Interior Design Basics Explained! (10 Style Secrets)
Have you ever walked into a home and just felt…wow?
Like everything was perfectly placed, every color harmonized, and the whole space just worked?
A lot of people think that kind of interior design magic is only for the wealthy, but I’m here to tell you, that’s a total myth!
I’ve been in the flooring and home renovation game for years, and I’ve seen firsthand how a few simple design principles can transform any space, no matter the budget.
So, forget the idea that you need to be rich to have a stylish home.
I’m going to share ten essential style secrets that will help you elevate your living spaces and create a home you truly love.
Let’s dive in!
Section 1: Understanding the Basics
of Interior Design
Okay, so what is interior design, really? It’s more than just picking out pretty furniture and hanging pictures.
Interior design is all about creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. It’s about understanding how people use a space and then designing it to meet their needs.
Now, what’s the difference between interior design and interior decorating?
Think of it this way:
Interior decorating is like putting the frosting on a cake – it’s the finishing touches that make it look beautiful.
Interior design, on the other hand, is the whole recipe – from the ingredients to the baking process.
It involves strategic planning, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of space, materials, and human behavior.
For example, I once worked with a client who wanted to remodel their kitchen. They thought they just needed new cabinets and countertops (decorating).
But after talking to them, I realized their biggest problem was the layout.
The kitchen was cramped and inefficient, making it difficult to cook and entertain.
So, we completely redesigned the space, moving walls, relocating appliances, and creating a much more functional and enjoyable kitchen (design!).
See the difference?
Section 2: The Importance of
Space Planning
Space planning is the foundation of any good interior design project.
It’s all about figuring out how to best use the available space to meet your needs and create a comfortable and functional environment.
Think of it as creating a roadmap for your room.
A well-planned space will have a natural flow, making it easy to move around and use the space effectively.
A poorly planned space, on the other hand, can feel cramped, cluttered, and frustrating.
So, how do you actually do space planning?
First, measure your space.
Get out your measuring tape and record the dimensions of the room, including the location of windows, doors, and outlets.
I recommend sketching a rough floor plan on paper or using a digital tool like Planner 5D (I’ve used it myself, and it’s pretty user-friendly).
Next, consider the function of the room.
What activities will take place in this space? How many people will use it regularly?
For example, a living room might need to accommodate seating for several people, a TV viewing area, and perhaps a workspace.
Once you know the function of the room, you can start to experiment with different layouts.
Try arranging your furniture in different ways to see what works best.
Consider the flow of traffic through the room and make sure there’s enough space to move around comfortably.
Here’s a pro tip: Use painter’s tape to mark out the dimensions of your furniture on the floor.
This will give you a visual idea of how much space each piece will take up and help you avoid buying furniture that’s too big or too small for the room.
I remember one time I was helping a friend decorate his small apartment.
He was convinced he needed a huge sectional sofa to fill the space.
But after we taped out the dimensions on the floor, he realized it would completely overwhelm the room and make it feel even smaller.
We ended up choosing a smaller sofa and a couple of armchairs instead, which created a much more balanced and inviting space.
Section 3: Color Theory and Its
Impact on Mood
Color is one of the most powerful tools in interior design. It can affect our mood, our energy levels, and even our perception of space.
Understanding the basics of color theory can help you choose a color palette that reflects your personal style and enhances the atmosphere of your room.
Let’s start with the basics:
- Primary colors: Red, yellow, and blue. These are the foundation of all other colors.
- Secondary colors: Green, orange, and purple. These are created by mixing two primary colors.
- Complementary colors: Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel, such as red and green, blue and orange, and yellow and purple.
Complementary colors create a high-contrast look and can add excitement and energy to a room.
I find using a color wheel handy to help my clients find the right color combination for their space. https://www.colormatters.com/color-and-design/basic-color-theory
But color isn’t just about aesthetics.
It can also have a profound impact on our emotions.
For example:
- Blue is often associated with calmness, tranquility, and peace. It’s a great choice for bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Yellow is associated with happiness, optimism, and energy. It can be a good choice for kitchens and living rooms.
