The design process is crucial to the success of any home renovation project. Essential home decorating principles must be followed to complete a project successfully. The most enjoyable, yet challenging, part of the process is the design stage. Writing down your thoughts and plans can be a daunting task. Nevertheless, the renovation results can be maximised through careful planning of the available space and detailed consultation about concepts and colours.
Any home renovation must include room layout designs. Space planning begins with understanding room function and users. It is a multi-step process that maximises square footage and shows how to get around. Textures, colours and furniture complete the plan.
Using your space without planning can lead to multiple problems. To avoid these, start by touring your space and deciding what to do. What do you want to improve through remodelling? Are all the changes essential and immediate? These questions will help you prioritise, focus and adjust your budget.
Check these Home decor ideas for modern homes in India
Using lighter tones
It’s common knowledge that using lighter paint colours can make a space feel airier and larger. To maximise the benefits of natural light, it is best to have light-coloured, bright walls, as they are reflective and create the impression of space. Dark colours tend to soak up light, making rooms appear smaller, therefore they should be used in moderation. Lighter colours are better for smaller homes because they allow for more accessorising options. Choose a subdued and muted background. Shiny surfaces, like satin or eggshell, reflect light and give the room an open feel. In addition, these colours complement any design scheme or space.
Mirror for illusion
In a small living quarter, mirrors become invaluable. If your bedroom or living room is narrow, you can make it seem longer by placing mirrors along the walls. You can make the room appear much larger by strategically placing both large and small mirrors. Mirrors can make a room appear more spacious and airier. It helps create the impression of depth if angled to reflect a focal point. To create the illusion of height and space, simply hang a tall mirror on the wall. Mirrors of extreme height and narrow width can be used to create fascinating optical illusions. Mirrors must be hung opposite windows or design features, whenever possible, for the desired effect.
Glass partitions
Glass can be folded or slid to create movable partitions. It’s great to have this on hand for social gatherings. It’s adaptable and can become a cosy nook to relax. If the room is small, glass walls can work wonders. High-quality sliding room dividers can partition large rooms into smaller units while allowing the full space to be utilised. A room divider is a smart purchase because it can be used in multiple ways and improves the aesthetic appeal of your home. A glass divider is a great way to divide large kitchens and living rooms without sacrificing the original layout.
Folding furniture
Include furniture that can be folded away neatly until needed. If you ever need them, they will serve their purpose admirably and be simple to put into action. Horizontal surfaces can be created on demand with the help of foldable dining tables and study ledges, leading to incredible utility spaces. On the other hand, if they are vertical, they add less height but make the room appear larger.
Full-length curtains
Full-length curtains and other similarly sized window dressings make the room look bigger. Curtains, with long, vertical stripes, hung from the ceiling are perfect for rooms with low ceilings to give the impression of more height. Avoid short curtains and horizontal stripes. Place the curtain rod as high as possible above the window to give the illusion that the window and wall are far apart. If the rail is mounted near the ceiling, it gives the impression of the wall being higher. As a result, the entire space feels larger.
Wardrobe design
Shelving tends to become chaotic. Removal of items and the risk of their toppling over can quickly lead to frustration. Use drawers to store items in the closet so that they are out of sight but easily accessible. A lot of the clutter that accumulates on the exterior surfaces can be eliminated if bars, that aren’t frequently used, are stored at the base.
Larger rugs
Larger rugs play a significant role in expanding the visual field of the room. Low tables and chairs can be used in rooms with limited headroom. Keeping the geometry intact and avoiding shape play is advisable. Avoid making radical shape changes but hanging some art can completely alter the atmosphere.
Inspiring room renovation ideas
Modern rustic décor
Blend natural wood accents with modern elements such as metal. Go for a brick accent wall to create a rustic appeal. You can even pick reclaimed materials for furniture and décor to give a modern room an industrial look.
Rich velvet texture
Create a luxurious room by using rich elements and textures such as velvet, floral wallpaper and classy cushions, curtains and rugs.
Nature-inspired design
Incorporate earthy and natural elements in the room using wood and stone. Decorate the space with plants and choose vibrant green shades for the upholstery.
Room renovation: DIY vs. Professional
It is important to weigh the pros and cons of choosing a DIY home renovation or opting for professional services.
DIY: Pros
- Budget-friendly option
- Choice to personalise the space
- Flexibility in terms of adjusting the timelines
DIY: Cons
- Lack of knowledge or skill which can lead to mistakes
- Sometimes, there may concerns regarding safety when handing structural or electrical work
- Time consuming as you are involved from planning stage till the completion
Professional services: Pros
- Expert guidance based on skills and experience.
- Professionals work efficiently and complete within the specified timelines.
- Professionals adhere to the building regulations.
Professional services: Cons
- Renovation through professionals can be quite expensive.
- You will have limited creative control over the project.
Budget-friendly room renovation tips
You need not make huge investments to renovate and design your room. Some of the affordable and DIY ways to renovate a space are mentioned below:
- Strategically place mirrors to give a sense of spaciousness to the space. Mirrors also make the room look brighter.
- Install new lighting fixtures to give your room a refreshing ambiance. Opt for stylish pendant lights instead of traditional lighting options.
- Incorporating houseplants is an affordable way to revamp a room. They also a add colour and texture to the space.
- A simple idea to give your room a new look is to rearrange the furniture and create a new layout. This will maximise space and improve the flow of the room.
- Finally, you give a fresh coat of paint for the walls. Go for a new colour theme to create a vibrant look.
Room renovation: Finding your style
Before you begin on a room renovation project, it is essential to identify your personal design style so that the space reflects your personality. Start by checking various design styles online or referring to home decor magazines. Find out the design elements that appeal to you, which can include a colour theme, a furniture design, etc.
The next step is to understand the functionality and purpose of the room. For example, a living room is used for relaxation and entertainment. So, create a design with soft and comfortable furnishings and adequate lighting.
You can also consider mixing and matching different styles to create your own design style. For example, you can apply a combination of traditional and contemporary elements.
(The writer is Principal Architect of Tushar Mistry Design Studio – TMDS)