Discount Interior Design Ideas: Important Interior Design Principles

We all love to decorate! That is to say, we all like to infuse our rooms with our favorite colors, photos, and furniture pieces. When we incorporate such things into our spaces, we feel that we have successfully designed our rooms. But there is there is much more to consider. How will your space be used? Are the architectural and product designs compatible? Does the color that you have chosen convey the desired feeling? Does the room draw the eye to a logical central point and then invite the eye to meander around the rest of the room in a smooth, easy manner? Will all of your rooms link together to form one visually pleasing unit?

Usually, the typical homeowner asks him/herself few, if any of the above questions. In my opinion,the most important distinction between the do-it-yourself home decorator and a professional interior decorator or designer is that a gifted professional has the ability to pull together a big-picture plan in which each room is a complimentary element in a whole-house composition, while a homeowner often cannot achieve a cohesive result. Of course, most professionals have the advantage of possessing natural talent as well education in this process, but you may also learn to consider a few key elements that will help you as you tackle your own design project:

The space itself: dimensions, potential and limits
Desired use of space: relaxation, entertainment, work or learning
The message you would like for the room to convey: luxury and achievement, calmness and relaxation, fun and games

Also, keep these design principles to keep in mind:

Unity and harmony: Making sure that everything you bring into a space belongs together. Everything should have at least one thing in common such as color, style, or texture. For example, give an open living and dining room area a sense of cohesiveness by using the same flooring across both areas.
Balance: Equally distribute the visual weight within the space. Symmetrical balance uses the same objects repeated in the same positions on either side of a central object For example, two identical table and lamps on either side of a sofa. Asymmetrical balance is achieved with different objects that have equal visual weight. A large plant on one side of a central object with a large floor lamp of similar height on the other side is an example of asymmetrical balance.

Radial symmetry is achieved by arranging all elements of your space around a center point.
Repetition: The use of the same element more than once throughout your space. Patterns, colors, textures, and shapes are all elements that can be repeated around your room to create a pleasing “rhythm”.
Variety: Use contrasting elements such as color, size, and materials to create excitement and interest.
Focal point(s): The “eye-catching” piece in the room such as a fireplace, or large window. It’s crucial that you let these types of items shine above all else in your space.

Scale and Proportion: Proportion is the ratio between two items such as a lamp and its shade. Scale is how the size of one item relates to the scale of another item or to the room itself. For example, a 16” high table lamp may be too small in scale for a 20’x20’ room.
Color: Color is critical because it relays a definitive statement about the intend mood of the space
Details: As architect Mies van der Rohe and many others have often said, “God is in the details.” So be sure to pay attention to the small stuff in your space by not overlooking the cabinet knobs, lamp shades, light switch covers, etc. Should you neglect these things, your space will still have that “something’s missing, but I can’t quite put my finger on it” look.