Well, after a year and a half, my son’s industrial bedroom is finally complete! I started working on his bedroom two summers ago, but launched my design business at around the same time, and unfortunately, his room got pushed to the back burner. However, I’m thrilled with the way it has turned out and I’ll be sharing my design tips on how to get the look.
Tip #1: Take stock of the entire space and figure out the best possible design plan
I know this seems like I am stating the obvious, but this is really so important. This is your opportunity to get it right! Some of my clients have waited years to renovate their homes, so it’s critical not to rush this step. This is the time to gather all of your inspiration, whether it’s from Pinterest, Instagram, and beyond. You don’t want to regret your decisions, but even worse, you don’t want to kick yourself for having done something amazing, but lost the chance!
Tip #2: Think about storage needs and how you are going to function in that space for years to come
When designing my children’s rooms, I really try to think about how we are going to live in that space for many years. For example, if I strip away some of the decor in my son’s room, I could easily transform the look and feel of the space to evolve with him as he grows. I’ve never been a fan of themed rooms because they will only take you so far. Try to choose pieces that will provide you with adequate storage well into the teenage years. The storage bed with drawers, desk and bookcase offer ample storage and the crate adds so much character.
Tip #3: Mix shades and patterns for a layered and curated look
Although I had two soft colors of gray and blue in the space, something still didn’t feel right. I felt like the room needed a punch, so I added pops of navy blue throughout. This really offered contrast, but all of the tones were still pretty cool, so I added a natural leather pillow to add some warmth. This helped to pull everything together and allowed the space to feel more cohesive. Adding pillows in various sizes, shades, heights and patterns creates depth and visual interest to the overall look. Layering throws, blankets and pillows adds additional warmth and coziness to the space.
Tip #4: In order to get the right items, sometimes you’ll have to DIY
Let’s get something straight…I am not a DIY’er by any stretch of the imagination, although I wish I was. However, sometimes I will attempt to make something if I can’t find what I am looking for, or need specific dimensions. For example, I made this linen covered cork board with nail heads to fit over my son’s desk, as well as the linen covered books for his bookcase. They honestly were not that time-consuming and were very budget friendly.
Tip #5: Use an explosion of textures
Besides varying different tones and patterns, this is one of the best tips that I can give you as a designer! The more texture you add to a space, the more it comes to life. Adding touches of wood, galvanized steel and metal, as well as layering woven baskets, area rugs, poufs and bedding with different textiles keeps the space interesting and not monotonous to the eye. Sometimes you can’t put your finger on exactly why a space works, but this is definitely one of the reasons.
Tip #6: Opt for unique/vintage and functional pieces that add character
My favorite part of the space is the crate dresser/bookshelf with the double pipe shelf above it. These are both functional pieces that offer ample storage, but have elevated the space with their character. Again, adding varying heights, colors and finishes to the shelf and bookcase add further visual interest and balance. The linen covered books add a great contrast against the weathered wood.
Tip #7: Choose lighting that elevates the space, but is also practical
I chose an orb pendant with six lights to adequately illuminate the space. Since the majority of the lines in the space are straight, I chose a round pendant to soften things up. I chose two industrial open style table lamps for reading and a task lamp that you can maneuver to position the light exactly where you want it for the desk. Remember that lighting sets the ambience for the space and is a major factor in the overall feel.
Tip#8: Anchor the space with an area rug
I love area rugs and will use them every chance I get. They anchor the space and pull everything together. Plus, they offer an additional layer of warmth and coziness. It’s definitely alright to use an area rug over an existing carpet and I get asked that question all of the time.
As you can see, a space doesn’t come together overnight. It requires a lot of critical thinking and patience to get it right. However, when you do get it right, the end result is so worth it. You’ll have a curated space that you love because of all of the thought that went into the design process. I hope these deign tips will help you the next time you are designing a space in your home!
Until Next Time,
Nicole
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