What comes to mind when you think about your home and how the interior feels to you? Does it feel relaxed, casual, formal, hard, or sterile? I would have to say that with all home interiors, one common goal is to have the feeling of comfortability that this is home. A place where you are out of the public eye for a moment and can just be. One way to make this easier for the home owner is to soften the space. By using the term “soften,” I am referring to the use of soft goods. This would include window treatments, rugs & carpeting, bedding, pillows, and throws. It is actually amazing what these simple items can either add, or if missing, detract from a space.
Here are a couple examples of how this works…
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- bedroom with many softening elements. carpeting, bedding ensemble, window treatments, pillows, and upholstered headboard.
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- family room without softening elements. no window treatments, rug, or pillows. feels cold and uncomfortable.
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- modern living room with rug, pillows, and window treatments. appears inviting
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- office without any softening elements. no window treatments or rug. this space appears cold and unwelcoming
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- living room softened with window treatments, pillows, and rug. warm and inviting
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- bedroom looking very cold and sterile. no window treatments, bedding ensemble, or rug
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- living room softened with throw, pillows, window treatments, and rug.
It can be as simple as what size of rug to purchase for a space that may allow an individual to keep from softening their spaces. It is the fear of the unknown and of making a mistake. My clients constantly tell me these exact reasonings behind why they have lived for x amount of years uncomfortable and dreaming of how their homes could look; just not knowing how to get to the desired look. When in doubt, check with an interior designer. This will help you avoid mistakes, wasted money, and time.
