Make Your Life Easier with These Interior Design Tips

Introduction

Ah, the age-old quest for the perfect interior design – a task that has launched a thousand Pinterest boards and triggered more debates than pineapple on pizza. But fear not, fellow décor enthusiasts! If you're tired of wrestling with throw pillows and rearranging furniture like a game of Tetris, we've got your back. Welcome to a world where functionality meets fabulousness, and your space reflects your style without causing a design-induced breakdown. Say bonjour to Manoir's design hacks and get ready to elevate your interior game with these sanity-saving tips!

 

 

**1. Declutter Like a Pro

Picture this: you walk into your living room, and instead of feeling a warm embrace, you're greeted by a jumble of stuff. Clutter can be the ultimate nemesis of good design and a stress-inducer of the highest order. Embrace your inner Marie Kondo and declutter like a pro. Keep only what sparks joy and toss or donate the rest. Even if you are taken with a maximalist look like English Country, layered art, textiles and objects will shine brighter when not competing with the chaos of daily life.

 

Belgian Designer Axel Vervoordt's work often features soft colors and pared-back, uncluttered elegance.

 

 

**2. Color Your World Wisely

Choosing a color palette can be trickier than deciding on the perfect Netflix series to binge-watch. But here's a simple rule: keep it cohesive. If your heart leans towards the soothing blues and whites of the French countryside, select pieces that channel your vision with neutrals that allow you to add color accents in a cohesive way. Whether you're channeling Versailles or a charming Provencal farmhouse, a unified color scheme can transform your space into a design masterpiece.

 

**3. Furniture that Fits, Functionally

Ever seen an armchair squished into a corner like it's being punished? We have, and it's not a pretty sight. Before embarking on a furniture shopping spree, take a good look at your space. Measure twice, buy once. And we get that furniture is more than aesthetics – it's about functionality too. From space-saving extendable dining tables to multi-purpose storage ottomans, these pieces are like the MacGyver of home décor.

 

"The carefully collected yet laidback vibe in Elizabeth Georgantas's Nantucket living room is the perfect setup for a small space. An upcycled trunk stands in for a coffee table and provides hidden storage for extra throws and loose gadgets and a small sofa is an appropriate scale for the proportions of the room."   - Via House Beautiful

 

**4. Let There Be Light

Lighting is the magic wand of interior design. Got a space that feels as cozy as a crypt? Open those curtains, embrace natural light, and let your home breathe. For the evening ambiance, opt for a mix of lighting options – ambient, task, and accent lighting. Chandeliers and sconces aren't just sources of light; they're sculptural works of art that can transform a room into a captivating haven.

 

The chandelier in this dining room designed by Joy Tribout Interiors is a focal point of the room, as are the unique sconces.

 

**5. Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall

Speaking of light, mirrors are its best friend. If your space is on the petite side, mirrors can create an illusion of space and add a touch of elegance. French-inspired design loves its ornate mirrors; the right piece will boast exquisite design that makes a statement while bouncing light around like a benevolent disco ball.

 

Influencer Tammy Damore of The Cultivated Home styles Manoir's dramatic Fleury Mirror to bring light, elegance and a sense of space to her interior. 

 

**6. The Accent Affair

Let's talk about accents – the supporting actors in your interior drama. Throw pillows, rugs, curtains, and accessories can turn a neutral canvas into a masterpiece. Neutral furniture in white linen, for instance, provides a backdrop that's both classic and versatile, allowing your accents to shine like stars on a clear Parisian night.

A muted palette in this Provencal home sets the perfect stage for these stunning, subtly-colored accent pillows, throws and objects to stand out.

 

**7. Nature's Touch

Plants – they're like the pets that don't need walking. Greenery can infuse life into any room, offering a fresh contrast to the structured lines of furniture. From lush potted plants adorning your console table to hanging planters in the kitchen, well-chosen furniture can provide a harmonious backdrop for your newfound indoor garden.

Bringing the outside in breathes life into this elegant French space. 

**8. Personal Flair is the Key

Remember, your home should tell your story, not replicate a page from a catalog. Inject your personality into the design. Whether it's an art piece you picked up during your travels or that vintage record player you inherited, let your space resonate with your journey. Let your room provide a canvas for your uniqueness to shine.

Vignettes in Breeze Giannasio's interiors consist of findings from the owners’ travels, creating a personal, comfortable living space.

**9. Create Comfort Zones

Your home should be the ultimate comfort zone – a place where Netflix marathons and Sunday morning croissants intertwine seamlessly. Invest in cozy seating options like plush armchairs and sofas that beckon with open arms. But don't forget style!  Manoir is of the firm belief that in the importance of comfort and style; you shouldn't have to choose between the two!

A comfy but elegant seating area done in the French style coexists with a charming kitchen, creating a cozy but refined space where life happens. 

 

**10. Love at First Sight: Entryway Charm

First impressions count, even for your home. Your entryway sets the tone for what's to come. A well-placed console table, a mirror to check that hair flip, and some tasteful décor pieces can make your entryway as inviting as a French café. 

"The foyer of Brooke Shields’s New York City townhouse, decorated by David Flint Wood, is furnished with an 1860s Chinese desk adorned with decorative blue-and-white vessels." - Via Architectural Digest. 

 

Conclusion

Embarking on an interior design journey doesn't have to be a Herculean feat. With these tips, your home can be a sanctuary of style and function. Remember, interior design is like baking – a little mix of practicality and creativity can result in something utterly delicious. So, declutter, embrace color, invest in functional furniture, play with lighting, dance with accents, invite nature in, and infuse your unique essence. With a dash of French flair and a sprinkle of your personality, you'll have a space that's as stunning as it is livable. Happy decorating!