Morgan Milzow & Ford, Realtors®
Emily Ford, Morgan Milzow & Ford, Realtors®Phone: (248) 722-4239
Email: [email protected]

The best ideas for DIY interior designs

by Emily Ford 02/07/2024

If your home decorating needs a tune-up, it's beneficial to start with DIY interior designs. You can get the same results as professional interior designers within budget and with your own personal style flair. 

Color schemes: use three colors or shades

Choosing the right color scheme for a living space can be tricky. If you're not sure where to start, seek out inspiration online or in interior design magazines. If you find yourself gravitating toward a particular shade, use it as your starting point. Then, choose two more colors to complement it.

One simple formula for using a tricolor palette is to choose two main colors to use on walls and large pieces like sofas. Use the third hue for accent pieces such as wall art, light fixtures, area rugs or an end table.

Add big statement furniture pieces

It's easy to fall into the trap of using too many small items in one room. While it might feel like you're saving space, an overabundance of smaller furnishings can make a small room cluttered and chaotic. Instead, use one or two large furniture pieces to inspire the rest of your design.

Try an enormous sofa, some low-backed loungers or a dramatic coffee table. Play with different furniture styles to add dimension and interest to a room, no matter the size.

Use trays, decorative bowls & baskets

Designers often use trays, decorative bowls and baskets to display collections or loose objects. Your dining room table is an excellent place to try this design trick. Try combining your favorite accents to create a vignette as a centerpiece.

Get creative and combine unexpected textures and shapes of objects. If you need a focal point to start with, an elegant candle is always a stylish choice.

Add texture

Equally important for color is texture, especially when you are using an abundance of one shade, like white or gray. Usually, a space seems to consist of one color scheme, but often a close examination shows several shades of the same color used in various fabrics and other elements.

For example, a room with white paint can be enhanced with linen draperies, glossy silk pillows, rattan chairs and baskets. All these components add texture and create a warm, rich atmosphere and bring new life to "plain" white paint.

With a little creativity and work, you can become your own interior designer. Use these ideas as inspiration to bring the decor in your entire home to the next level.



About the Author
Author

Emily Ford

 

My experience dates back to 2002 when I obtained my degree in Economics from Kalamazoo College and then immediately went to work as a sales manager for a 72 unit, new home development in Clarkston. I am in my 22nd year of full time residential real estate sales and real estate is my number one passion!

· I earned the "Top Producer" award at Morgan Milzow & Ford Realtors from 2007-2023

· My career accomplishments to date include over 1,000 homes sold and in excess of $300M in closed transactions

· I've been voted an Hour Magazine All-Star 2013-2023, an honor only given to the top 5% of Metro Detroit Real Estate Agents

· I'm a lifelong Clarkston resident & service all of Oakland County, parts of Genesee, Livingston and Macomb Counties, and my area knowledge, professionalism and real estate expertise is unparalleled

· As a top-producing & seasoned Realtor I have a strong support staff that handles all facets of your transaction and thus creates a concierge-like real estate process that is as seamless and hands on as it can be, delivering the service you deserve! “Stress free, worry free” is our mission & mantra

· We offer an unmatched marketing plan with preferred positioning on all major Internet outlets and social media, the best in professional photography, staging, handyman services, top-notch negotiating skills, excellent communication & much more!

· In 2022 I was awarded the Clarkston Chamber of Commerce Independence Women of the Year award for excellence in business and for my community contributions. In 2019 I received the Clarkston Community Businessperson of the Year Award. I’m also proud to have served my community as the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce President in 2018 & 2019. I'm a past recipient of the NOCBOR (North Oakland County Board of Realtors) Distinguished Service Award, nominated by my peers

· I consistently contribute to other, local charitable causes that are close to my heart including Tree of Dreams, benefitting Neighbor for Neighbor, SCAMP and Clarkston Schools

· My resume also includes being an investment property owner, landlord, land developer and home flipper. With my experience and expertise plus my valuable connections I can also offer temporary housing to clients ensuring the most harmonious moving transition possible!