How to Pet-Proof Your Furniture

Posted

Close up view of adorable welsh corgi dogs and British longhair cat on sofa at home

Pets are more than just animals to many of us – they’re treasured family members. However, their playful behavior and furry presence can take a toll on our furniture. Claw marks, fur, and accidents can leave our sofas stained and scratched. But don’t worry, fellow pet owners! There are ways to enjoy the company of our furry companions while keeping our homes looking stylish.

Here are some tips for pet-proofing furniture and maintaining a chic living space.

Choose Pet-Friendly Materials

One of the easiest ways to ensure longevity for your furniture is to choose materials that are inherently pet-resistant. Some options include:

  • Leather: While it might get scratched, it’s easy to clean and can often be restored to its former glory with a little care.
  • Microfiber: This material is a pet owner’s best friend. It’s resistant to scratching, easy to clean, and doesn’t attract pet hair.

Use Protective Covers

Investing in protective covers or slipcovers can be a lifesaver. These covers:

  • Protect against dirt and fur: Easily removable, they can be shaken or washed.
  • Guard against scratches: A thick cover can be a barrier against those sharp claws.

Opt for Washable Fabrics

As a pet owner, you know that accidents are bound to happen. Still, choosing furniture with washable fabric or removable cushion covers can make your life easier. This way, spills, stains, and dirt can be easily washed away, keeping your furniture looking great all the time.

Stick to Patterns and Darker Colors

If you can’t fight the fur, hide it! Patterns and darker colors can camouflage pet hair, stains, and even minor scratches. This doesn’t mean you need to opt for a dark-themed living space, but strategically placing patterned throws or cushions can help mask the evidence of a pet-friendly home.

Implement Training and Boundaries

While it’s essential to pet-proof your home, training your pets is just as crucial. Simple commands like “off” can save your favorite armchair from becoming a cat’s scratching post. Also, consider the following:

  • Providing alternatives: Scratching posts for cats or chew toys for dogs can divert their attention from your furniture.
  • Establishing specific pet zones: Having a designated pet bed or area can reduce the time they spend on your furniture.

Perform Regular Cleaning Routines

Stay ahead of the game by establishing a regular cleaning routine:

  • Vacuum often: This removes pet hair and reduces the amount of dirt pets can transfer to your furniture.
  • Wipe down surfaces: Regularly clean the surfaces of your furniture to remove any pet-related residues or oils.

Utilize Anti-Scratch Sprays and Deterrent Mats

You can find anti-scratch sprays at most pet stores. These sprays discourage pets from using your furniture as their personal scratching post. Additionally, there are mats available with harmless spikes that can make it uncomfortable for pets to sit or lie on, which can teach them to avoid those areas.

Having pets in your home doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the elegance and durability of your furniture. By planning ahead, making strategic choices, and regularly maintaining your furniture, you can design a trendy and pet-friendly living space!

If you are in the market for high-quality home furniture, Sherwood Furniture is your one-stop shop! We maintain a constantly updated collection of contemporary furniture for sale in West Bloomfield, MI, and provide our customers with expert interior design services!

Explore our exceptional collection of furniture tailored to withstand the challenges of a bustling, pet-filled household online or stop by in-store today.

Stylish and Functional Study Room Ideas

Posted

A laptop computer sitting on top of a wooden desk in home study room.

In today’s digital age, having a dedicated study space in our homes has become increasingly important. It’s not just about finding a quiet spot to work or study but creating an inspiring and productive environment. The challenge is to design this space in a way that is both visually appealing and functional.

Here are some innovative ideas for creating a stylish and practical study room!

Try Space-Saving Furniture

When dealing with limited space, every square foot is important. Desks with built-in storage compartments or wall-mounted shelves can help save floor space and keep important items close by. For even more practicality, consider getting a floating desk or multi-purpose furniture such as ottomans with storage capabilities.

Incorporate Natural Lighting

Access to natural light can make a huge difference in creating an ideal study environment. It can help boost your mood and minimize eye strain, especially during long study sessions. To maximize the amount of natural light you receive, try positioning your desk near a window and opting for sheer window treatments that can provide privacy while still allowing for plenty of sunshine!

