Your dream home is what your personal space looks and feels like. It doesn’t matter how big or small your home is. It’s creating an environment that is your personal sanctuary, brings joy, tranquility, and the opportunity to create memories that last a lifetime.
I have lived in a small city row home, and I have been blessed to build two dream homes. Each of my homes was chosen based on my financial situation and personal needs at the time. At the heart of choices was that I wanted to create a space where my family could gather, create memories and that was welcoming to all.
No matter what your budget is, if you follow some basic design choices you will create a harmonious environment. There are many design principals that I can share with you, however, time is limited and therefore I will share these two at this time.
1- Emphasis – this is referring to what is your focal point in your room; the first thing you see when entering the space. In my dream home I decided to create a large-scale fireplace that went from floor to ceiling. Additionally, I chose color to further emphasize my focal point. I chose black for the fireplace and white paint for the surrounding areas. Black and white is on trend; however, the main reason for choosing this color combination is because it’s timeless.
2- Symmetrical – It important to create balance. For example, if you place all your heavy pieces of furniture all on one side of the room it will feel like the room is sliding. It important to create balance and distribute heavy furniture pieces around the space. Balance the room by using the same size scale on your right and left side of your room. Chose accent pieces in odd numbers this is very pleasing and balancing to the eye. In choosing your large furniture pieces be sure they are neutral colors it gives you flexibility as your taste changes. It’s much easier and less expensive to change accent cushions, curtains, and rugs, instead of large pieces of furniture that might be expensive.
My favorite design is a play on contrast. For example, black and white and touches of textures and colors that bring harmony to my space.
I often get asked how I work with patterns into the space. I have a simple way of integrating patterns into a space. For example, in my kitchen you will notice 3 patterns all with different scales to create harmony. I use small, medium, and large-scale patterns to make it all work together. For example: the floors in my home are the large-scale pattern, my kitchen countertops are the medium size veining like my floors and lastly the back splash has small scale lines that were part of the floors and countertop. The back splash also has black and white that brings all the elements together. This goes back to the rule of repetition. If you have black in one area of your room incorporate those colors to other areas in your home.
Lastly, choose items that your love and that are in portion to the room size, and it will all work out in the end. Design has always been my passion and it comes to me naturally. I hope to continue this journey and share what I know with others.
Olga Rosa
