I’d like to spruce up my space. I live in a small place, obviously–I’m a college student, after all–and, lately, I feel like it’s stressing me out. After a long day of studying or a long night of socializing, I find it tough to come back to my tiny spot, which just doesn’t feel comfortable or beautiful in the way that I want it to.
I’d love to make some changes, but I don’t really know much about interior design. Experts, what kind of suggestions would you give to someone who is looking to learn more about design and indoor spaces, and who is hoping to use that knowledge to improve their small, rented living space?
Interior design matters. We know from scientific studies that our spaces can change our moods and create certain reactions. It’s a fact that your living space affects your happiness and psychological health. So if you think that your space is increasing your stress level, then it’s probably not just your imagination! So what can you do about it?
Learning about interior design can seem daunting at time. It’s a discipline that mixes concrete science with artistic flair. It requires a person to adjust their expectations and techniques to suit their specific space–in interior design, one size does not fit all. And there are professional interior designers who dedicate their whole lives to improving indoor space, so what can we do with our limited free time?
The good news is that even a small time commitment is enough to improve your sense of interior design and give you real results in your space. If you’re willing to learn and experiment, you’ll have every chance of making a meaningful change to your space.
So where can you learn? There are plenty of options. Online resources are a great first stop for independent learners. You can turn to expert blogs like Apartment Therapy, or you can head to message boards and other user-generated resources that offer advice and discussion. There are a lot of books on the subject, too, full of tips, guidelines, and creative inspiration.
You said that you live in a small, rented space, so keep that in mind as you look over materials. You may want to skip articles about extensive DIY projects and focus instead on pieces aimed at renters and others seeking temporary improvements. You’ll find that there’s a lot you can do with rented spaces by using art and wall hangings like Canvas Prints or fabric tapestries. And don’t neglect the power of rugs, throws, and pillows!
Interior design has its own set of rules and standards, but those rules were made to be broken. So by all means, learn from books and websites that art should be hung at eye level–but make sure that you’re not afraid to try new things and rearrange your space on a whim! Trying out different things is how you’ll hone your skills and your sense of what works for you. Good luck!
“A house is much more than a mere shelter; it should lift us emotionally and spiritually.” — John Saladino
