Do you have a knack for knowing which Angora throws pair perfectly with a chaise lounge? Are you a marvel at matching mahogany end tables with mid-century statement lamps? If so, we congratulate you because mastering home decor skills isn’t easy, and not everybody is a pro at it. In fact, much of home decoration is deeply based on gut instinct, or the “this looks good” feeling one gets when that reading nook or kitchen corner turns out beautifully. But what if you could lean on a more structured plan for decorating your home? If you’re looking for more methodology in home beautification, you’ll want to read about these interior design rules that will help you ace your home decoration game.
Find Your Focal Point
Even the most meager one bedroom apartments have some kind of focal point. It might be a window with a charming view. It could be a few built-ins or a mantle. Even if your room has no visually impactful feature, you can create a focal point. We’re talking about selecting home decor items that anchor the room. Choose a bold statement piece if you’re working with a room that doesn’t have an immediate focal point. In other cases, any room that draws attention to a special feature or view is your focal point. Work with that by choosing accents that draw the eye into that focus area. The overall effects will create more harmony, balance, and flow in the room.
Stick With The Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds isn’t just an interior design rule – it’s also a mathematical principle that dates back to the 1700s when painter John Thomas Smith realized the human eye prefers groupings of three. Since then, it’s been an aesthetic strategy used in all types of creative endeavors, including photography. You can practice this guide by breaking a room up into three parts. Decorate it fluidly and evenly throughout the thirds so that visual weight is thoughtfully distributed through the room’s left, right, and center areas. Decorate your rooms in groupings of three with different interior items such as furniture, pictures, pillows, etc. Also, the rule of thirds is a great place to start – but if you like your rooms decorated a certain way – go with your unique flow.
Mix Vintage With Modern
It could be tempting to keep decorations in the same theme when working with the blank canvas of a home or a room. Sticking to a room-wide theme of the same theme, colors, textures, etc, is a good place to start. However, this tact could produce a boring or bland effect. Instead, don’t be afraid to mix old with new. Scrounge your storage spaces for unique, vintage items and blend them with newer store-bought items. Doing this will create a story in your space. It will also enhance and enrich areas, engaging the eye more actively.
Make Layers
Decorating a room can be a lot like oil painting on a canvas – it’s best rendered in layers. For interior design, layers create visual depth and can give your space a sophisticated look. Layers in a room can be accomplished by getting the basics established first. This means building the foundation with basic furniture selections. The next layer could be decorating your walls. Then start with additional layers such as personal touches, throw pillows, area rugs, sentimental items, etc. Layers can transform a room from “blah” to “hurrah!”
Bring Life Into the Room
There’s nothing more homey or refreshing than live plants in a home or room. Not only do they enliven an area, they also help purify the air. Also, consider adding fresh-cut floral arrangements to your focal point in a room. This is an elegant and beautiful way to transform any space. Not all spaces in homes or apartments lend themselves to plant life. Or, you might not have the budget for fresh-cut flowers. No worries. You can bring some highly authentic artificial plants and flowers into your home that will make it appear fresh and vibrant (without all the watering hassles).
Embrace the Power of Color
Color has the profound ability to influence mood and create ambiance in a room. When choosing your palette, consider the psychological effects of colors. Warm tones like red, orange, and yellow can evoke feelings of warmth and comfort, ideal for social spaces like the living room and kitchen. Cooler tones such as blue, green, and violet promote calmness and relaxation, making them perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms. Don’t be afraid to experiment with accent walls or colorful accessories to add a pop of personality to your spaces.
Balance Function and Beauty
While aesthetics are crucial, functionality cannot be overlooked. Every piece in your room should serve a purpose, whether it’s a comfortable reading chair in your cozy corner or ample storage solutions cleverly disguised as chic furniture. Think about how you use the space and select pieces that enhance both its beauty and usability. Multi-functional furniture, like ottomans with storage or sleeper sofas, can be particularly useful in small apartments or multi-use spaces.
Play with Textures and Patterns
Adding a variety of textures and patterns can instantly elevate a room from flat to dynamic. Mix smooth and rough textures, such as pairing a sleek leather sofa with fluffy throw pillows or a shag rug. When it comes to patterns, the key is balance. Combine larger prints with smaller ones, and keep a consistent color theme to prevent the space from feeling chaotic. Remember, textures and patterns are not just confined to textiles; they can also be incorporated through wall treatments, flooring, and decorative pieces.
Create a Personal Gallery
Personalize your space by creating a gallery wall that reflects your style and experiences. This can be a mix of your favorite artworks, photographs, and even three-dimensional objects that tell a story. Arrange them in a cohesive manner, keeping in mind the rule of thirds for a visually appealing display. Don’t hesitate to switch out pieces or add to your collection over time, allowing your gallery wall to evolve with your tastes and life journey.
Conclusion
While it’s true there are some rules in interior design, who says rules can’t be broken? Ultimately, the way you decorate your home or living areas is up to you. Your own unique perspective and preferences should be your best guide in sprucing up various areas in your home or apartment. So, heed these guidelines, but have fun with your special flair!