Choose the Right Color Palette

The impact of colors on our mental state is often underestimated. Calming and neutral shades such as blues and greys can enhance concentration while adding a pop of vibrant hues like yellow or green can boost creativity. The key is to find a balanced combination that aligns with your study objectives.

Integrate Modern Tech

Incorporating technology into your study routine is essential in today’s world. It’s important to have a space that allows for seamless use of technology. Consider implementing cable management solutions to prevent messy tangles and installing smart lights that can be adjusted to match your mood and the time of day. Fortunately, many tech accessories are available today that serve their function and add to your room’s overall aesthetic.

Include Inspiring Decorative Elements

Creating an inspiring study space can motivate you to get your work done. Incorporating wall art with motivational quotes, indoor plants for a touch of nature, or stylish clocks as a reminder of time’s value can all contribute to the story that drives you toward success!

Crafting the perfect study environment is about merging the best of both worlds – style and functionality. It’s about creating a personal sanctuary that looks good, feels right, and aids productivity.

If you’re ready to elevate your study space, why not start by exploring some curated furniture selections from Sherwood Furniture? Some of our contemporary home office furniture can be customized with wood, metal, and different surface options and is guaranteed to transform your space into the best working environment for your unique needs and aesthetics.

Browse our home office furniture selection online and stop by in-store to speak with one of our furniture experts and find the pieces that resonate with your design vision.

Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Interior Designer

Posted

House plans, color palettes and fabric samples on light background

Hiring an interior designer is a big step in any home or business renovation project. The right designer can bring your vision to life, add value to your property, and help you avoid costly mistakes. But, to ensure a smooth process and satisfactory result, you must ask your potential designer the right questions before signing on the dotted line.

Here are some crucial inquiries to consider before hiring an interior designer!

What Is Your Design Philosophy?

This question lets you understand the designer’s approach and see if it aligns with your vision and personal style. Do they lean towards minimalism or favor bold, eclectic designs? This insight will help you choose a designer whose aesthetic resonates with your own.

Can You Work Within My Budget?

It’s important to be transparent about your project budget. A skilled designer should be able to offer solutions that meet your budget limitations without sacrificing quality or style.

What Services Do You Offer?

Interior designers offer various services, from basic consultations to comprehensive project management. Knowing the services included will help you assess if they meet your project’s needs.

Do You Have a Portfolio I Can Review?

A designer’s portfolio showcases their talent and style and gives you a glimpse of what they can achieve for your project. It’s essential to review their previous work to assess if their design aesthetics match your vision.

What Is Your Timeline for Completion?

To guarantee that your project is finished within a time frame that meets your personal or business requirements, it’s important to establish realistic timeline expectations. Before proceeding, make certain that the designer can work within your schedule.

How Do You Charge for Your Services?

Interior designers may charge in various ways: a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a cost-plus model. Understanding the designer’s fee structure upfront is crucial to avoid any unexpected costs down the line.

How Will We Communicate During the Project?

Clear and consistent communication is vital during a design project. Understanding how your designer plans to update you on progress, changes, or issues will save potential confusion or miscommunications.

Can You Provide References?

When considering a designer, it’s important to ask for references from past clients. This can provide valuable insight into their work ethic, professionalism, and talent. Be sure to check these references before making your final decision.

Remember, your interior design journey should be a collaboration between you and your designer, ensuring the final result is a space you love.

If you’re ready to transform your home with the help of a professional, explore the design services we offer at Sherwood Furniture! Our team will help you choose the perfect high-end furniture for your space and arrange it to showcase your home’s best features while keeping up with modern design trends. We will thoroughly analyze your home and take note of your personal preferences before presenting our plan to you in a professional manner. Our experienced designers offer complete assistance with interior design services and guarantee you will love the end result.

Browse our design services online today or call (248)855-1600 for more information or questions.

