From an outside perspective, interior design may not seem like it takes much know-how. After all, people have been putting furniture into rooms for a long time. But interior design is art applied to the space in which we live, and everyone would agree that it takes a certain level of skill to create art that is pleasing to the eye. Try these interior design tips from the professionals to get started on the right foot.
Let the Room Size Dictate Style Choices
It isn’t the size of a room that dictates how aesthetically appealing it is. But designers will decorate a smaller space differently than they would a large space. For instance, smaller spaces can tend to look overcrowded if you don’t decorate them thoughtfully. Conversely, a large space may look empty and imposing.
For smaller spaces, focus on creating the illusion of space by emphasizing natural light and keeping the layout simple. For larger rooms, avoid spacing out the furniture too much and add art to the walls to prevent large, gaping spaces. And keep in mind that cool and warm colors have different effects on the perception of space in a room. Designers typically use cool colors for small rooms and warm colors for large rooms.
Do Your Interior Design Arithmetic
Even though design is a mostly artistic pursuit, a few design elements involve the idea of numbers. These interior design principles from the professionals will help you create a balanced space.
The Rule of Three
The rule of three states that odd-numbered groups are more visually appealing. For instance, three candles on an end table will look better than four. This can apply to anything in a room, from throw cushions to art pieces to knickknacks on the mantlepiece.
The 60-30-10 Rule
This rule focuses on the use of color in the space. The idea is that 60 percent of the room should be one color, 30 percent should be a neutral, and 10 percent should be an accent color. This keeps the room from looking too busy.
The 70-30 Split
The 70-30 split focuses on interior design styles in general. To help create a more nuanced style, you can choose two different style schemes. 70 percent of the room will be the first scheme, and the second scheme will be the other 30 percent. For instance, you can decorate most of the room in “country chic” with a few modern touches.
Incorporate Lighting Into the Style
Lighting isn’t only about adding lamps or lights to a space. Different room designs lend themselves to a bright space more than others. By adding airy window trimmings, mirrors, and light-colored paint, your space will seem brighter even before you add more light fixtures. This has a number of benefits for your room, such as making it seem larger and more welcoming.