Interior design can be a tricky business. There are so many things to consider: colors, textures, styles, and more. It’s easy to make a mistake and wind up with a space that you hate. In this blog post, we will discuss the biggest do’s and don’ts of interior design. Keep these tips in mind when designing your next space!
Key takeaways
- Interior designers have access to trade discounts which can save you a significant amount of money on your purchase.
- Leave a few inches of space between the furniture and the walls to create a feeling of openness.
- Don’t pick your paint colour first, start by considering the overall style of your home.
- Don’t let everything match in a room, mix and match different elements to create interest.
- Incorporate personal touches throughout the space to reflect your taste.
Contents
Do’s of Interior Design
Here are some of the biggest do’s of interior design:
Do use dramatic colour in a small space
As any interior designer will tell you, color can have a dramatic impact on a room. The right colors can make a small space feel open and airy, while the wrong colors can make it feel cramped and claustrophobic. When choosing colors for a small space, it’s important to avoid dark, muted tones.
Instead, opt for light, bright colors that will reflect light and make the space feel larger. You can also use bold accent colors to create visual interest and add personality to the space. Just be sure to use them sparingly, as too much color can be overwhelming. For example, you might paint one accent wall in a bright color, or use colorful accessories to add pops of color throughout the space.
Do make the most of your lighting
One of the most important aspects of interior design is lighting. The right lighting can make a room feel warm and inviting, while bad lighting can make it feel cold and sterile. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing lighting for your home.
- Think about the purpose of the room. A bright kitchen will need different lighting than a cozy living room.
- Consider the natural light that the room gets. If a room is already filled with sunlight, you won’t need as much artificial light.
- Don’t be afraid to mix different types of lighting. A combination of overhead lights, table lamps, and floor lamps will create a warm and inviting space.
Pro Tip: One of the easiest ways to improve your home’s lighting is to install dimmers. Dimmers allow you to adjust the light level in a room, so you can create the perfect ambiance for any occasion.
Do use different textures
When it comes to interior design, there are a few key things to keep in mind. One of the most important is to create a sense of visual interest. The right mix of textures can add interest and depth to a space, while too much of one kind of texture can make a room feel flat and boring.
To get the most out of your textures, try to use a variety of different textures in each room. For example, pair a smooth leather sofa with a fluffy sheepskin rug. Or, use a rough-hewn wooden coffee table with a silk throw pillow. It’s a good idea to use a variety of textures throughout each room, as this will create a more interesting and well-rounded space.
Do use accent pieces
Interior design is all about creating a cohesive and stylish space, and one of the best ways to do this is by incorporating accent pieces. Accent pieces can add visual interest to a room, help to define the space, and provide a focal point for the eye.
When choosing accent pieces, it is important to select items that complement the overall style of the room. For example, a traditional space would benefit from an antique vase or piece of art, while a more modern room might be enhanced by a sculpture or piece of abstract art. This is a great way to add your own personal touch to a space and make it truly unique.
Pro Tip: When shopping for accent pieces, keep an eye out for items that can serve multiple purposes. For example, a small table can be used as a side table or an entryway table. A piece of art can also double as a wall decor.
Do pay attention to your hallway
The hallway is often one of the first things that guests see when they enter your home, so it’s important to make a good impression. There are a few simple things you can do to ensure your hallway looks its best.
- Take care of any repair or maintenance issues. If there are any cracks in the walls or loose floorboards, be sure to fix them. Y
- You should also declutter the space and remove any unnecessary items.
- Once the area is clean and clear, you can add some personal touches to make it more inviting. A few well-chosen pieces of art or a small area rug can help to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Do hire a professional interior designer
Many people are under the impression that they can save money by hiring a reliable interior designer. However, there are several reasons why this is not always the case. First of all, designers have access to a wide range of resources that the average person does not.
This includes trade discounts, which can save you a significant amount of money on your purchase. In addition, designers are often able to negotiate better terms with suppliers and contractors. Finally, designers have a wealth of experience and knowledge that can be invaluable when it comes to making your home look its best. So while you may save some money by doing it yourself, in many cases it is worth the investment to hire a professional.
Pro Tip: When interviewing potential designers, be sure to ask about their experience and qualifications. You should also ask to see a portfolio of their previous work. This will give you a good idea of their style and ability.
Don’ts of interior design
There are a few things you should avoid if you want to create a stylish and inviting space. Here are a few of the most important interior design don’ts:
Don’t push all the furniture against the walls
Many people think that the best way to design a room is to push all the furniture against the walls. However, this can actually make the room feel smaller and more cramped. Instead, try leaving a few inches of space between the furniture and the walls.
This will create a feeling of openness and help to maximize the available space. In addition, be sure to arrange the furniture in a way that allows for easy movement throughout the room. Creating a clear path from one side of the room to the other will make the space feel more inviting and user-friendly.
Don’t pick your paint colour first
Choosing paint colours for your home can be a daunting task. With so many shades and hues to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down your options. However, there is one big mistake that many homeowners make when choosing paint colours: picking the colour first.
This can lead to problems later on, as you may find that the shade you’ve chosen doesn’t work well with the rest of your decor. Instead of picking your paint colour first, start by considering the overall style of your home. What colours are already present in your rooms? What tones would you like to create? Once you have a general idea of the palette you’re working with, it will be much easier to narrow down your choices and find the perfect paint colour for your space.
Don’t let everything match
One common design mistake is letting everything match. This can be a costly mistake because it can mean buying all new furniture, accessories, and paint to achieve the desired look. It is important to remember that people are attracted to variety and contrast, so a room that is too perfectly matched can look bland and uninviting.
A better approach is to mix and match different elements to create a more dynamic and interesting space. Another interior design don’t is neglecting personal style. A home should reflect the taste of its owner, so make sure to incorporate personal touches throughout the space. This could mean displaying favorite artworks or heirlooms, or simply choosing furniture and décor that reflects your personal aesthetic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a few important interior design don’ts that you should be aware of. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you create a more stylish and inviting home. Remember to mix and match different elements, personalize the space, and leave some negative space when arranging furniture. Now that you know what to avoid, you can focus on creating the home of your dreams.