7 Interior Design Fundamentals Homeowners Should Know
It's exciting to transform a space into your own vision of perfection. You may not know where to begin, but you’ve got the spirit. With so many possibilities, where do you begin?
Before you dive into paint swatches, concepts, and furniture catalogs, I’ll share seven core interior design fundamentals. These principles will empower you to create a space that's not only stylish but also reflects your personality and lifestyle.
1. Emphasis
Emphasis is all about creating a focal point that draws your gaze and anchors your room's interior design. Think of it as the star of the show — the element that immediately captures your attention when you walk into the space.
When I think about creating a focal point in a room, I always start with a statement piece, like a beautifully upholstered king-sized bed or a plush sectional sofa. From there, I arrange the décor and accent furniture around it, building a visual hierarchy that naturally guides the eye through the space.
Style tip: I’ve found that accent lighting works wonders in enhancing a focal point. For example, a striking pendant light above the dining table not only highlights the area but also casts a warm glow that makes gatherings feel special. Or, if you’re like me and love a cozy reading nook, a floor lamp like the Faro Sculptural Floor Lamp can illuminate the space perfectly while adding an interesting flair.
@kthillier creates a focal point with the Mori Living Room Set and Albie Travertine Rectangular Coffee Table.
@gabbymale adds a touch of playfulness to the space with the Faro Sculptural Floor Lamp.
2. Contrast
Contrast is juxtaposition. Contrast is difference. Contrast is what makes a room visually dynamic and engaging. I love how it creates a sense of excitement by pairing elements that differ in color, shape, texture, or material.
Always remember: "If it’s not interesting through color, then it has to be interesting through shape; and if it’s not interesting by shape, then it has to be interesting through texture. If it’s not interesting by texture, then it has to be interesting by color."
Here's how to introduce contrast into your interior design:
Contrast by color: Exploring color theory is one of my favorite techniques. Complementary colors bring energy to a room, while a monochrome palette offers a calming effect. I feel that the 60-30-10 rule is also a helpful guide — where 60% of your room should be a dominant color, 30% a secondary color, and 10% an accent color.
Contrast by shape and texture: Pair rounded furniture with clean lines or juxtapose smooth surfaces with textured fabrics like a chunky knit throw or a plush velvet cushion. It’s all about keeping things interesting.
Contrast by material: Mixing natural materials like wood with sleek finishes like metal or glass is a go-to for me. Mid-century modern furniture does this very well — a bouclé chair paired with a wooden sideboard would make for an interesting contrast.
3. Balance
Balance is all about creating visual equilibrium in your space. It's about distributing the visual weight of furniture and décor to achieve a sense of harmony. I find this particularly rewarding because there are so many ways to achieve it.
There are three main types of balance:
Symmetrical balance: A mirror-image arrangement. I often use this for formal settings, like arranging identical nightstands on either side of a bed.
Asymmetrical balance: Achieving balance through different but equally weighted elements, creating a more dynamic and modern look. For example, I might balance a large sofa with a floor lamp and a cluster of smaller chairs.
Radial balance: Elements radiate from a central point, like a round dining table with chairs arranged around it.
Style tip: Different interior design concepts utilize balance in unique ways. Minimalist and Japandi concepts often employ monochrome color palettes and similar textures to tie their furnishings together. Bohemian and Eclectic interiors, on the other hand, balance their abundance of accessories with deliberate negative space and carefully chosen statement pieces, creating breathable spaces that prioritize visual hierarchy.
@allabouthome_ creates balance in the bedroom with two Joseph Nightstands on both sides of the Dalton Storage Bed.
@_ashlee_white_ pairs the Xander Performance Swivel Armchair with the Fable Performance Fabric Sofa.
4. Proportion and scale
Getting proportion and scale right can make or break a room. Through the several interior styling sessions I’ve had, I’ve seen many clients try to fit an oversized sectional into a small living room, and it completely overwhelmed the space.