Cool Bedroom Designs for Hot Summer Nights

Posted

Interior of light modern bedroom

As summer approaches, the rising temperatures can turn your bedroom into an oven if you’re not prepared! A well-designed bedroom should be a comfortable retreat, especially during those hot summer nights. It’s about more than just adding a fan or cranking up the air conditioning. With thoughtful design and some strategic choices, you can turn your bedroom into a cool, tranquil summer haven.

Here are a few tips for designing a cool bedroom during the hot summer months ahead.

The Power of Color

Color can have a dramatic impact on the temperature and mood of a room. Light, cool hues such as blues, greens, and light grays can evoke feelings of tranquility and coolness, making them perfect for summer bedroom designs. These colors don’t absorb heat like dark colors, helping to keep your room cooler. Paint your walls a fresh coat of cool color, or incorporate these tones through bedding, curtains, and accessories.

Choosing Summer-Friendly Furniture

The furniture you choose can also make a big difference in the temperature of your room. Opt for pieces made of cool materials, such as metal or glass. A minimalist approach to furniture can also be beneficial. Too many items can make the room feel cramped and warmer, so keep it simple and functional!

Ventilation and Natural Light

Good ventilation is crucial for a cool bedroom during summer. If you have windows, ensure they are unobstructed to allow maximum airflow. Consider replacing heavy curtains with lighter, sheer materials that let in natural light without the heat.

Inviting Greenery Indoors

Indoor plants can make a significant difference in your bedroom’s overall temperature. Certain types of plants act as natural air purifiers and coolants, including aloe vera, areca palm, and snake plants. Plus, they add a refreshing touch of nature to your space.

Setting the Mood with Lighting

Lighting also plays a crucial role in creating a cool ambiance. Opt for LED lights, which stay cool to the touch and use less energy. You can also use dimmer switches to control the room’s light, reducing both heat and energy consumption.

Choosing the Right Bedding

Choosing the right bedding is important to stay cool during hot summer nights. Natural fabrics like cotton or bamboo are ideal because they are breathable and help regulate temperature by wicking away moisture. Light-colored bedding can also help keep you cool and comfortable while matching your cool summer color scheme.

Incorporating Summer Accents

Lastly, you want to ensure the space’s interior design also fits the change of season. Introducing summer accents to your bedroom can enhance its coolness and give your room the feel of summertime. Add decorative elements such as lightweight throws, cool-colored cushions, summer-themed artwork, and other decorative accessories that evoke a fresh, breezy summer feeling!

Creating a cool bedroom environment for those hot summer nights is more than possible with careful planning and a few design tweaks! From the power of cool colors to the right choice of bedding, every detail contributes to making your room a fresh and serene retreat.

At Sherwood Furniture, we can transform your bedroom into a cool oasis this summer with our professional bedroom design services. Our team of interior design experts is overflowing with creative ideas to turn your bedroom into the ideal space you’ve always dreamed of. We will carefully listen to your objectives, suggestions, and sources of inspiration for your redesigned bedroom interior and decor. After analyzing your home and bedroom, we will take the time to comprehend your preferences and individual requirements to plan your space perfectly.

Contact us at (245)855-1600 to learn more about our unique interior design services, and stop by in-store to browse our expansive furniture collection!

How to Design a Shared Home Office Space

Posted

Man in his 20s sitting at his desk at the office and listening to music with headphones.

With the increasing popularity of remote work, many people have realized the significance of having a comfortable and practical home office. But not everyone has the room to have their own home office space all to themselves.

Designing a suitable home office can be challenging when multiple individuals share the same space. Whether you’re working with a partner, roommate, or family member, creating a workspace that caters to everyone’s needs, work habits, and personal preferences is important.

Here are some essential tips to help you design a shared home office space that is functional and harmonious so you can be as productive as possible!

Understand Each Person’s Work Style

The first step in designing a shared workspace is understanding each individual’s work style and needs. Some people prefer absolute silence, while others thrive in a bit of background noise. One of you may need a large desk for drafting plans or designs, while the other works primarily on a laptop and needs less surface space.

Take time to discuss your work routines, habits, and preferences. Consider your peak productivity hours, daily tasks, and any specific equipment you use. By understanding your work styles, you can create a layout that maximizes efficiency and minimizes friction.

