There is not a universal answer, but there are some guidelines.
Wall color has the most impact to get started. It is usually the least expensive, unless you are using a faux treatment, or wallcovering. If you start with the color in the new space that will be your deepest (but not dark) or your strongest ( but liveable) you will have a huge start in the process.
The next element is usually upholstered pieces. I am talking about main pieces. Think bedding in a bedroom, or main lounge pieces in a living room or family room. If we are talking dining room, usually the table will give you the most impact after finishes. From there we focus on accent pieces that give it the punch, the freshness and the surprises that create the look that is your goal.
Case pieces are usually the most expensive, and the strongest bones of an interior. An accent piece that is oversize, an accent color, or the most interesting detail of the room gives you a huge bang for your buck and makes the room look more established.
I am a huge fan of case pieces. They are where you get the "old money" stature, or the "I am a closet designer" status, or the "I know exactly what I am doing here" reality!
The most precious pieces that people own tend to be case pieces that are handed down from generation to generation. They are the ones that stand the test of time. We also need to note here that they are the ones that are not typically sat on, spilled on or actually LIVED on. They stand at the edges of a room and survive the impact of life. They become our family antiques or our treasured pieces.
I always start an interior project with the color scheme, the depth of texture, and the budget. We work it from all directions. If we have a small budget, we are honest about it. If it is a strong area, meant to impress, and the budget is stronger, we are honest about that too.
Most people want to establish the look of their home at the front door. When working in Michigan I always heard that Ann Arbor was a city of Entry Dazzle. That every office or home in Ann Arbor understood that concept and grabbed your attention at the front door. Often (I have heard) they did not venture beyond that point, but I would never be the one to point fingers at anyone's direction of concept!
As you begin your project remember the biggest starting points:
- Be honest about your budget.
- If you want strength of intent start with stronger wall color
- Main upholstery pieces are next
- Accent pieces follow
- Case pieces give you the bones for longevity and overall strength
When clients actually execute window treatments (more decorative in nature here) and art from the budget, you know that they get the concept and are willing to trust you to finish the plan.
Which is always the nicest compliment that I receive.
Happy designing on Fathers Day!
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