Design Essentials for Every Home
Every home should be different and reflect the personality of its owners, but there are definite style rules that every designer lives by. These are things that every home should have and we come back to them again and again because they just work. Our essentials to build the foundation of a beautifully designed home add up to more than a few, but here is a basic checklist that’s simple enough to get anyone started on their way!
A Well-Organized Bookshelf
Look at your bookshelf as a wall of endless decorative possibilities. It’s the perfect place to store your favorite books, but it can also be a great way to display a personal collection, a bold black accent piece, and even family photos, all of which can be tweaked over the years as your preferences change.
Photo: Chameleon Design
Black Accents
Just as with clothing, the same rules apply to using the color black in home decor- it never goes out of style and goes with anything! Black pieces will accent the other colors in the space, while adding definition and sophistication. Remember that you don’t need a lot to make this work, one or two pieces is all you need.
Photo: Chameleon Design
Mixed Textures
Materials are easy to mix and will add lots of depth to your spaces. Whether a room is bold and colorful or subdued and neutral, a truly designed look involves a mix of textures. From fabrics like linens, silks and sheers to materials such as wood, metal and glass, a mix is always the way to go.
Photo: Chameleon Design
Living Plants
A space doesn’t feel truly finished unless it includes some greenery to give it a sense of life. If you don’t have a green thumb there are plenty of options that aren’t high maintenance and will flourish indoors.
Photo: Chameleon Design
Personal Touches
Every space should have at least once piece that speaks to a sense of history with some personal meaning. These types of items will assure that nothing looks too perfect in a room, which is something to watch for. Furniture and accessories are one way to go, but simple vintage details like moldings or sconces will also give your home a great look.
Photo: Chameleon Design
A Mid-century Piece
Trends come and go but mid-century will always feel current and timeless. We’ve talked before about how you never want your decor to be to matchy-matchy and by adding a punch of modern style you won’t run into that problem. An easy way to add modern pieces is through seating- chairs or tables will look stylish and keep the room from feeling too formal.
Photo: Chameleon Design
Art You Love
Art stays with you for a lifetime, and each piece marks a place and a memory. Start collecting pieces one by one and grow your collection over the years. The pieces don’t have to cost a fortune, they just have to speak to you.
Photo: Chameleon Design