Considering the number of interior design blogs telling you about the hottest interior design tips and how to ensure your home is up to date, it’s no wonder you’ve decided to take notice and read a few tips yourself. But although the tips are helpful, you may have found yourself wondering what ‘interior design’ actually is. Here’s what you need to know.
What is interior design?
The dictionary definition of interior design is ‘the art or process of designing the interior decoration of a room or building’. Essentially, it’s what you choose to do with the inside of your home.
Why is interior design important?
Interior design is important to consider when decorating your home as careful planning can make all the difference between a well-designed, attractive space and one that shows visible room for improvement. Following the concepts of interior design can also guide you towards making your decisions and discovering exactly what you like in a home as you develop your personal style.
What are the elements of interior design?
Here’s a list of the primary elements of interior design you can get acquainted with.
Balance
The balance of your home is the combination of each of your design elements coming together to create equilibrium within your home. This balance doesn’t have to symmetrical. Asymmetrical or radial balance works effectively too! Adding balance to a room can be a relatively easy task, providing you willing to spend a little time on it. Move the furniture around, try bold statement pieces, make the most of levels. However you choose to achieve the perfect balance, let it come naturally.
Rhythm
To create a sense of rhythm in a room, try to use repetition to create an interest that ‘follows’ throughout the room. To do this, use patterns, varying tones of a particular colour, or the patterned use of shapes. Not sure where to add these patterns or designs? That’s easy! Recover your textiles, use ornaments or photo frames, or even feature distinctive wall art that fits the look you’re going for.
Emphasis
It’s important to have focal points around your home. These should be elements that you’d like to place more emphasis on than anything else. By having a few select points of interest rather than plenty, you’ll prevent your home from developing a ‘chaotic’ atmosphere.
Harmony
Your home is your number one place to relax, so try to create a sense of peace and harmony. Use colours that keep you feeling calm and related, such as light blue or mint green. There are hundreds of textiles and fabrics to choose from that could enhance the harmony of your interior, providing they stick to your overall colour theme.
Scale
Scale and proportion are important aspects of interior design and should ensure that your interior just ‘fits’. You’ll want to avoid any pieces of furniture or loud prints becoming overwhelming or detracting the attention from other elements of the room. For the perfect proportion, avoid using large pieces or patterns in a small room and use accessories that complement the size of your main furniture or focal points.
Are there any other tips that are often associated with good interior design?
Yes! No matter what your style is, the world of interior design is home to a wealth of reliable advice that can help you out when redecorating your home.
Stay true to your personal style.
Your home is your castle and should always reflect who you are. Why would you want to spend your free time in a house that feels like it belongs to someone else? Try to include accessories around your home that reflect your interests. For example, if you’re a book lover, make a large, luxurious bookcase your focal point filled with your favourite books.
Base your ideas on your existing surroundings.
Understand the limitations of your home. Sure, you may have an image in your mind of how your ideal living room or bedroom would look, but you should also understand that it may be more suited to a mansion from a magazine than a regular home. Consider the size and style of your environment and choose to decorate and furnish it in a way that complements it.
Don’t sacrifice your comfort.
No matter how trendy or fashionable something is, there’s no point including it in your home if it doesn’t make you feel comfortable. Your home should be inviting and cosy, so don’t automatically favour form over function. Keep looking until you’ve found the perfect balance between style and comfort.
Take a classic approach.
Classics are considered classic for a reason – their timeless, versatile style that will look fabulous in any home! By purchasing older pieces, you also have the reassurance of quality. These pieces have proven to withstand the test of time and can easily be updated to fit a more modern interior. All it takes is a little cleaning, painting or reupholstering to create a whole new look.
Remember – less can often be more.
Overcrowding your space will make it look smaller and less functional, leading to a stressful, complicated environment. Instead, focus on a cleaner, more usable space. Start off small and add further furniture and décor as you go along. This way, you’ll know exactly when to stop!
By understanding the basics of interior design, you’ll be more likely to make timeless, stunning decisions that you’ll love to look at for years to come. It goes without saying that good design is a classic element of any home.
Did you do any research into the meaning of interior design before decorating your home? Tell us about how you planned your interior and the outcome. We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
