The Basics of Interior Design: Simplified

‘Elevating the everyday’ is an essential concept in interior design. It’s about creating decor that is a work of art in itself and making your space unique – a beautiful, comfortable, and functional one that feels like you. But before diving full-fledged into this complex art and creating such a space, you must know the basics of interior design.

Basic Elements of Interior Design

Interior designing is a great way to get creative. Here, there is an art to designing a space that is functional and yet artistically pleasing to the senses. You might not know where to start when it comes to designing your own home. However, with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a space that feels inviting and is entirely your own.

Plan Out Your Space

When you’re starting out, your first step should be to sit down and think about what kind of space you want to create. This could mean anything from a cosy reading nook to the perfect study setup. Whatever you want to do, the key is to develop a vision for how you want the finished space to look and feel.

Determine Your Style

Once you know what you’re trying to achieve from your space, you can start thinking about what style or theme it will follow. There are different categories of types, such as minimalistic, Scandinavian, tropical, rustic, contemporary, mid-century, etc. Once you know which ones resonate with you the most, you can mix them to get a great-looking result.

You can even decide based on what inspires you. This can be anything from a favourite colour or pattern to a piece of art or an object that has special meaning for you. Use this inspiration as the basis for everything else in your space — it’s sure to make decorating easier and more enjoyable.

Choose Your Colour Scheme

Your colour scheme pretty much sets the vibe of your house, making colour a key element in interior design. Whether the mood you’re hoping to opt for is calm and relaxing or bold and vibrant, there’s a variety of colour schemes that will help you achieve your perfect look!

If you’re looking to add colour but are unsure how to do that, consider starting with a piece with rich hues or maybe going for an accent wall.

Lighting is another key element that can make or break your space. Usually, natural lighting is always best – it can transform a room and make it feel more open and spacious. You can opt for big windows or sheer curtains that let sufficient light in. You can also add mirrors or other reflective surfaces that bounce light across your space. 

And, of course, artificial light is needed for nighttime. Try opting for warm lighting as that gives more of a cosy, homey environment. If you have a contemporary space and want to jazz it up, you can even add some LED lights to set the mood!  

Pick Your Materials

Using materials in interior design is strategic – not only for the aesthetics but also for the functionality of the space. For example, using wood on your floor, panelling on the walls, or furniture can make any room feel warm and inviting. It also adds an organic element that can help you feel more connected to nature — even if you’re indoors!

Materials come into play for pretty much every element in your house – whether it’s the soft, textured feel of a sofa or the smooth and sleek finish of a table. With the right combination of materials, your space will convey a sense of sophistication and luxury that you can’t put a price tag on.

Make Use of Patterns

Choosing your interior design elements is like choosing your wardrobe. You wouldn’t use the same thing repeatedly or always prefer the same colour. That’s the same with interior design – you’d want to mix it up a little, and the best way to do that is with patterns!

You can opt for a patterned accent wall, a patterned rug, or simple patterned upholstery and decor, like your table chairs or teapots. Whatever you choose, patterns are a great way to add a bit of whimsy to your space!

Add Decorative Elements

Decorative elements will tie your space together and add the final touch your home needs to feel cosy and inviting. These can include:

• A Statement Piece: Your statement piece should be something that makes you happy every time you see it—whether it’s an area rug, a couch (or an entire living room set), or even a vintage grandfather clock! 
• Add Some Plants: The right greenery adds life and colour to any space. If you don’t want to buy real plants, consider investing in some high-quality fake ones.
• Hang Curtains: Curtains can add warmth and cosiness to a room by shutting out the light, blocking drafts, and supporting relaxation. They also add to the aesthetics of your home! 
• Use Bookshelves: Bookshelves are a great way to display your books, amongst other things. Not only are they great for storage, but they can visually amp up your space.

The world of interior design can be a daunting one, especially if you’re just starting. You’ve got to get a sense of what ‘look’ you’re trying to achieve and then find the right pieces to make it come together.

Luckily for you, this lowdown on interior design basics can help you dive into your project with confidence and create the home you’ve always dreamed of. So what are you waiting for? Get started today! For more tips, you can always take a look at the HomeLane blog.