| Archived Question: Training Your Eye | |
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Question: I've heard the term "training your eye" for design. How can I go about doing this?
Answer: Training your "eye" is an ongoing process, and is valuable whether you are a design student, a consumer, or a professional designer. The goal is to begin to "see" what is good design.
Begin by taking art, architecture, and design classes in school. Go to museums, galleries, historic homes, and begin subscribing to at least one (and preferably several) interior design magazines such as "House Beautiful". You could also view these at your local library, and some even offer online versions of their magazines which you could review on your computer each month.
Instead of just browing through museums, homes, or magazines, however, begin to really LOOK at each room you see. Study it, make notes, and always ask yourself "why" -- why did the designer place the bed at an angle? Why are three different fabrics used and how are they distributed? Why is the floorcovering light rather than dark? What would I change in this room? Why?
As you begin to question and wonder, you will begin to "see" good design, and poor design, and that will help you greatly in school and in a career. Learn more about how to read decorating magazines in this article.
Another excellent source of inspiration and information are the many decorating books available at bookstores and the library. You'll want to build a collection of reference books as well as inspirational design books.
Too, make use of the many informative decorating shows on TV. Many of these offer 'mini' educations each week in furniture arranging, faux painting, color selection, and much more.