The 7 principles of design in interior design

For instance, a pair of sofas or lounge chairs that face each other with a centre, coffee table placed between them in a living room. A pair of side tables with the same lamps on both sides of a bed in a bedroom is another example of symmetrical balance. It’s important to remember that in modern interior design, too much symmetry in a room can overwhelm the space, feel rigid or even boring.

Asymmetrical Balance

Asymmetrical balance is a modern approach in interior design principles that offers more flexibility while decorating a room. Instead of relying on mirroring or using identical objects, the key is to create a balance between the visual weight of objects that are similar in size, shape and dimensions. For example, wingback chairs can be placed opposite a large sofa in a living room.
 

Radial Balance

Radial balance is a complex approach and it isn’t easy pull off, especially in smaller spaces. One focal element, such as a circular dining table or chandelier is at the heart of radial design and all the other objects are centred around it.
 

Style Tip:

Balance in home interior design also extends to the positive and negative spaces in a room. For example, if there is too much negative space in a room, it will feel sparse, empty or even unfurnished. Whereas, if a room is filled with too much furniture and too many décor objects, it will feel cluttered, messy and overcrowded. A minimally designed room uses a lot more negative space while a cosier, more inviting space can be created by reducing the negative space between objects.
 

Style Tip:

If you’re having a hard time figuring out a theme or style for your interior design project, start with an object you love. It could be a piece of art or a patterned fabric or even a piece of furniture. Make that your focal point and let it guide the rest of the selections for the space.
 

3. Rhythm

You might wonder what rhythm is doing on a list of interior design principles but just as in music, there cannot be any harmony without rhythm. Rhythm is the use of colours, patterns and textures in repetition or contrast to create visual interest and movement that in turn guides your eyes through the room. For example, you can use the same colours in a room at different intervals, a yellow wall can be complimented by yellow cusion covers used on a sofa that’s placed against a differently coloured wall followed by a piece of art with yellow accents elsewhere. 
 

Style Tip:

While mixing patterns and colours, keep in mind the general “Rule of Three” – pick a base, neutral or primary element and pair it with two smaller patterns or colours. Mixing just two elements can pass off as simply a “mismatch”. The easiest and most convenient way to practice rhythm is to invest in smaller accessories, photographs, artwork and cushions.

For instance, it’s easy to see how  a large wingback chair is out of place when its placed next a small, stubby coffee table. Here, you can see how the height of the desk is set to match the height of the window frame. Long ceiling-to-floor curtains are used to make the room seem taller than it is. Similarly, small pots of tall plants are placed on one side of the desk while shorter plants on tall planters sit elegantly on the opposite side. 
 

Style Tip:

 While picking artwork for a room, a general rule to remember is that the frame must be half or two-third of the width of the piece of furniture it’s placed over – for example, a sofa in the living room or the bed in the bedroom design.
 

Style Tip:

Accent lighting in home décor ideas is any light that is used to accentuate a specific part of a room or bring focus to a specific object such as a piece of art. An accent light can also be a chandelier or a statement lamp itself.
 

7. Details

Attention to detail is the last of the basic principles of interior design but there’s a reason why it’s literally used as a figure of speech. All good design finally comes down to the nitty-gritties. A well designed room without finishing touches will always feel impersonal and incomplete. It’s also the one design principle that you can truly indulge in, without the supervision of an interior design professional. This last step in the home interior design process allows you the freedom to truly make the space your own and infuse it with your personality, interests and more. From the shape and size of light switches and hardware like door knobs to throws, pillows and rugs – it’s these little things that add character to the room.
 

Style Tip:

It’s easy to lose steam towards the end of a home renovation project but detailing in a rushed, haphazard manner will leave a space looking and feeling unfinished and lacking in finesse. A good way to tackle this fatigue is to make selections for the detailing at the same time you’re picking out the big-ticket items like furniture and lighting.