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The Ultimate Guide to Interior Design

of 33The Ultimate Guide to Interior Design | FEATHR™

10/4/2019https://www.feathr.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-interior-design/

Done well, interior design is alchemy. It can instantly change a space, a

mood - even a life. As Winston Churchill famously declared: "we shape our

buildings; thereafter they shape us." Whether you're planning a do-it-

yourself project or looking to hire a specialist designer, read this Ultimate

Guide to Interior Design to ensure your projects end up in interiors heaven.

Contents.

What is interior Design?

The 7 Principles of Interior Design

◾ Balance◾ Rhythm◾ Emphasis◾ Contrast & Variety◾ Scale & Proportion◾ Unity & Harmony

◾ Details



How to Hire an Interior Designer

◾ Designer or Decorator?◾ Establishing a Budget◾ Finding Your Style◾ Doing Research

Doing it Yourself: 6 Tips for Perfect DIY Design

◾ Know yourself◾ Make a design plan◾ Pick a colour palette

◾ Following the 7 Principles of Interior Design◾ Using layering & texture◾ Accessorizing

Now Get the Look: Guide to Top Interior Design Styles

◾ Transitional◾ Maximalist◾ Bohemian◾ Memphis◾ Scandinavian◾ Minimalist◾ Industrial

◾ Shabby Chic◾ Mid Century Modern◾ Modern Coastal◾ Rustic◾ Traditional

What is interior design? Where art and science meet.



Luxurious interior design with agate feature wall

At its simplest, interior design is the layer of decoration on the interior of a

building. But in reality, it is much more than that. At its core, interior design

is about creating interiors that function well and enhance the well-being of

those who use the space. Good interior design not only looks beautiful but

also improves overall quality of life. The practice of interior design

combines both art and science: it demands the understanding of a space,

insight into the pscyhology of living in a space, and the creativity to

introduce colour, shape and texture to best create a cohesive and pleasing

environment.

As a practice that involves so many skillsets, its practitioners come from

many different backgrounds. Depending upon the country they operate in,

an interior designer may not need official qualifications (for example, they

do in the USA and Australia but not in the UK) - but some core principles

apply whether or not formal training in interior design is necessary. All

successful interior designers - and so all successful interior design projects

- come from combining creativity, organisational skills, attention to detail

and the ability to communicate your ideas clearly (whether this is to clients,

suppliers or installers).



In this guide, we'll cover off key aspects of interior design, such as the 7

Principles of Interior Design and the elements of the main on-trend interior

design styles. But remember - design is always personal, so rules can be

bent (and sometimes even broken). As David Hicks said: "The best rooms

have something to say about the people who live in them."

The 7 Principles of Interior Design. The guidelines for guaranteed interiors heaven.

The 7 Principles of Interior Design are guidelines for creating a well-

designed space. Designers incorporate these principles into every design

plan to create interiors that are both beautiful and fully functional. While

each principle is important on its own, in a truly successful design, all 7

principles work together and complement each other.

Balance in interior design requires an equal distribution of “visual weight”.

Visual weight refers to how heavy or substantial an object appears to the

human eye. Items that are large, solid, dark, or colourful will seem heavier

than objects that are small, thin, open, or light in colour. To achieve good

balance, divide a room into four equal quadrants. Each quarter should

appear to contain roughly the same volume of furnishings and objects.



In music, rhythm occurs when a repetitive beat (or combination of beats)

creates a musical pattern. Rhythm in interior design helps create a cohesive

space with good flow by using repetition to help move the eye around the

room. Repeated elements can be anything from a colour or pattern, to

finishes and materials, to shapes and styles.

Emphasis in interior design refers to a central element that acts as the

focal point of a space. Common focal points include architectural features

such as a fireplace or picture window. If a room does not have any

noteworthy architectural features, a piece of art or furniture can also be a

focal point.

The focal point should be the first thing you notice when you enter the

room and serve as an anchor for the space. Once you have identified the



focal point, you can create emphasis through furniture placement and with

the use of colour, light, and texture.

