Simple Interior Design Principles
In our last article we spoke briefly about using simple interior design principles to make your room look designed rather than decorated. So in this article we take a look a some of these interior design principles.
Did you know that certain colours such as red, orange and yellow are described as ‘warm’ colours? They tend to advance towards you and make a room appear smaller. Other colours such as blue, green and grey are described as ‘cold’ colours and either retreat or stay still. If the right shade is used, it can make a room appear larger.
Similarly, large patterns, like certain colours, will appear to advance so should be avoided if you are trying to achieve a feeling of space. Smaller, less imposing patterns work better in smaller rooms.
If you want to create a modern kitchen, the materials and storage you choose will be very different from those needed to create a country look with it’s wooden surfaces and open shelving.
A matt paint finish is non-reflective and will therefore hide blemishes, whereas a gloss finish highlights any surface irregularities.
Disguise ugly features such as radiators and pipes by painting them the same colour as the wall. Emphasis architectural features by painting them white, or a different tone from the rest of the room.
Low ceilings will appear higher when painted a lighter colour than the walls. ‘Bring down’ a tall ceiling by painting it a dark colour, continue this down to the picture rail.
If You’re Planning A Project
In addition to the questions listed in Understanding Interior Design, ask yourself the following questions
- What kind of mood do I want to create? E.g. warm & cosy, light & airy
- What amount of natural light does it get? Does this change at different times during the day?
Your answers to these fundamental questions will then influence your choice of:
- Colour scheme e.g. harmonious, contrasting, tonal
- Lighting (position of fittings as well as style of fittings)
- Materials used for the walls, ceiling and flooring
In addition : Furniture
- Soft furnishings e.g. blinds, curtains, cushions, rugs
- Finishing touches e.g. pictures, plants, wall hangings, pottery
We will next tackle Mood Boards, and discuss how they help you design your DIY interior design project.
Related Entries
- Understanding What Interior Design Is
We know, you want interior design tips, but before we can get to that stage, we felt it would be a good step to actually explain with a series of articles, what interior design really is all about. Once you understand what interior design is, and how it differs from... - Interior Designer or Interior Decorator
If you want to work in interior design, which title do you choose, an interior designer or an interior decorator? The consensus seems to be that the two are very similar with the major difference being that to be considered an interior designer, you need formal qualifications, especially in the... - Design Interiors Yourself
Welcome to the world of Interior Designs DIY. In the case of our site DIY does and doesn't mean "do it yourself". To us, it means Design Interiors Yourself. It's always better to get someone else to do the hard work labouring to bring your interior designs to life. Bring... - Country Home Style Decor
Decorating your home in a country home decor kind of style smacks of wanting to enjoy your home in a simple fashion, not bothered bt modern clean minimalistic styles, rather home comforts memories of a simple lifestyle, natural, perhaps even country living. Having your home decorated in a country style...
Filed Under Interior Design Explained |
Comments
Leave a Reply