Whether you lack the budget for an interior designer or simply enjoy doing it yourself, designing a room from scratch can be daunting for beginners. Remember, interior design is more art than science, and there are no strict rules for decorating a room. If you need a roadmap, this comprehensive guide will help you envision all the steps to design your space like a professional.
1. Set the Mood Instead of considering what your space should look like, ask how you want it to feel. Let this guide your choices of colors, textures, furniture, and décor. For example, a light and airy zen oasis might imply minimal furniture and natural materials. An energizing, casual family space could include bold colors and patterns. Focusing on mood rather than a specific style or trend will help create an eclectic space that suits you. Margaret Austin Photo / Cathie Hong Interiors 2. Get Inspired Look for inspiration on your favorite social media channels, interior design magazines, books, and websites. Think about the places you love to escape to and analyze why. If you like mood boards, create one. If you live alone, this is an opportunity to know yourself better. If you live with others, it’s a chance to collaborate on a shared space that respects everyone in the home. 3. Get Real Rather than aiming for an idealized vision of your life, design your space for how you live now. If you have lively kids or pets, choose upholstery fabrics and surfaces that can withstand wear and still look good. If you live alone and seldom entertain, there’s no need for a large dining table. If you work from home, move your makeshift office from the corner of the living room to the spare room used only during holidays. And before purchasing anything, establish a realistic budget to prioritize spending. Margaret Austin Photo / Cathie Hong Interiors 4. Declutter If you’re redecorating, start by removing items you don’t use, need, or love. If you’re designing an empty room, think carefully before bringing in anything. There’s always room for personal items and important things, but successful interior design begins by embracing the essential and building on it. 5. Map It Out There are many free online room design tools and home design software options if you want to create a floorplan. However, space planning doesn’t have to be overly technical. Sketch layout ideas on paper or use painter’s tape to mark furniture placement to get a sense of scale and flow. Before buying any furniture, measure your space twice to avoid ordering a sofa that’s too large or too small. Best Online Interior Design Services 6. Decide on a Color Palette Whether you prefer a neutral color scheme or have a specific eye-catching palette in mind, deciding early will help create a cohesive look.Neutral rooms can be brightened with easily changeable accessories. If you want your room to be dedicated to green, pink, or blue, pick three complementary shades to keep it interesting. For an all-white room, sticking to shades of white allows for easy mixing and matching of furniture styles and periods. Christy Q. Photography / Cathie Hong Interiors 7. Start With the Finishes For a makeover rather than a remodel, consider building on the room’s existing flooring, wall color, and fixtures. If aiming for a makeover, think about how to beautify and personalize the space without renovating. If starting with an empty room, refinish floors, paint walls, add tile, wallpaper, or wall panels, or install cabinetry before bringing in furniture and accessories. 8. Choose Anchor Pieces When designing a living room, focus on the anchor piece, usually a sofa, before choosing throw pillows. Making big and expensive purchases first ensures quality for high-use items, helps maintain a realistic budget sense, and visualizes available space for additional furniture once core pieces are installed. 9. Select Secondary Furniture After picking the perfect sofa, look at coffee tables to determine sizes and styles that fit. Or consider if an oversized pouf would work better. In the dining room, if a rustic wooden farm table is chosen, add contrast with contemporary metal chairs. Complement a modern upholstered headboard with vintage lighting or bedside tables. 10. Choose Rugs, Curtains, and Textiles Once you have a sense of how the room flows, choose rugs, curtains, and textiles like bedding, throws, and decorative pillows that complement anchor pieces and add color, pattern, texture, and interest. 11. Light It Up Paying attention to lighting is key to a successful room design. Maximize natural light during the day and add layered options for the evening, including functional task lighting, warm ambient table lamps or sconces, and sculptural pendant lighting that functions as décor. Light all four corners of the room to avoid shadows and promote a sense of well-being after dark. 12. Accessorize With all the essentials in place, step back and ask what’s missing. Select and hang art, photographs, or decorative mirrors. Add more decorative pillows and throws. Style shelves and tables with design books, candles, decorative objects, plants, or precious souvenirs. This is the chance to add texture through personal touches that bring the room to life and make it feel like home. How to Arrange Three Photo Frames on a Wall https://www.thespruce.com/thmb/iQa72ZceUjdWlxYZ9RFZFh_epNk=/1500×0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/PAinteriors-7-cafe9c2bd6be4823b9345e591e4f367f.
Designing a room might seem like a daunting task, but with these 12 easy steps, you’ll be able to transform any space into a beautiful and functional area. Step 1: Assess the Space Begin by taking a good look at the room you want to design. Consider its size, shape, and how it’s used. Step 2: Determine the Purpose Identify the primary function of the room. Is it a bedroom, living room, or perhaps a home office? Step 3: Choose a Color Scheme Select colors that will set the mood and complement the room’s purpose. Step 4: Plan the Layout Arrange furniture and other elements in a way that maximizes space and enhances functionality. Step 5: Select Quality Furniture Invest in well-made, durable pieces that will last and fit well with your design. Step 6: Incorporate Lighting Use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Step 7: Add Textiles Incorporate fabrics like rugs, curtains, and cushions to add texture and comfort. Step 8: Personalize the Space Include personal touches that reflect your style and make the room feel like home. Step 9: Choose Artwork Select artwork that complements the room’s color scheme and adds visual interest. Step 10: Consider Storage Solutions Find creative ways to store items, keeping the room organized and clutter-free. Step 11: Incorporate Plants Add greenery to bring life and freshness to the space. Step 12: Finalize the Details Finish off the room with the right accessories and last-minute details that tie everything together.