Contrast and variety create visual interest and prevent interiors from

feeling boring. Contrast provides drama and draws attention while variety

adds personality and diversity. Create contrast by placing elements of

striking difference next to one another. You can achieve this effect with the

use of colour, shape, and space. You can also use different colours, fabrics,

and finishes along with unique furniture pieces to add variety to a space.

Scale and proportion work together to ensure that objects in a room look

like they belong there and also relate to one another. Scale refers to the

size of objects within a space, while proportion refers to the size of one

object in relation to another.



Unity and harmony create a space that feels cohesive and ensure that all

the elements in a room feel like part of a whole. Unity is achieved when an

overall theme is followed that guides the design and ensures that all pieces

relate to each other. Decorating with items that have common colours,

patterns, shape, or style will help create a harmonious room.

Incorporating the above 6 principles will create a space with good flow and

balance that feels well put together. But the details are what makes a room

come to life. The details are easy to overlook but can have a big impact on

the overall look and feel of a space.

Decorative details include items such as trim and embellishments on

textiles, architectural accents, and hardware, handles, and flourishes. Other

less obvious details involve common features such as wires from lamps and

electronics, faceplates for outlets, and quality of workmanship



How to hire an interior designer. Picking the perfect partner.

Interior designer working on plans

Hiring a professional interior designer to redecorate your home can be a

sound investment. Many people feel they can handle the job themselves but

end up making expensive mistakes that far exceed the cost of a designer.

Your designer should be someone who you trust, feel comfortable sharing

your opinion with, and gives you confidence in their ability to turn your

vision into reality. Make sure you consider these four points before hiring

someone to work on your project.



Designer or Decorator?

When beginning a design project, you’ll have to decide whether you need a

designer or a decorator. An interior designer must be certified (in some

countries: for example in the USA and Australia, but not in the UK) and

should be called in if your project is large scale and requires moving walls or

changing the layout of a space. A decorator is trained in design and can

help you choose new colours, furnishings, and textiles and create a plan for

how they should all go together. Once you understand the scope of your

project, you’ll be able to decide whether a decorator or designer is right for

you.

Establish a Budget

The first thing to determine when starting a design project is your budget.

Furnishings and renovations can add up quickly so it’s important to know

how much money you have available and to stick to the budget. Allow some

room for contingencies because unexpected issues almost always arise.



Think about what your style is - be smart with your budget to create the

extra feeling of luxury

Find Your Style

In order for your designer to create the space you are dreaming of they

have to be able to see your vision. Spend time on design sites such as

Pinterest, Instagram, and Houzz collecting images of spaces you love that

inspire you. This will give your designer a feel for your taste and provide a

starting point for your design.

Do Your Research

Now that you know what you want, it’s time to find the right person to help

you get there. Ask friends and coworkers who did their design and spend

time online looking for designers with great reviews.

Visit designer’s websites and review their portfolio to see if their aesthetic

meshes with yours. Once you meet with a designer, be sure to ask a lot of

questions to ensure you are a good fit both personality and style-wise.

Doing it yourself? Follow these 6 tips for perfect DIY interior design

If you decide to embark on your interior design project without the help of a

professional, you can avoid potential headaches by taking the time to

carefully research and plan your project. Use these 6 simple tips to ensure

the perfect project.



1. Establish Budget and Style

Just like when hiring a professional designer, the first steps to managing

your own design project are to determine your budget and find your design

inspiration. When doing your own design, you are responsible for managing

all expenses. So, it’s important to budget out your costs ahead of time or

you could run out of money early in the project.

Using an inspiration image and establishing a design style will also help you

stay focused and on budget. Following one design style will create a

cohesive space that looks well thought out. To learn more about current

popular design styles, see our breakdown of Top Interior Design Styles at

the end of this guide.

2. Make a Design Plan



Before you do any shopping, sit down and make a design plan. Start by

assessing the décor and furnishings you already own and decide what will

stay and what should go. This is a great time to edit your possessions and

let go of anything that’s outdated or no longer useful.

Consider how you want to use the room and what items you will need to

make the space functional for you and your family. Now make a list of the

new furniture and décor you will require to complete the design.

