ceiling. Pair this with glamorous and traditional but chic furniture. The combination of raw and sophisticated furniture and accessories makes this a design statement.
Second, stick to a color palette. Use furniture and furnishings that are in the same color palette.
Third, try contrasting styles. My mentor's abode is primarily Filipino with touches of the classic. He makes this work by using predominantly one style and adding a few pieces like his silver Egyptian chairs. A mix of 70/30 is a good ratio to work with.
Lastly, don't be afraid to mix patterns together. The rule is to always follow your color palette for a sophisticated outcome. It adds a designer touch to your space!
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MY PENULTIMATE GUIDE TO FINDING YOUR DESIGN STYLE
What are design styles and why are they important? Styles in interior design are based on the history of art and architecture. One of the most difficult things when renovating or refreshing your interiors is finding out your style.
What are design styles and why are they important? Styles in interior design are based on the history of art and architecture. One of the most difficult things when renovating or refreshing your interiors is finding out your style. Believe me, this is one I've struggled with myself. After all, there are plenty of beautiful images and styles that abound. Over the years, I've realized that our styles change and mature as we get older. What might have been appealing to us when we were younger does not look as good to us now. This is particularly important so that our interiors do not look like a Pinterest photo gone awry. Part of our training as interior designers is to know this so that we may apply the rules and make your interiors look cohesive.
So how do you know which one speaks to you? Which style can you actually stick to and love over the years?
These are some guidelines that can narrow down and help you:
What do you usually wear?
Check your wardrobe and look at what colors, patterns and style you have the most of. Fashion has a large influence on your life. Whether you like casual jeans and shirt for everyday or floral maxi dresses, this can reveal your taste in interiors as well.
What is your favorite outfit?
In line with your #OTD, this delves deeper into your sense of style. Why do you like this particular outfit? Is it the print, the cut? Is it your go-to-outfit for a date?
Look at interior design magazines, whether it's online or offline.
Check a number of magazines and either Pin the images or go arts and crafts and cut them out. My favorites are Elle Decor, House Beautiful. Locally, I love My Home, Condo Living or Real Living.
Focus on the feelings you want to evoke.
Why feelings? Because for a design to work effectively, you need to go deeper and find out what ambience you want to feel. Is it casual? Happy and bright? Elegant and sophisticated? Each feeling can lead to what design style you want.
Look at colors as well.
There are many color palettes available online. Check which ones appeal to you. Colors give you a feel of the style you're aiming for. If you're not sure about the colors, check your makeup (yes, I know, makeup!). What type of makeup do you usually do? Are you a bronze goddess or do you like doing smokey eyes more? What colors do you use? More on neutrals, brights, pale colors?
Create a moodboard.
Finally, take all these together and do it like we professional interior designers do. Make a moodboard. You can make one online or if you're feeling artsy, do it the old fashioned way and make a collage. Remember this means your moodboard will be composed of different images - fashion, favorite outfit, interiors, feelings, colors. Yes, I know you can't moodboard your feelings. Instead, either write it down or if you see a particular photograph that encapsulates that feeling, then that's what you place on your moodboard.
Now, look at all your images together and get the keywords or key images that you think summarizes your look. Or another way is looking at everything and seeing what is common among your images.
Finally, to find out what design style you fit into, subscribe to my newsletter for that FREE E-BOOK to finally turn out the noise and get to know the design that truly talks to you! Scroll down to the bottom to subscribe!