10 Interior Design Principles To Follow When Redecorating
Our designers' top tips
Designing your home can sometimes be more of an undertaking than you originally thought. When it comes to interior design, there are several basic principles that can help you through the process and leave you with a well-thought-out and cohesive space. Our design consultants are no strangers to this area of expertise, so we’ve asked them for the basic principles that they follow when designing spaces with their clients.
1. Funtionality
One of the very basic standards of interior design and planning is designing your space based on its intended purpose. Consider the activities that will take place in each area, as well as the people that use it. Ensuring that furniture placement and overall layout promote ease of movement and functionality will save you time, headaches and potentially money in the future.
2. Balance
Achieve balance by distributing visual weight evenly throughout the room. Balance can either be symmetrical or asymmetrical, as long as there is a sense of purpose and intentionality within the space. Styling can also reflect furniture placement, as seen in the images below.
3. Scale and Proportion
Choose furniture and decor items that are proportionate to the size of the room. Oversized furniture can overwhelm a small space, (for more in-depth advice read our guide for small spaces) while undersized pieces may look out of place in a large room. Read our guide for larger rooms for more detailed advice.
4. Harmony and Unity
Create a cohesive and unified look by using a consistent style, colour scheme, or theme throughout the space. This helps tie the elements together and ensures a harmonious visual appeal. Ways to do this are through colour, fabric, texture, shapes or accessories. Our stylists recommend not to go too literal on theming, as this can date quite quickly. Discover our range of fabrics and finishes and find your next theme.
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5. Colour
Using colour strategically lets you create a desired mood or atmosphere within a space. Every colour elicits a feeling, but the tricky part is from person to person it isn’t necessarily the same. Memories and perception all play into how colour affects us and finding the best hues for your interior can be half the battle.
Fresh: White, Green, Blue, Light Grey;
Energized: Brights, Red, Yellow, Orange, Pink;
Luxurious: Rich Colours, Dark Purple, Dark Red;
Sophisticated: Dark Grey, Brown, Beige;
Calm: Pastels, Light Blues, Light Purples.
6. Lighting Your Space Properly
Lighting plays a crucial role in the end result of your interior design. Incorporate a combination of natural and artificial lighting to enhance the ambience and functionality of the space. Consider task lighting, ambient lighting, and accent lighting to create a well-lit and inviting environment. For an in-depth look at lighting, read our post dedicated to lighting your home.
7. Texture and Pattern
Incorporating a variety of textures and patterns into your design adds depth and visual interest to your space. Adding textures is also great if you're afraid of adding too much colour to your space. Mixing different materials across your home, plus mixing and matching different types of fabric across your furnishings not only makes your home look more curated but also adds visual interest without looking overbearing.
8. Focal Point
A great tip is to create a focal point in your room that draws attention and serves as a centrepiece. It could be a prominent architectural feature, a piece of artwork, or a statement furniture item. Arrange other elements around this focal point to create a balanced composition. This gives the eye something to focus on, giving a sense of order to your space.
9. Contrasting Elements
Create visual interest by incorporating elements of contrast or emphasis. This could be achieved through colour contrast, varying textures, or using a different scale or shape for a particular item.
10. Make it Yours
Finally, be sure to infuse your own personality and style into the space. A personal home is an invaluable space that provides a place for you to embrace your lifestyle, find inspiration and retreat. Display meaningful objects, artwork, or photographs that reflect your tastes and interests. Make the space your own, and it will feel more inviting and unique.
PERSONAL ADVICE YOU CAN TRUST
SPEAK TO US ABOUT YOUR SPACE
The best advice we can give you is on a one-to-one basis. Our designers can help your specific dining dilemmas with tailored advice that addresses your personal needs, wants and tastes. Available in-store, online or in your own home; explore our free interior design service today.
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