Carefully measure the room and make a rough sketch of the space and

write the room measurements on the sketch. This plan should also include

measurements of furnishings that are staying in the room and the size of

spaces any new items will fill. Take this plan and your list with you

whenever you shop to guide your purchases and help prevent impulse buys.

3. Pick A Colour Palette

The color palette should impact every aspect of your interior design. While

you should choose colours you like, you also need colours that work well

together and complement the fixed finishes in your home.

A great way to select a colour palette is to start with a piece of artwork or

fabric that you love and pull colours from there. To correctly balance the

colours throughout the space, follow the 60-30-10 rule. 60 percent of the

room should be the dominant color, 30 percent should be the secondary

color, and 10 percent should be an accent color.



4. Follow the 7 Principles of Design

When it comes time to implement your design plan, be sure to reference the

7 Principles of Design that are discussed above. The Principles can be

applied to your design in the following ways.

◾ Determine a focal point and emphasize it with the use of other décor

elements.

◾ When buying furniture pay attention to scale and proportion.

◾ Look for consistency among finishes and materials to create rhythm

and harmony.

◾ Stick to a specific design style for a unified space.

◾ Add contrasting items to create drama and provide variety.

◾ When laying out your furniture try to achieve visual balance.

◾ Pay attention to the details and take the time to put finishing touches

on the design.

5. Layer in Texture



No matter how beautifully a room is designed, without texture the space

will feel flat. Mix plush fabrics like velvet and faux furs with rough materials

like jute and linen. You should also include a combination of textures in the

hard surfaces as well. Rough wood and stone paired with smooth glass and

metal will add interest to a space.

6. Try accessorizing

Accessories can help pull a design together and take an interior from OK to

outstanding. Start by curating your existing collection of accessories for

pieces you want to keep. Consider items such as travel souvenirs,

photographs, and artwork that reflect your interests and personality.

When shopping for new accessories, look for pieces that fit with the room’s

aesthetic and color palette. Items such as flowers, trays, candlesticks, and

vases that can be used together to create attractive vignettes. The most

pleasing arrangements feature objects grouped in odd numbers (groups of

3 work well) and a combination of tall, short, and medium sized accessories.



Now get the look: Our guide to the top interior design styles

Discover the 12 hot styles in interior design at the moment. Use our simple

tips to achieve the look. Of course, interior design is all about establishing

your own style in a space: so experiment and don't be afraid to take

inspiration from different styles. If in doubt, refer back to the 7 Principles of

Interior Design to ensure you end up with a cohesive project.

1. Transitional



Modern luxury interior design with blush pink bedding and copper detailing

Transitional design involves a combination of contemporary and traditional

design elements to create a modern and luxurious interior. Dark wood, plush

upholstery, and clean lines are some of the trademarks of this ultra-popular

design style.

To create this style:

◾ Strike a balance between contemporary and traditional pieces.

◾ Stay neutral. Transitional décor features a neutral base with pops of

colour added through textiles which can be easily changed out for a

fresh look.

◾ Accessorize lightly. To maintain a clean, open feeling keep accessorize

to a few pieces that add interest and draw attention.

◾ Avoid ornate details. Transitional furnishings feature clean lines and

simple style.

◾ Add luxurious touches such as plush materials and reflective surfaces

to elevate the space.

2. Maximalist



Maximimalist decor with Asian chaise longue, Seletti light and floral

wallpaper

Maximalist décor features a mixture of colors, patterns, and textures within

a singular design style. It’s a glamourous and luxurious style that follows a

“more is more” aesthetic.


◾ Stick to one design style. To prevent a maximalist space from feeling

overwhelming, keep different colors, patterns, and textures within a

single style.

◾ Create a Connection. Choose a common element that repeats

throughout the room to create a cohesive look.

◾ Prioritize function. Plan a layout that has good flow and meets your

needs, then layer in color, pattern, and texture.

◾ Layer up. Add layers of colour and pattern throughout the space.

Incorporate wallpaper, area rugs, artwork, pillows and throws and feel

free to double up.