Scale: Refers to the size of an object in relation to the room and other objects within it. A large, oversized sofa might overwhelm a small living room, while a petite armchair could get lost in a spacious loft.
Proportion: Deals with the relationship between the size of different parts of an object or space. For instance, a coffee table that's too small for your sofa will look out of proportion.
Together, proportion and scale ensure that all elements in your room work together visually and functionally.
Style tip: I like using the Golden Ratio (approximately 3:2), which is a classic proportion found in nature and art. You can apply this ratio when arranging furniture or choosing décor to create a sense of visual harmony. For example, your bedroom furniture could take up three-fifths of your bedroom, while the remaining two-fifths of your room layout can be left clear for negative space.
Even in a small living room, @hannahpak manages to make the most out of the space with the Dawson Sofa Set and Cassidy Swivel Chair.
With the luxury of space, @windowsandwoods opts for the Dawson L-shape Sectional Sofa, Olwen Coffee Table, and Side Table.
5. Rhythm
Just like in music, rhythm in interior design creates flow and movement. I often use repetition to guide the eye through a space, and it never fails to make the room feel cohesive.
For example, in my kitchen, a row of pendant lights above the island not only provides rhythm but also serves as a design feature. Similarly, I love how repeating patterns in throw pillows or artwork can subtly tie a space together.
Style tip: The Rule of Three suggests that grouping objects in threes creates a more visually appealing and memorable arrangement. Apply this to your décor by grouping vases of varying heights, arranging three throw pillows on your sofa, or displaying a trio of framed prints on your wall.
6. Unity
Unity is the magic that ties all the elements of your design together, creating a cohesive and harmonious look. For me, it’s about making sure every piece in a room feels like it belongs to a bigger picture, from the largest furniture to the smallest home decor accessory.
There are two main aspects to consider:
Conceptual unity: This refers to the overarching theme or style of your space. Are you aiming for a minimalist haven, a rustic retreat, or a vibrant eclectic mix?
Visual unity: This is about how the individual elements relate to each other visually. Do the colors complement each other? Do the textures and patterns create a sense of harmony?
Style tip: If you're unsure where to start, begin with a central theme to guide the look and feel of your space. For a contemporary interior, this might involve a chic coffee table or an elegant living room set as your foundation.
7. Details
Details are what make a space truly yours. They’re the personal touches that bring a home to life. This is where details come into play.
I like to think of them as the jewelry of the room — those small accents that tell a story. These could be anything from your favorite artwork and travel souvenirs to unique textiles and personal photographs.
Style Tip: Don't rush the process of selecting your details. Take your time to curate pieces that truly resonate with you. Instead of waiting until the end of your renovation or interior design journey, I like to recommend my clients to integrate details into the design process early on. This allows you to weave your personality into the design from the very beginning.
Apply these interior design principles to your new home
By understanding these fundamental principles of interior design, you'll be well-equipped to create a home that is both stylish and harmonious. Remember, your home is a reflection of your unique personality and taste, so don't be afraid to experiment and infuse your space with elements that spark joy.
Whether you're drawn to the clean lines of minimalist design or the vibrant eclecticism of a bohemian aesthetic, let these principles guide you in creating a space that truly feels like your own.
Frequently asked questions about interior design fundamentals
What are the 7 principles of interior design?
The 7 principles of interior design are emphasis, balance, contrast, rhythm, unity, details, proportion and scale. By understanding these interior design basics, you can create a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
What are the 7 elements of interior design?
The 7 elements of interior design are space, line, form, light, color, texture, and pattern. These elements create a balanced and cohesive interior that will bring your vision to life.
What is the 60/30/10 rule in interior design?
The 60/30/10 rule suggests that 60% of your room should be a dominant color, 30% a secondary color, and 10% an accent color. The 60/30/10 rule can also apply to the amount of furniture you have in your room and helps create a sense of visual harmony.