- Red is associated with passion, excitement, and energy. It’s best used as an accent color in small doses.
- Green is associated with nature, growth, and harmony. It’s a versatile color that can be used in any room.
When choosing a color palette for your home, consider the mood you want to create and how you want the space to make you feel.
Also, think about the existing elements in the room, such as the flooring, furniture, and artwork.
You want to choose colors that complement these elements and create a cohesive look.
One of my favorite tricks is to use a monochromatic color scheme.
This involves using different shades and tints of the same color to create a subtle and sophisticated look.
For example, you could use a light gray on the walls, a medium gray on the furniture, and a dark gray on the accessories.
This creates a sense of harmony and calm while still adding depth and interest to the room.
Section 4: The Power of Lighting
Lighting is another crucial element of interior design that is often overlooked.
It can dramatically affect the mood, ambiance, and functionality of a space.
There are three main types of lighting:
- Ambient lighting: This is the general lighting that fills a room and provides overall illumination. It’s often provided by ceiling fixtures, chandeliers, or recessed lighting.
- Task lighting: This is focused lighting that is used for specific tasks, such as reading, cooking, or working. It’s often provided by table lamps, floor lamps, or under- cabinet lighting.
- Accent lighting: This is decorative lighting that is used to highlight specific objects or areas, such as artwork, sculptures, or architectural features. It’s often provided by spotlights, track lighting, or wall sconces.
The key to good lighting design is to layer these three types of lighting to create a balanced and well-lit space.
Start with ambient lighting to provide overall illumination, then add task lighting to areas where you need focused light, and finally add accent lighting to highlight the features you want to emphasize.
I always recommend using dimmers on your light fixtures.
This allows you to adjust the brightness of the lights to suit different activities and create different moods.
For example, you might want bright light for cooking or reading, but dimmer light for relaxing or watching a movie.
Another important consideration is the color temperature of your light bulbs.
Color temperature is measured in Kelvins (K) and ranges from warm (2700K) to cool (6500K).
Warm light has a yellowish tint and creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Cool light has a bluish tint and creates a more energetic and stimulating atmosphere.
For most homes, I recommend using warm light in bedrooms and living rooms and cool light in kitchens and bathrooms.
Natural light is also incredibly important.
Try to maximize the amount of natural light in your home by keeping your windows clean and using light-colored window treatments.
Mirrors can also be used to reflect natural light and make a room feel brighter and more spacious.
I once worked on a project where the client’s living room felt dark and dreary, even during the day.
We added a large mirror on one wall and replaced the heavy curtains with light, sheer drapes.
The difference was amazing! The room felt instantly brighter, more open, and more inviting.
Section 5: Choosing the Right
Furniture
Furniture is obviously a major component of interior design. It’s not just about filling a space, but about selecting pieces that are comfortable, stylish, and functional.
When choosing furniture, consider the scale and proportion of the pieces in relation to the size of the room.
Avoid choosing furniture that is too big or too small for the space.
Overly large furniture can make a room feel cramped and cluttered, while undersized furniture can make a room feel empty and unbalanced.
Also, think about the style and design of the furniture.
Choose pieces that complement the overall aesthetic of your home and reflect your personal style.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles, but make sure there’s a common thread that ties everything together.
For example, you could pair a modern sofa with a vintage coffee table, but make sure they share a similar color or material.
Comfort is another important consideration.
After all, you’re going to be spending a lot of time using this furniture, so it needs to be comfortable and supportive.
Test out sofas and chairs before you buy them to make sure they’re comfortable for you.
Pay attention to the seat depth, back height, and armrest position.
Functionality is also key.
Consider how you’ll be using the furniture and choose pieces that meet your needs.
For example, if you frequently have guests, you might want to invest in a sofa bed or a set of nesting tables.
If you work from home, you’ll need a comfortable and ergonomic desk and chair.
When it comes to furniture materials, there are a lot of options to choose from.