Wallpaper featured is XinSong01 in Dark Copper by XinSong.

3. Bohemian

Bohemian bedroom with kitsch floral cushions

Bohemian interior design is an unconventional and artsy Moroccan-inspired

style. It features an abundance of colours and patterns with a fun and

free-spirited vibe.


◾ Incorporate colours. From metallics to jewel tones to deep, saturated

colours, anything goes in bohemian design.



◾ Mix patterns and don’t worry about matching. Pillows, area rugs,

blankets, curtains, and tablecloths are just some of the areas to add

pattern.

◾ Use a variety of materials. It’s OK to combine linen and sisal with silk and cashmere.

◾ Shop second hand. A truly bohemian space is filled with unique, well-

loved pieces you won’t find in a big box store.

◾ Embrace foreign objects. Include décor from around the globe to

create an international vibe.

4. Memphis



Memphis Group style interior design

Memphis design is a bold and quirky style with an 80’s flair. Filled with

graphic elements, geometric shapes, and primary colours this brash style

established by the Memphis Group is not for the mild mannered.


◾ Pick a primary colour palette. Red, blue, yellow, and green are all you

need to create this style.

◾ Feature bold graphic prints and patterns. Squiggles, lines, and funny

shapes are go-to components of Memphis style.

◾ Choose unconventional furniture. Look for modular pieces with

surprising, post-modern shapes.

◾ Forget function. This is one design style that prefers fun and outrageous over simple and practical.

◾ Skip the natural materials. Instead opt for futuristic finishes such as

plastic, laminates, and illuminated items.

Wallpaper featured is Super Abstract in Pastel by Supermundane.

5. Scandinavian



Scandinavian bedroom interior design



Scandinavian décor is a centuries-old style that features cozy, comfortable

spaces and clean, simple design. The ultimate goal is a home that

maximizes natural light and generates feelings of contentment and well-

being.


◾ Maximize natural light with white walls and remove window coverings.

◾ Choose a neutral colour palette inspired by nature. Select muted

shades of amber, moss green, dusty rose, or ice blue paired with plenty

of white.

◾ Use natural materials to create an organic space. Incorporate as much

wood, leather, cotton, linen, and (faux) fur as possible.

◾ Eliminate clutter by removing items that do not serve a purpose.

◾ Accessorize with plants instead of knick-knacks.

◾ Create interest with layers of texture.

6. Minimalist



Minimalist interior with sculpture and blush pink chairs

Minimalist décor focuses on surrounding yourself with beautiful things that

serve a purpose or bring you joy. This modern style features clean surfaces,

sleek lines, and open space and provides a calm haven from a hectic world.


◾ Edit and embrace negative space. Discard, recycle, or donate

everything that isn’t useful or meaningful.

◾ Adapt a neutral colour palette. Use a base neutral such as cream, grey,

or beige and add interest by layering in different shades of one colour.

◾ Accessorize with plants to bring life to a room without adding clutter.

◾ Combine beauty and function by selecting attractive pieces that

serve a purpose.

◾ Use texture to add warmth and interest without adding clutter.

7. Industrial



Industrial interior design with wooden table and authentic exposed brick

walls

Industrial design was born from the trend of converting old factories and

industrial warehouses into residential spaces. This edgy and slightly

masculine décor style exposes the bones of space and embraces raw

materials.


◾ Bring the inside out. Expose ductwork, pipes, and original brick walls to

showcase their beauty.

◾ Embrace raw materials. Cement, wood, and metal dominate in

industrial décor.

◾ Adopt a moody colour palette. Natural materials create dark

backdrops, add colour with warm subdued tones like cranberry, olive,

or mustard.

◾ Leave things unfinished. Raw wood, unpainted concrete, and stripped-

down furniture are all OK.

◾ Focus on form and function. Choose pieces that are well-built and do

a specific job really well.



◾ Make a statement with lighting. In minimalistic industrial spaces,

lighting can serve as both art and a focal point.

