Your Scottsdale AZ Home: New Year, New Design

Guest post by Robyn Randall, ASID

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A new year is upon us and as it relates to your Scottsdale area home, you may want to throw out all the old and start over at the beginning. Not everyone has the luxury of being able to afford a total makeover, but there are certain things you can do to give new life to your environment without breaking the bank.

In this first of two posts, I am will talk about the “what” and the “how” and in the next post, I will provide some ideas for changes that will refresh your home’s look without undertaking a major project.

If there is something you want to tackle right away, the first thing I always suggest when you’re spending money on your home: establish a budget. Although I usually get that ‘deer in the headlights’ expression when I approach this topic, it is an important one. There are no hard and fast rules as to how to establish what your budget is. My guess is that you’ll know what is realistic for you.

Next, decide what rooms or areas you want to update. Maybe the budget will only cover one area initially, but as you begin with the first area and work your way through, the next area you tackle will be easier because you will have begun to think creatively and know some good tricks to cost effectively make those changes.

An important thing to keep in mind, especially if you are only doing one room or area at a time, is that your home should “flow”. 

An important thing to keep in mind, especially if you are only doing one room or area at a time, is that your home should “flow”. In our schooling, designers are taught the Principles and Elements of Design.

These are our guiding and fundamental tools used throughout the design process and are briefly described below in an attempt to help the reader understand that there is some “science” to what we do and will hopefully help you in the process. There are many articles related to these two critical design components online,  so feel free to research, dig in and get a more in-depth understanding.

DESIGN ELEMENTS are the “what” component.

• Line: Simply put…either the horizontal, vertical, etc., direction of a given plane.
• Shape: Two dimensional objects enclosed by lines. An area that is contained within an implied line, or is seen and identified because of color or value changes.
• Form: Three dimensional objects enclosed by a surface.
• Color: Tint, tone and shade of reflected light (Note: Without light, color is not visible).
• Texture: The tactile feel or visual appearance of an object.
• Space: The area around, within or between objects or images.

 

DESIGN PRINCIPLES are the “how to” component.

• Balance: The visual weight and distribution of an element.
• Proportion: The relative size and scale of things.
• Rhythm: The use of recurring elements to keep the eye moving.
• Emphasis: An item or area that is used to catch the viewers attention or be the focus of the room (i.e.; fireplace).
• Unity/Harmony: The relationship between all elements.
• Repetition: Repeating of design elements.

I hope you found this information helpful. In the next post, I will provide specific ideas on areas you may want to tackle as you update your home.

 

More Information: 
Robyn Randall, ASID
Designs by Robyn LLC
Email
Website: www.DesignsByRobyn.com
Twitter: @RobynASID

Creative Commons image Courtesy of Sarah_Ackerman