5 Easy DIY Hacks for Foolproof Room Styling
Interior design can be a headache when you're redesigning or starting fresh in a new place. There are many different aspects to think about, what colors go with what, what style you're going for, and how to make the space feel cozy but not cluttered... it can be a lot. Combined with moving into a new place or the stress of a renovation, it can tip you over the edge.
But never fear; you're in the right place. Interior design essentially boils down to a few aspects that you must pay close attention to. Once you've done that, you'll be able to flow freely with your ideas and ultimately bring your visualization to life.
This article will draw on the fundamentals of interior design and offer 5 DIY tips to help with your upcoming project. If this will help you, read on.
1. Lighting
The first aspect we'll be discussing is lighting. The proper lighting can make or break a room. It's essential to have several different light sources in each room to create the right ambiance. A good mix of overhead, task, and accent lighting will do the trick. But you need to draw upon natural lighting sources first.
Natural light from windows and doors should be your first choice when it comes to lighting a room. It's the most flattering and cost-effective form of lighting there is. If you have an abundance of natural light, make the most of it by keeping window decor minimal. If you don't have a lot of natural light, consider adding more windows or skylights.
You'll want to use recessed cans or pendants for overhead lighting. If you have high ceilings, pendants will add that touch of luxury while still providing ample light. Recessed cans are an excellent option for lower ceilings and are practically invisible once installed. Recessed lights are also great, as they usually allow you to fit incredibly low-cost LEDs to power and maintain.
Task lighting is essential in any room where you'll be working on something specific, like cooking, doing makeup, or working at a desk. This type of lighting should be bright but not harsh. You don't want to strain your eyes when focusing on a task. The best task lighting is close to eye level to illuminate what you're working on without casting shadows.
Accent lighting is the perfect way to add a little bit of drama to a room. It's also a great way to highlight architectural features or artwork. Wall sconces are a popular choice for accent lighting as they free up space on side tables and can be placed at different heights to create attractive visual interest.
Added Lighting Element: Mirrors
Mirrors have two main functions when it comes to interior design. To reflect light and thus brighten up the room and make the room look bigger.
Mirrors are a great way to add light to a room, especially if natural light is low. If you place a mirror opposite a window, it will reflect the natural light and brighten up the space. You can use mirrors to bounce light around the room by placing them across from each other. This trick will create the illusion of more light and make the room feel more open.
Placing a mirror in a strategic location can make the room look much bigger too. If you place a mirror so that it reflects another part of the room, it will give the illusion of a larger space. You can use mirrors to visually expand a small room or make a narrow room look wider. Hallways are a prime example of using a mirror to make the room feel bigger.
2. Color Scheme
Color schemes then need to play off the natural light you have within the room. You can use a light meter to determine how much light is available and what type it is. From there, you can decide if you want the room to feel warm or cool.
Warm colors are inviting and cozy, while cool colors are more refreshing and calming. If you have a lot of natural light, you can go with either, depending on the mood you want to create. If you have little to no natural light, you'll want to stick with cool colors as they won't make the room feel small and cramped.
Getting your base color is crucial for this process. Generally, light colors such as white or cream are a good starting point for a cooler scheme. Then you want to build on the color palette to create a monochromatic color scheme.
A monochromatic color scheme creates a sense of cohesion and makes a space look more put together. Plus, it's much easier to achieve than you might think. Just stick to different shades and tones of the same color family, and you're good to go.
3. Texture
Another fundamental thing to pay attention to is the use of texture throughout the room. Texture can be thought of as the way something feels when you touch it. It can also refer to the way something looks. Different textures can add depth and dimension to a room.
There are a few different ways you can use texture in your room; one way is through the fabrics you choose. A room with all smooth surfaces will feel cold and uninviting. But a room with a mix of smooth and textured fabrics will feel warm and inviting. You can add texture to a room with blankets, throw pillows, rugs, curtains, and upholstered furniture.
The texture is where you start to draw on your style and bring to life what you want the room to say. For example, if it's a formal room, you may want to stick to primarily smooth textures to expel an undertone of style and sophistication.
But if you want a wholesome living room to scream warmth and coziness, you'll want to bring in plenty of textured fabrics. You might also consider adding some textured wallcoverings or a statement piece of furniture with a textured finish.
Another way to add texture is through your finishes on walls, floors, and ceilings. A room with all painted walls will feel very different than a room with a mix of painted and wood-paneled walls. And a room with all hardwood floors will feel very different than a room with carpet. Again, think about the room's end goal use case, and work towards that.
4. Balance
The fourth element to pay attention to is balance, which is the distribution of elements in a room. You want to ensure the space feels balanced and not too heavy on one side.
You can achieve two types of balance in a room – symmetrical and asymmetrical. Symmetrical balance is when the elements on one side of the room mirror the features on the other side. Asymmetrical balance is when the pieces are not evenly distributed but still look balanced.
Which type of balance you choose is up to you and depends on your style preference. But both types can be used to create a sense of calm in a space.
When placing furniture and décor around the room, think about balance. You don’t want all the furniture on one side of the room and none on the other. And you don’t want all the décor clustered in one corner. Try to evenly distribute the elements around the room to create a sense of balance.
5. Focal Point
The fifth and final element is having a focal point, the one component of the room that your eye is drawn to. To put it simply, it’s the star of the show.
Every room needs a focal point. It can be a piece of furniture, a work of art, or even a view out the window. The important thing is that one element stands out and catches your attention.
When choosing a focal point, think about what you want the room to say. Do you want it to be calm and serene? Or bold and exciting? Your choice of focal point will set the tone for the entire room.
Once you’ve chosen your focal point, build the rest of the room around it. Place furniture and décor so that it complements the focal point and doesn’t compete with it. You want the focal point to be the star of the show, so make sure it has a chance to shine.
Wrap Up
Now that you know the five elements of interior design, you can start to incorporate them into your own home décor. Pay attention to these elements the next time you’re out shopping for furniture or décor. And keep them in mind when you’re rearranging your furniture or redecorating a room.
By following these simple guidelines, you can transform your home into a stylish and inviting space that reflects your personal taste. If you need some help and want to speak to a professional interior designer, contact The Hauss and check out the E-Design services.