Principles of Home Decoration
Interior decoration of a home should build a suitable setting for the characteristics, special interests, and living habits of the home dwellers. It also should generate a pleasant visual impression by means of color, pattern, arrangement of furnishings, and lighting effects. Furniture should be in scale with the dimensions of the room. Colossal pieces make a small room smaller while petite furniture may appear misplaced in a huge room.
The first step in developing a decorative proposal is to decide on the general style to be applied. Styles of furnishings and decorative treatment created in various historic periods are called period styles. An internal space may be ornamented in an authentic period style, in an adaptation of such a style, or in a combination of the two. Contemporary style emphasizes functionalism – adapting form to use and material rather than emphasizing visual effect. Often, several styles are combined in the same room.
In fabrics, carpeting and wallpaper have a choice of pattern or plain color. Patterns tend to create a warm ambiance. Plain colors are more restful and make a room appear more spacious.
Where lighting fixtures are positioned is also of major significance in the effect a room gives. Overhead lights are not very soothing and should only be used where intense and overall lighting is required, as in the kitchen. For a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere, a room should have dimmer lamps that cast a consortium of luminosity below eye level.