Wood is a classic and versatile choice that can be used in a variety of styles.
Upholstery can add color, texture, and comfort to furniture pieces.
Metal can add a modern and industrial touch.
Glass can create a sense of openness and transparency.
Choose materials that are durable, easy to clean, and complement the overall aesthetic of your home.
I always tell my clients to invest in quality pieces that will last for years to come.
It’s better to buy one well-made sofa that will last for ten years than to buy three cheap sofas that will fall apart after a few years.
Section 6: Textures and Patterns
Texture and pattern are two powerful design elements that can add depth, interest, and personality to a room.
Texture refers to the surface quality of an object, such as smooth, rough, soft, or hard.
Pattern refers to a repeated design or motif, such as stripes, florals, or geometric shapes.
Incorporating a variety of textures and patterns can create a more visually stimulating and engaging space.
Think about how you can mix rough textures like a chunky knit blanket with smooth textures like a silk pillow.
When mixing textures, consider the overall mood you want to create.
For example, a room with soft and plush textures will feel cozy and inviting, while a room with hard and sleek textures will feel more modern and sophisticated.
When it comes to patterns, there are a few basic guidelines to follow.
First, choose a dominant pattern that will be the focal point of the room.
This could be a large-scale floral print on the curtains or a bold geometric pattern on the rug.
Next, introduce smaller-scale patterns that complement the dominant pattern.
These could be subtle stripes on the walls or a delicate print on the throw pillows.
Finally, vary the scale of the patterns to create visual interest.
Mix large-scale patterns with small- scale patterns to prevent the room from feeling too busy or overwhelming.
One of my favorite tricks is to use texture as a neutralizer.
If you’re using a lot of bold patterns in a room, you can balance them out with neutral textures like linen, cotton, or wool.
This will help prevent the room from feeling too chaotic or overwhelming.
I always tell my clients to start small when experimenting with textures and patterns.
Begin by adding a few textured throw pillows or a patterned rug to a room and see how it feels.
You can always add more later if you want to create a bolder look.
Section 7: The Role of Accessories
Accessories are the finishing touches that can personalize a space and add character.
They’re the little details that make a house feel like a home.
Accessories can include anything from artwork and plants to decorative objects and personal mementos.
When choosing accessories, consider the overall style and color palette of the room.
Choose accessories that complement these elements and enhance the overall aesthetic.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles and materials.
For example, you could pair a modern sculpture with a vintage vase or a rustic wooden bowl with a sleek glass tray.
This will add visual interest and personality to the room.
Scale and proportion are also important considerations.
Choose accessories that are appropriately sized for the space and the furniture.
Overly large accessories can overwhelm a room, while undersized accessories can get lost.
Arrangement is key to creating a visually appealing display.
Group accessories together in odd numbers (three, five, or seven) to create a more balanced and harmonious look.
Vary the height and depth of the accessories to add visual interest.
One of my favorite accessories is plants.
Plants can add life, color, and texture to a room.
They can also help purify the air and create a more relaxing and inviting atmosphere.
Choose plants that are appropriate for the amount of light and humidity in the room.
I also love using artwork to personalize a space.
Choose pieces that you love and that reflect your personal style.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles and sizes of artwork.
Create a gallery wall by grouping multiple pieces of artwork together or display a single statement piece on a prominent wall.
Personal mementos are also a great way to add character to a room.
Display photos, souvenirs, and other items that have special meaning to you.
This will make the space feel more personal and inviting.
I always tell my clients to edit their accessories regularly.
Remove any items that are no longer needed or that no longer fit the overall aesthetic of the room.
This will help keep the space from feeling cluttered and overwhelming.
Section 8: Creating Focal Points
A focal point is the first thing that catches your eye when you enter a room.
It’s the visual center of attention that draws you in and creates a sense of interest and drama.
Every room should have at least one focal point, and some rooms may have multiple focal points.
The focal point can be anything from a fireplace or a large window to a piece of artwork or a statement furniture piece.
The key is to choose something that is visually interesting and that stands out from the rest of the room.
