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Interior design is in a constant state of transformation, and this year homeowners are taking control. The “keeping up with the Joneses” mentality is giving ground to the desire for personalized design that reflects the exact needs and design aesthetic of residents. In 2014, more people will actively embrace the role of designer in order to create a home that is truly one of a kind.

“We’re at a fascinating point in the evolution of the interior design process. Interior design professionals once ruled the roost, but that’s all changed with design TV, blogs and the Internet,” said Elaine Griffin, interior designer and author of “Design Rules.”

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Assuming the role of designer doesn’t have to be intimidating. Griffin offers a few expert tips for taking your home design into your own hands and creating a custom space that’s perfectly personalized:

Research and check twice

Taking the time to properly research and educate yourself is important so you get beautiful results without unwanted surprises. “You want to know what your options are in terms of price, value, quality, design and style,” said Griffin. “What’s returnable? What’s not? Sometimes custom means you buy it, you own it. Do your research.” Griffin also suggests being cautious when measuring. “Always measure twice, buy once,” she said.

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Customize visible features

Griffin suggests investing in highly visible features of your home. “Like in the bathroom, you can focus on something that’s focal-point-worthy, like the KOHLER Artifacts faucet collection. It’s a piece that just belongs to you,” she said.

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Window treatments and lamp shades are other highly visible features of the home that are too often ignored. Updating these features can instantly breathe new personality into a room.

Customize color

“It’s all about the customization of color,” said Griffin. “It’s not just about a color palette for personality, it’s about having that shade that no one else has.” Numerous paint manufacturers offer technology that allows you to provide a fabric swatch, or other color samples, and they’ll recommend a custom hue for you.

Salvage and tell

Using salvaged materials in a renovation isn’t only green, it’s also a chance to incorporate your family’s history. “When you’re remodeling, always look for pieces to salvage: timbers from old floors, side tables, etc.,” said Griffin.

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When it comes to customized design, the sky is the limit, and with these expert tips, the one of a kind results will be nothing short of magazine-worthy.

This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.