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Straight Outta Pinterest: Interior Design 101

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCF chapter.

If you’re thinking about redesigning or rearranging your bedroom, you may not know where to begin. Do you want to keep the same color scheme or go for something different? Are you swapping out a few statement pieces or ditching your old room altogether? No matter how you’re going about mixing things up, it’s important you keep a few things in mind.

Figure Out Exactly What You Want

First things first, it’s absolutely necessary you know what you’re looking for. Before going out to buy anything, dig into your creative side. If the thought of channeling your inner HGTV isn’t comforting, start out simple. Just knowing if you want warm tones, cool tones or neutrals will make all the difference once you start shopping. If you go out without a clear picture of what you’re looking for, you’ll most likely go grabbing at any and everything you like. Various decor that caught your attention may appeal to you separately, but they don’t always mesh well together.

Use Your Resources

Don’t be afraid to completely copy rooms you come across that you love! Sometimes, you may feel you I have to put your own spin on what you see online. That’s not necessarily the case. If you see something and you wish to replicate it to a tee, so be it. On the other hand, if you do come across a DIY project that you could see fitting well with your theme with a bit of customization, that works too. You’ll likely have pieces that you copied exactly, some that you remixed a little, and others that were ideas developed totally on your own. Whether you choose to model what you see, or to be your very own interior decorator, know that you have an array of resources at your fingertips. Check out Pinterest or take a trip to IKEA for inspiration.

Take Advantage of Cheap Alternatives

DIY is your friend! If you’re going for wild vibes, try recreating a simple abstract painting with vibrant colors to liven up your space. Looking for a scene that’s more serene? Stock up on incense as a substitute for candles that can often be more expensive. If you find something you like that’s a little more than you bargained for, look for a dupe that’s closer to your price range. If you take the time to look in stores like HomeGoods, TJMaxx, Ross or even some thrift stores, you’ll be surprised at what you find. Check local stores specific to your area for special finds that will give your room a unique touch.

When redecorating, it’s easy to get stuck and lose sight of your end goal. Don’t sell yourself short in exploring creative hubs available online, they’re there to help you! You could be missing out on ideas that suit you and the room you’re hoping for. Try your best to picture the outcome you’re looking for, and it’ll make getting there that much easier.

Images: Header, 1, 2

Though there may not be a long drive between the beaches of Safety Harbor and Orlando, Florida, Austin surely has come a long way. Now a senior studying Ad/PR at the University of Central Florida, she first discovered her love for writing and design after being editor-in-chief of The Pride Yearbook at Countryside High School. Since coming to UCF as a freshman in 2015, Austin has truly discovered what it means to be a Knight. She loves getting involved on campus with UCF orgs such as the 2017 Orientation Team, Quotes (the PR club), She’s the First and of course Her Campus UCF. When she’s out of class, you can find Austin journaling, working in the Adobe Creative Suite, volunteering at the local Boy’s & Girl’s Club, or scrolling through Pinterest.
UCF Contributor