Once you’ve identified your focal point, you can arrange the rest of the room around it.
Position furniture to face the focal point and use lighting to highlight it.
For example, if your focal point is a fireplace, you could arrange the sofas and chairs to face the fireplace and install sconces on either side to highlight it.
If your focal point is a piece of artwork, you could hang it on a prominent wall and use a spotlight to illuminate it.
Color can also be used to create a focal point.
Paint one wall a bold color or use a brightly colored rug to draw the eye to a specific area of the room.
Scale is another effective way to create a focal point.
Use a large-scale piece of furniture or artwork to create a sense of drama and draw attention to a specific area of the room.
For example, a large chandelier can be a stunning focal point in a dining room or living room.
Texture can also be used to create a focal point.
Use a textured wall covering or a textured rug to add visual interest and draw the eye to a specific area of the room.
One of my favorite tricks is to use mirrors to create a focal point.
A large mirror can reflect light and make a room feel brighter and more spacious.
It can also be used to highlight a specific feature of the room, such as a beautiful view or a piece of artwork.
I always tell my clients to keep the focal point simple and uncluttered.
Avoid adding too many competing elements that will distract from the focal point.
The goal is to create a sense of balance and harmony, not chaos and confusion.
Section 9: The Balance of Style and
Functionality
Interior design is not just about aesthetics; it’s also about functionality.
A beautiful space is useless if it’s not also practical and comfortable.
The key is to strike a balance between style and functionality.
Choose furniture and accessories that are both visually appealing and functional.
For example, a sofa should be both stylish and comfortable to sit on.
A coffee table should be both attractive and functional for holding drinks and snacks.
Consider the needs of the people who will be using the space.
Design the space to meet their needs and make their lives easier.
For example, if you have children, you’ll need to choose furniture and accessories that are durable, easy to clean, and safe for kids.
If you work from home, you’ll need a comfortable and ergonomic workspace that is conducive to productivity.
Maximize storage space to keep the space organized and clutter-free.
Use storage containers, shelves, and cabinets to store items out of sight.
Choose furniture that has built-in storage, such as a bed with drawers underneath or a coffee table with a lift-top.
Consider the flow of traffic through the space.
Arrange furniture to allow for easy movement and avoid creating obstacles that people will have to navigate around.
Pay attention to the details.
Small details can make a big difference in the overall functionality of a space.
For example, make sure there are enough outlets to plug in all of your electronics.
Choose window treatments that provide privacy and block out unwanted light.
Install good lighting to make it easy to see and move around the space.
I always tell my clients to think about how they use the space in their everyday lives.
What activities do they do in the space? What challenges do they face?
By understanding their needs and challenges, you can design a space that is both stylish and functional.
Section 10: The Importance of
Personal Style
Ultimately, the most important thing about interior design is to create a space that reflects your personal style.
Your home should be a reflection of who you are and what you love.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and trends.
Try new things and see what works for you.
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to interior design.
The only rule is to create a space that you love and that makes you feel comfortable and happy.
Find inspiration from a variety of sources.
Look through magazines, books, and websites for ideas.
Visit showrooms and model homes to see what’s trending.
Talk to friends and family about their design ideas.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure of where to start, consider hiring an interior designer or decorator.
They can help you create a design plan that meets your needs and reflects your personal style.
Trust your instincts.
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.
Choose colors, furniture, and accessories that you love and that make you feel good.
Be patient.
Creating a beautiful and functional home takes time and effort.
Don’t try to do everything at once.
Start with one room and gradually work your way through the rest of the house.
I always tell my clients to have fun with the process.
Interior design should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Don’t take it too seriously.
Relax, experiment, and let your personality shine through.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – ten style secrets to help you create a beautiful and functional home.
Remember, interior design is not just for the wealthy.
Anyone can create a stylish and inviting space with a little creativity and understanding of the basics.
Embrace your personal style, experiment with different colors and textures, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
With a little effort, you can transform your home into a space that you love and that reflects your unique personality.
Now go out there and start designing!
