Not everyone can afford to hire an interior designer. That doesn’t mean it’s not possible to have a beautiful, comfortable, inviting home. Those who want to take matters into their own hands can read on to find five professional interior design tips that will help.
Determine a Personal Style
One great way to make a room feel more like home is to start by brainstorming words that describe the end result. Someone who comes up with words like formal, conventional, and elegant will likely gravitate toward more traditional designs, while those who describe a space that feels modern, comfortable, and inviting will have very different goals. Those who prioritize comfort should do themselves a favour and check out Sumo Lounge for affordable seating that makes a great addition to any contemporary-styled room.
Build Around the Space
The amount of space available in a room will impact everything from the scale of furnishings and decor to how they are arranged, and unlike the colour scheme or the styling, it can’t be changed. Large rooms may benefit from different zones to accommodate various activities, while smaller rooms require a more unified approach. While personal preference can certainly determine what a living room will be used for, it won’t change the fact that a tiny living room just doesn’t have space for both a gaming station and a full work area, so don’t try to pack in more furniture than the room will comfortably hold.
Create Space with Well-Placed Mirrors
Adding mirrors to the walls can make even a small space look and feel larger. The best placement for mirrors in small rooms is the wall opposite a window centred around 57 inches from the floor. There’s no need to place a mirror directly opposite every window, which can look contrived, but adding at least one to a smaller space will distribute more natural light throughout the room and make it feel larger than it is.
Mix High and Low Price Points
Don’t assume that more expensive furniture, art, and decor are automatically better than affordable alternatives. More often than not, the best room designs are created by mixing high and low price points. Splurge on what’s important, but don’t go into debt trying to purchase overly expensive furniture just to impress people. That’s not what interior design should be about.
Follow The 60-30-10 Rule
Most experts recommend following the 60-30-10 rule when it comes to colour palettes. This rule states that 60% of any room should be its dominant colour, 30% should be a secondary colour, and 10% should be an accent colour. In most designs, this means the walls will be one colour, the upholstery will all be similar shades of another secondary colour, and the pillows, artwork, or other items will incorporate the accent colour. There’s no need to get out a ruler or omit all other hues, but try to follow these general ratios.
Start From the Ground Up
It’s common for DIY interior designers to feel overwhelmed. When in doubt about where to get started, try designing from the ground up. Choosing carpets or throw rugs first, then moving up from there will set the colour scheme and tone of the room while still allowing plenty of flexibility when it comes to choosing layer pieces.
The Bottom Line
Interior design doesn’t have to be impossibly hard. The most important thing to keep in mind is that the redecorated room should be an expression of personal style, not an exact recreation of a magazine spread. When in doubt, prioritize comfort.
