Portland Interior Designer Nancy Zieg -- Design Tips

INTERIOR DESIGN TIPS

Balance and Proportion
The basic elements of design are balance and proportion. That makes good design. Let me expand on that. When I say balance, I want to see one side of a room carry the same weight as the other. It could be asymmetrical and still be good design. A large piece can be balanced by a collection of art or smaller pieces of furniture.

Visual weight or balance is also achieved through the use of colors and tones. One error that is often made, and is easy to fix, is mis-sized art or mis-hung art. A small piece hung on a large wall would be mis-sized. Art hung too high over a sofa would be mis-hung.

Color Focus
It is usually best not to use more than four colors or patterns in a room. If you use too many, there is no focus to hold your interest.

Marks of Life
Don't remove all the scars and history from antiques. Restoration is a good thing but beware of the over-zealous refinisher!

Avoid the Stepford Styles!
Victorian, Colonial, Country....The best interiors are original -- evoking your own ideas and personal style and incorporating your favorite pieces.

Seating Formula
Make your living room seating equal to the number of chairs in the dining room.

Catch the Light
When building or remodeling, make the windows as tall as possible -- the best light comes through the highest panes.