Create Individual Workstations

Even in a shared office, it’s essential to have personal spaces. Designating specific areas for each person can help maintain order and prevent distractions. These workstations should be ergonomically set up, with comfortable seating, suitable desk height, and adequate storage for personal items and work tools.

Remember, the aim here is not to mirror each other’s spaces but to create a space that caters to each individual’s work needs. This means one area might look different, which is perfectly okay as long as both parties find their zones comfortable and conducive to work.

Prioritize Noise Control

Noise can be a significant challenge in shared workspaces. This can be particularly tricky when one person needs to be on a video call and the other needs quiet to concentrate. You can try using sound-dampening materials such as rugs and curtains to address this challenge. Additionally, room dividers can serve as sound barriers, and investing in noise-canceling headphones can be helpful during peak hours when you need to focus.

Include Optimal Lighting

A well-lit workspace is key to maintaining energy levels, productivity, and overall eye health. Aim to use natural light as much as possible, positioning workstations near windows. For areas with limited natural light, supplement with artificial lighting. Adjustable desk lamps can provide targeted lighting, reducing the strain on your eyes during detailed tasks.

Invest in Quality, Versatile Furniture

The furniture you choose for your shared home office can greatly impact your productivity and comfort. Invest in adjustable chairs and desks to cater to different body types and postures. An ergonomic setup can significantly reduce discomfort and the risk of physical strain.

To maintain a clean and organized workspace, it’s important to have proper storage solutions. This can include filing cabinets, shelving units, or storage boxes to keep documents, office supplies, and personal items neat and tidy. A clutter-free environment promotes focus and efficiency for both parties during the workday.

Add Personal Touches

In addition to prioritizing function and practicality, it’s important to personalize your shared home office. Simple touches such as photos, artwork, indoor plants, or a shared inspiration board can add personality to the space. These additions not only make the workspace feel more inviting and comfortable, but they can also provide inspiration during difficult workdays!

Creating a shared home office space requires careful planning and consideration for everyone’s needs and work styles. With the right balance, you can design a productive, comfortable, and personalized workspace for each person.

At Sherwood Furniture, we have a wide range of home office furniture and design services so you can plan your space professionally. We specialize in wall and window treatments, color and fabric selections, furniture and lighting designs, and much more!

Contact us at (248)855-1600 to get more information on our design services, and stop by in-store to browse our ever-growing furniture selection.

6 Tips to Consider When Decorating Your Living Room

Posted

Contemporary style living room arranging and apartment's layout

When decorating your living room, there’s more to it than furniture placement and adding a few accents here and there. The goal is to create a space representing your unique style, preferences, and way of life. Designing your space with intention and purpose creates a functional and aesthetically pleasing experience for all who enter.

Here are six helpful decorating tips to consider whether you want to give your living room a quick update or a complete transformation!

1) Understand Your Space

Before you begin decorating, you must understand your space’s dimensions and limitations. Measure the room and note any architectural features, like fireplaces or built-in shelves, that could influence your design choices. With a clear understanding of your space, you can select furniture that fits perfectly, creating a comfortable and functional living area.

2) Choose the Right Color Scheme

The choice of color can greatly affect the atmosphere of a room. If you want your living room to create a certain emotion, consider the colors you choose. Warm colors like red and yellow make the space feel cozy and welcoming, while cooler colors like blue and green create a peaceful and relaxing environment.

3) Prioritize Comfort

Your living room is a space for relaxation, entertainment, and quality family time, so prioritizing comfort is crucial. Choose seating options with soft fabrics and plush cushions to enhance comfort levels. Additionally, adding throw pillows and blankets can make the space even more cozy.

4) Include a Focal Point

To add structure to a room and capture attention, it’s important to have a focal point. This can be achieved by showcasing beautiful artwork or highlighting a charming fireplace. If your room lacks a natural focal point, consider introducing a statement wall or large piece of furniture to create one.