8. Shabby Chic



Shabby chic interior with abstract wallpaper

Born in the 80’s in Santa Monica, California, Shabby Chic interiors

combines rustic farmhouse decor with French provincial style. It features a

relaxed blend of timeworn furnishings and soft, cozy textiles and focuses on

beauty, comfort, and function.


◾ Start with a soft colour palette. Use warm creams, pale greys, and

soft, pale colours with lots of antique white.

◾ Allow Imperfections. Scratches, watermarks, chips, and wrinkles give a

piece history and add to the charm.

◾ Repurpose ordinary objects into beautiful shabby chic treasures. Use

old windows, doors, shutters and architectural details in unexpected

ways.

◾ Remember to include some chic. Incorporate ornate details and

luxurious touches to elevate the space.

Wallpaper featured is Dreamboat in Blue

9. Mid Century Modern



A mid-century modern interior with patterned cushions and period furniture

Mid-century modern designs are known for sleek lines and organic shapes

with an emphasis on function. This timeless style had its heyday in the 40’s

and 50’s but has remained in vogue ever since.


◾ Incorporate geometric patterns. Look for funky geometric wallpaper,

fabrics, and flooring to create a mid-century vibe.

◾ Look for furniture with skinny, peg legs that holds less visual weight.

◾ Choose wood furnishings. Add tables, sideboards, and chairs made

from teak, walnut, oak and rosewood.

◾ Include iconic furniture styles. Mid-century designers are responsible

for some of the most iconic furniture styles including Tulip tables,

Eames chairs, and Barcelona chairs to name a few.

◾ Replace your lighting with sputnik pendants, globe lights, and wood

and linen table lamps.

10. Modern Coastal



Coastal interior design with pale blue clapboard walls and shell accessories



Modern coastal design is an updated version of beach and coastal styles.

This casual style has a clean, breezy feeling without all the kitsch

associated with nautical décor.


◾ Let the light in. Think bright, open, and airy to create that beachy

feeling. Open doors and big windows with minimal treatments are key.

◾ Go natural. Incorporate plenty of natural elements such as wicker,

rattan, wood, cotton, linen, seagrass, and jute.

◾ Embrace coastal colours. Choose lots of white, with sandy beiges and

watery blues and greens to bring the hues of the beach inside.

◾ Choose relaxed and casual furnishings. Low maintenance pieces made

with weathered wood and comfortable slip-covered seating are

coastal staples.

11. Rustic



Rustic kitchen interior design with shabby chic wallpaper

Rustic design is a simple, rugged, and comfortable style with a natural

aesthetic. Reminiscent of a country cabin, rustic décor features raw,

organic elements that create an inviting atmosphere.


◾ Fill your home with natural materials. Rustic interiors feature an

abundance of leather, wood, stone, and iron.

◾ Choose natural, earthy colours. Include a variety of wood tones, paired

with deep hues such as burgundy, brown, amber, or forest green with

off-white and cream to lighten things up.

◾ Allow things to remain unfinished. Raw wood and unfinished stone add

texture and create a casual, relaxed space.

◾ Focus on comfort. Choose plush, oversized furniture that invites you to

curl up and relax.

◾ Bring in beams. Wood ceiling beams are a staple of rustic design.

◾ Add a reclaimed wood accent wall to give a modern home a more

rustic vibe.

Wallpaper featured is Oh La La in Verdigris.

12. Traditional



Traditional interior with damask wallpaper and velvet curtains

Traditional interiors are serene, elegant and well-thought-out. Traditional

style is influenced by classic European décor and creates a formal and

sophisticated ambiance.


◾ Choose a dark OR neutral colour palette. Traditional interiors often

feature very neutral colour schemes with cream or beige paired with

dark wood. For those that prefer colour, use rich, deep shades such as

navy, forest green, and burgundy.

◾ Incorporate detailed woodwork. Look for decorative legs, carved

moldings, and ornate frames.

◾ Use dark woods with a smooth finish, create contrast with cream and

beige textiles.

◾ Decorate with classic art, antiques, and pieces with history.

◾ Create symmetry by buying furniture in pairs and placing items on

either side of a central axis.

◾ Add architectural features such as columns, arches, cornices, and

crown molding.

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