Decorating a new home can be a challenge, but Saleha Ahmad of Atlanta in the United States shares some design tips to get you started. Saleha says her timeless style is influenced by her childhood in Savannah, Georgia where old world charm is the norm. Think flickering gas lanterns, copper ceilings and Carrara marble. “Trends come and go, but year after year classic style stands the test of time and I can’t get enough of it.”
But her Pakistani heritage also shows up in her decor style in several ways. “The use of bright colors, bold patterns against soft neutrals and hand made rugs are just a few examples of how I integrate my Pakistani culture in our home.”
The Interior Designer shares a peek into the home she designed with her husband and gives us some tips on how we can make our abodes look just as serene and stylish.
Scroll down to see some of her beautiful home.
Saleha’s Tips for Decorating a New Home
Figure Out Your Style
If you want a home that truly reflects your style then you have to be patient. Don’t rush to fill your space with insignificant items that end up being clutter. Don’t just follow trends. Not every single piece of furniture has to be bought from a store that is mass produced. Shop around, go to your local stores and hunt for things that are unique and more importantly appeal to you. Invest in art that shows your personality and do your best to personalize your home.
Design in Phases
I get many questions from people about designing their home and the most common concern I see is that they feel overwhelmed. That’s because they want to design their entire home at once. It’s just not realistic and even for pros it takes a team to get it done. I recommend breaking it down in phases, prioritizing your spaces and immediate needs first, then moving on to the secondary areas. Also, be organized in your planning by writing down ideas, keeping them in an excel file, creating a budget and taking it one step at a time. It’s easier on your wallet this way too.
Mix Materials
I love mixing materials like marble with antique brass or oak wood with a crystal clear glass. Something about mixing natural materials speaks volume of quality. These days as technology is becoming more advance there are a lot of faux materials available like tiles that look like wood, quartz that is trying to look like marble and so forth. Avoid them as much as possible, but if you have to go with those choices for budget reasons, pick finishes that look most believable.
Looking for more interior design inspiration? Tap for some dining room decor ideas on Zulily.