5) Balance Functionality and Style

While it’s important for your living room to look great, it’s equally important for it to be functional. When choosing furniture, consider how it will be used. A stylish coffee table may look nice, but it won’t serve its purpose effectively if it’s too low for your sofa or doesn’t provide enough storage. Balance your desire for style with the need for functionality to create a beautiful and practical room.

6) Incorporate Lighting

The lighting in a room can greatly affect its overall ambiance. To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, include different light sources, such as overhead, table, and floor lamps. Additionally, natural light should be utilized whenever possible by keeping windows clear of clutter and choosing window treatments that allow ample light to filter through.

Decorating a living room can be a fun and exciting project but can also be overwhelming. That’s why partnering with an experienced team who can help guide your design decisions and bring your vision to life is beneficial.

At Sherwood Furniture, we have an extensive range of furniture and design services to help you transform your living room into a functional and stylish space! Our interior design experts will take the time to work with you and understand your needs and specific taste to assist you in creating the living room of your dreams. We will include ideas for floor plans, furniture design, window and wall treatments, floor and fabric selections, and much more!

Contact us at (248)855-1600 to learn more about our living room design services and browse our furniture online.

Preparing Your Home for the Spring Season

Posted

Woman cleans floor with steam cleaner in the living room at home, preparing for the spring season

Spring is just around the corner, which means now is the perfect time to begin preparing your home for the warmer months ahead. From cleaning and organizing to redecorating and restyling your space, there is a lot that needs to be done to welcome the new season.

Cleaning Your Space

The first step in preparing your home for spring is cleaning and organizing to start the season with a fresh slate. Looking around your home, you may get overwhelmed with all the different rooms and tasks you must complete. Before you begin, making a clear list of tasks you want to complete is beneficial.

Here are a few places and areas in your home to focus your cleaning efforts:

  • Kitchen
  • Living Room
  • Bedrooms
  • Floors
  • Carpets
  • Garage

Once You have made a list, start tackling one room at a time.

Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the hardest rooms to clean because it has the most foot traffic out of all the other rooms.

Start by cleaning the cabinets and throw away any expired foods and chipped dishes.

Wipe down all appliances and countertops. Old appliances can be donated or sold to a local second-hand shop.

Bedrooms

Change all bed linen, sweep the floors, vacuum carpets, and wipe down ceiling fans.

Garage

The garage is often used to house junk and other items you could probably do without. Instead of keeping these items another spring, consider hosting a yard sale. This way, you can unburden yourself of the items cluttering your home while making some extra cash!

Living Room

This is another high-traffic area that can easily accumulate dirt and clutter. Start by cleaning off the mantle, fireplace, and any shelving. Dust and vacuum away any cobwebs. After cleaning the room, you can begin cleaning your furniture.

Furniture

Throughout the year, dirt, dead skin cells, and pet dander can accumulate in your furniture’s fabric. You should clean your furniture at least every six months.

Restyling Your Space

After your home is clean and organized, it’s time to start redecorating and styling it for the new season!

Here are a few ways to achieve a vibrant, spring-inspired space.

Incorporate Floral Prints

Adding floral print pieces into your living space is a fun, simple way to prepare for a new season. The floral print is both timeless and tasteful. You can purchase a floral print dresser, magazine rack, statement chair, or area rug to add some “fresh flowers” to the room of your choice. If you’re really feeling festive, purchase a fresh bouquet to make any room, especially inviting.

Go Green

If you want to experiment with different colors to add energy to your home, consider going green this spring. You don’t have to repaint a room to add color to your living space. Color can be added to a room in various ways, and green is a great color to focus on for the spring season. Items such as green candles, succulents, green canvas art, or statement pillows can add a sprinkle of green to your living space and create a fresh and peaceful atmosphere.

Replace Artwork and Décor

If you want to switch up a room without making extremely expensive changes, consider temporarily hanging new artwork in place of old ones. During the spring months, display paintings or photographs of sunny beaches, open fields, or floral arrangements to bring the outdoors into your home. When the season ends, store them and save them for the following year.

