The Golden Rules of Interior Design Professionals Swear By
Good interior design is more than just choosing trending styles and creating a picture-perfect space. There are core principles that designers try to stick to make sure the space they create is beautifully designed and highly functional. Whether you’re just wanting to refresh your home or redesigning the whole place, below are some of the golden rules you should stick to to help you make smarter design decisions.
Design For Function, Not Just Aesthetics
Ask an interior designer what the biggest mistake people make when trying their hand at home design is, and they’ll say it’s being solely focused on the looks and forgetting that a room still needs to function. Rather than creating a space that only looks good in photos, designers will also focus on how the rooms will be used day in and day out. You can instantly tell whether a space can be lived in or whether it’s all just for show.
Instead, when you’re thinking about the design of a space, recall you and your family’s daily routines. What will make the space more comfortable rather than just how it can look better. A more comfortable space that’s easier to live in is a well-designed space. Each room should have a purpose and not just be decorated for looks. The most beautiful homes are ones that, yes, look good but are also the ones people enjoy living in.
Invest In Good Quality, Timeless Pieces
Most of the time, there’s going to be a budget that needs to be stuck to when re-designing a space. There’s nothing wrong with that; you can still create a beautifully styled home that functions well. The problem comes when you end up spending your budget on trendy furniture or decorating your space in a way to keep up with what’s “current”. You might like it right now, but give it a few years, and you’ll be spending more to replace it all as you (and the rest of the world) now hate it.
Instead, invest in good quality, timeless pieces that have been around a while and stood the test of time. Go for classic styles, cuts and colours or anything that matches your own personal tastes rather than what you see trending on social media. You’ll be able to enjoy these pieces for much longer without feeling the need to replace them any time soon, saving you a lot of money in the long run.
Utilize Different Lighting
When you see beautiful-looking rooms in person, in magazines or online, they all have one thing in common: lots and lots of different lighting. You’ll really see just one ceiling light in well-designed rooms. That’s because it’s just too overpowering and doesn’t make a room feel very warm.
Instead, use a combination of different lighting styles. This could be different heights, different styles or even different colours. The layers of lighting create a warm, cosy space with a lot more character and personality, but it also has more function too. Having different lighting in different areas makes the space more flexible and functional and therefore just more enjoyable to be in overall.
The best designed spaces often combine style, comfort and functionality whilst avoiding trends and creating a warm, cosy space. If you follow these golden rules, you can build a home that feels balanced and inviting whilst still being comfortable to live in.
