The 10 Golden Rules of Interior Design
The 10 Golden Rules of Interior Design
If you want your home to look like it was designed by a pro, follow these tried-and-true guidelines:
Scale and Proportion
Make sure the size and scale of your furniture suits the space. An oversized sectional in a small room will make the space feel cramped, while tiny end tables in a large family room will get lost. Choose furniture that is proportional to the size of the room.
Balance
Create a balanced look by repeating colors, shapes, and styles. For example, if you have a heavy, dark piece of furniture on one side of the room, balance it with something similar on the other side. Symmetry creates an elegant, polished look.
Rhythm
Establish a rhythm in your space by repeating lines, shapes, and patterns. Use a series of arches, a recurring geometric shape, or a patterned fabric to create rhythm. Subtle rhythm pulls a space together and makes it pleasing to the eye.
Emphasis
Create focal points in your room to draw attention, such as an accent wall, artwork, or a statement piece of furniture. But don’t overdo it—too many focal points will make a space feel busy and cluttered.
Harmony
Choose a color palette and stick to it. Use the 60-30-10 rule: 60% dominant color, 30% secondary color, 10% accent color. Repeat colors in your furnishings, accents, and decor for a harmonious look.
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The remaining rules cover: unity, contrast, pattern and texture, lighting, and accessorizing. Following these tried-and-true design principles will make your home look like a pro designed it. Keep in mind that rules are meant to be broken—once you understand them, feel free to bend them to suit your personal style. The most important rule of design is to create spaces you love!