Updating your home décor for a new season can be as simple as temporarily replacing small items inside your home. Consider replacing hand towels with spring-themed towels or pastel colors of your choice. Replace your old holiday-themed candle with a fresh fruit scent such as lemon or watermelon. If you want to make a big change, consider replacing old furniture pieces with something bold and bright, spring is a great time for a change! 

At Sherwood Furniture, Our team of experts has over 100 years of combined experience in the interior design industry and is dedicated to supplying the best modern and contemporary furniture in West Bloomfield, Michigan. From living room and dining room furniture to occasional tables and home accents, we have everything you need to prepare your home for spring! 

Contact us at (248)855-1600 to set up a consultation with one of our knowledgeable interior designers, or stop by in-store to browse our furniture collection! 

How to Furnish Your Bedroom

Posted

functional bedroom design with accent lamp lighting and chairs

Your bedroom should be a space you look forward to spending time in. Bedrooms should be comfortable, serene, and relaxing. It is important to match your room with your personal style while making it functional, starting with choosing the right furniture and décor!

When you think of bedroom furniture, you likely think of a mattress, nightstand, and dresser. However, a bedroom can offer so much more than the basics.

Here are a few furniture pieces to consider when designing your bedroom space!

Ottomans

An ottoman can serve as a multi-purpose piece in a bedroom. The inside of an ottoman can serve as storage which allows you to hide blankets, throw pillows, or store extra linens. The outside of an ottoman provides a comfortable seat where you can sit to put on socks or shoes. They are also very decorative and can provide a bedroom with a soft splash of color and practicality.

Lights

A bedroom should be a space that helps you wind down from a long day, and the light source in your bedroom plays a big role in that. It would help if you filled your bedroom with accent lamps, which can serve as a decoration and a soft light source. A fluorescent overhead light will keep you wide awake if you are getting ready to turn in for the evening. A soft light from a lamp will help you relax and can be turned on or off easily from the comfort of your bed.

Chairs

Your bed should not be the only place you have to sit in your bedroom. Putting an inviting chair in your bedroom gives you a place to rest or read without getting into bed. Many sleep experts say that you should not watch TV, use your phone, or read a book in bed because your bed should be associated with falling asleep.

Vanity

If you have a large enough bedroom, fill that extra space with a vanity. A vanity can provide storage if it has drawers and can easily store and hide items you don’t want sitting out. It can also hold hair products or other personal grooming items, providing you with space to do your makeup and skincare! 

For more bedroom design advice, reach out to Sherwood Furniture. Our professional interior design services can help you transform any room in your home into your dream space. From picking out the right high-end furniture to arranging it accordingly so it highlights the best features of your home, we guarantee you will be happy with the end result.

Browse our furniture online and call us at (245)855-1600 to learn more about our unique services!

Decorating Tips for the Holiday Season

Posted

Beautiful decorated Christmas tree and gift boxes in festive room interior

The holiday season is the perfect excuse to redecorate your home and prepare for festive family gatherings and celebrations. When decorating for the season, you have endless options, from tasteful tinsel to ribbons of red, don’t be afraid to go all out in the name of the Christmas spirit!

Here are a few helpful decorating tips to turn your home into a cozy oasis this holiday season.

Be Cautious with Themed Décor

There are hundreds of themes to choose from when decorating for the winter season. From peppermint patterns to boughs of holly, it is easy to decorate with a distinct theme during the holidays. Before you line all your floating shelves with angel figurines or border your walls with snowflakes, keep in mind that themes can also get cheesy quickly. If you want to do a theme this holiday season, stick with something simple. For instance, fill a glass vase with pinecones and purchase several frosted pinecones to hang from your tree. A pinecone theme is simple, natural, and subtle. Your theme will be clear but not overwhelming!

Focus on Your Staircase

A staircase is a blank canvas when decorating for the holiday season. There are so many ways to utilize this common feature in your home:

  • You can easily wrap tinsel or garland around the handrail and balusters on a staircase to make your home feel complete.
  • Stick with a classic green garland or wrap some Christmas lights around the banisters for a warm touch.
  • Hang oversized ornaments or stockings from the balusters for a unique twist on the standard holiday decor.
  • Try wrapping Christmas lights around the staircase to give your home a soft glow all season long.

Utilize Your Entryway

Most of us have frequent visitors throughout the holiday season. Whether people drop off a plate of cookies or come in to give gifts, they’ll see your entranceway first. It is important to decorate your entranceway to give guests a great first impression. You can put down a cute holiday-themed welcome mat at the door for people to admire as they take off their boots. If you have a table in your entranceway, consider putting up a small tree with some festive ornaments for people to admire as they come in. Try putting up a real wreath if you can since the smell of pine is inviting, and it can spruce up a door with little effort.

There are endless options when it comes to decorating for the holiday season. Sherwood Furniture has you covered if you plan to redecorate your home this winter with some new, high-quality furniture! 

Stop by our new location at 6231 Orchard lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322 Sugar Tree Plaza, or call (248)855-1600 to learn how we can help you style your home this holiday season!

Avoid These Interior Design Mistakes

Posted

Living room incorporating proper interior design technique, with a sofa focal point and personalized style flair

When designing your home’s interior, it is easy to get carried away. New design trends are always popping up, and you might feel pressured to incorporate them into your home, even if they aren’t necessarily your style.

 If you don’t have a knack for decorating or are struggling to arrange your space in an aesthetically pleasing way, there are some basic interior design rules you can follow that never go out of style.

Here are a few interior design mistakes to avoid while crafting your dream home.

Window Shop with a Budget

Some interior designers may talk about how it’s important to walk through home goods stores to look for inspiration, which is true. Window shopping can be a great way to figure out what you want and don’t want. However, aimlessly walking around stores makes it easy to purchase things “here and there,” which will eventually add up to a major cost. Try sticking to a budget and keeping track of it. If you know you’re someone that makes impulse purchases, avoid walking through stores without a plan or bring a friend along to hold you accountable.

Take Proper Measurements

Before bringing any new furniture or accessories into your home, ensure you take proper measurements and create a floor plan for your space. There’s nothing worse than finding the most beautiful couch or chair that fits your color scheme perfectly, purchasing it, bringing it home, and finding out it does not fit in your room.

A new piece of furniture should not just fit but be comfortable to use and leave adequate space for movement. Save yourself unnecessary aggravation and money and take the time to properly measure your space, write the dimensions down, and take them shopping with you!

Focus on Lighting

Lighting is a huge part of your home and should be a focus when you are designing each room. Many people make lighting an afterthought. The light fixtures you choose and the bulbs you decide on can profoundly affect the space’s feel and design. Focus on putting up various lights, from lamps to ceiling lights, to provide layers of soft light.

Ensure that curtains or blinds can easily be opened to allow natural light into your home during the day, and use mirrors to spread natural light in rooms that don’t have many windows.

Add a Focal Point

A common design mistake is forgetting to give each room a focal point. You definitely can have more than one focal point, especially if you are working with a larger room, but you always need something that draws your attention in and assigns the space with a purpose. For example, a living room’s focal point is usually the TV, and the furniture in the room is focused and pointing towards the TV.

Some rooms are more difficult to establish a focal point, but it’s important not to scatter furniture around aimlessly. First, decide the purpose of the room and build around that. Some focal point examples could be a fireplace, coffee table, painting, bed, kitchen island, etc.

Show off Your Personality  

You want your home to represent you and your life. It’s fine to follow a design style that you really like, but be sure to incorporate parts of your personality within the design. Include pictures or wall art from your travels, pop in your favorite colors, or include antiques passed down by your family. Anything that expresses your individuality is a perfect way to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere instead of a cold, cookie-cutter look.

Avoiding these common interior design mistakes is a great place to start when redecorating the inside of your home, but not all of us have the time and creativity to design our spaces to perfection.

At Sherwood Furniture, our firm can help you transform your home with our extensive interior design knowledge and experience. Our services include fabric selection, furniture design, wall treatments, floor coverings, lighting plans, and more! Whether you only need assistance with one room or your whole house, we will provide the interior design services you need to fall in love with your space!

Contact us at (245)855-1600 today to learn more about our interior design services or to set up a consultation with an interior designer.