How to Design a Room in 9 Easy Steps
If you weren't born with the ability to visualize a space complete with furniture layout, wall hangings, and rug and accent choices, you can learn to do so with practice.
How can we find the inspiration to transform our interiors from drab to fab without spending a fortune on a professional designer? Hopefully, these interior design tips can help you bridge that gap.
1. Measure the room then do a plan
This is the most common area in which people make mistakes in their room. The majority of us have been in the situation where we have furniture that is either too big or too little for our space. This is frequently due to a failure to take the time to measure the space.
For this step, all you need to do is to take three measurements of your room:
- Length of the Room
- Width of the Room
- Ceiling Height
2. Decide on Key Activities for Your Room
- Watch Movies
- Entertain Guests
- Play Games
- Read Books
- Write
- Hobbies
- Eat dinner or snacks
- Sleep or naps
- Work
- Chill
- Play Games
3. Choose your Style
When it comes to designing any space, knowing your style is crucial because it serves as a guide when choosing colors, furniture, and accessories.
This will considerably narrow down your choices and make buying much easier for you.
There are several styles you can choose from but here are the popular ones:
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MID-CENTURY MODERN
Mid-century modern is a design style that originated in the mid-1900s, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. Mid-Century Modern Design has a vintage feel to it, as well as some minimalist aspects.
The major focus of Mid-century design was functionality, or "fuss-free." It focuses on basic fabrications, natural or organic shapes such as the "egg-shaped" chair, and easy-to-use contemporary designs. It goes well with any interior and helps to create a smooth transition from inside to outside.
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SCANDINAVIAN
The simplicity of life in the Nordic nations is reflected in Scandinavian design. Even though it is modest and subtle, Scandinavian furniture design frequently feels like a work of art. The furniture has a lot of usefulness as well as some fascinating lines, many of which are sculptural in nature.
Natural features such as form-pressed wood, bright plastics, enameled metal, steel, and wide plank flooring, as well as all-white color palettes, are popular. Art, natural fiber blankets or furs, or a single piece of furniture are all great places to add a splash of color.
Scandinavian designs are characterized by spacious, natural lighting, less accessories, and functional furniture.
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INDUSTRIAL
As the name says, the industrial style is inspired by a warehouse or an urban loft.
Many of the pieces have an unfinished rawness to them, and exposed brick, ducting, and wood are not uncommon. A refurbished loft from a former industrial building would be an iconic home with an industrial design vibe.
Imagine high ceilings, ancient wood, and dangling metal light fixtures, together with functional furniture that is minimal. One or two pieces of abstract art or photographs may be included to offer a splash of color to an otherwise neutral color palette based on the primary materials of wood and metals.
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CONTEMPORARY
The terms "modern" and "contemporary" are frequently interchanged. Contemporary design differs from modern design because it focuses on the present.
Modern and contemporary design styles are distinguished by the fact that modern is a rigid interpretation of design that began in the twentieth century. On the other side, contemporary is more fluid and might express a sense of currency with less allegiance to a single style. Contemporary style, for example, may contain curved lines, but modern design does not.
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RUSTIC
Natural components such as wood and stone are used in rustic design, which is frequently raw and unpolished.
Rustic design may integrate outdoor accessories, as well as architectural aspects such as vaulted ceilings ornamented with wood beams or reclaimed wood floors.
Many designs now combine rustic elements with more contemporary furnishings and accents.
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MINIMALIST
The minimalist concept is a well-liked one. It takes modern design concepts and simplifies them even more.
The color palettes are light and airy, the furnishings are modest and streamlined, and the accessories and décor aren't overly ornate.
The ultimate definition of minimalism is a sense of utility and ultra-clean lines.
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TRANSITIONAL
Transitional design is popular because it combines classic and modern elements to create a room that isn't too heavy on one style or the other. There's an appealing and unexpected feeling of equilibrium.
Modern elements, such as steel and glass, may be used with luxurious furnishings in a transitional style.
Transitional design also uses relatively neutral color palettes, resulting in a soothing and relaxing environment that is both stylish and elegant while yet feeling warm and inviting.
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BOHEMIAN
Bohemian is a popular fashion and interior design trend. It represents a carefree way of life with little rules other than to pursue your heart's desire.
Vintage furniture and light fixtures, globally inspired textiles and carpets, collection displays, and items found in a variety of places, such as flea markets and on vacations, can all be found in bohemian houses.
When embracing the boho design, it's not uncommon to see floor pillows and cozy seating areas. An ultra-glam chandelier can be matched with a well-worn rug and a mid-century chair in this diverse style. There is a laissez-faire mentality in the Bohemian style, where anything goes as long as you love it.
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TRADITIONAL
Classic elements, rich furnishings, and an abundance of accessories are all part of the traditional design style. It owes its existence to European values.
Dark, polished wood, rich color palettes, a diversity of textures, and curving lines are all common features of traditional residences. Fabrics such as velvet, silk, and brocade, which might feature a variety of patterns and tassels, are used in the furnishings.
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FRENCH COUNTRY
Warm, earthy colors, as well as weathered and decorative wooden furnishings, are hallmarks of the French Country design style. The style is heavily influenced by farmhouse design.
Soft and warm tones of red, yellow, or gold, as well as natural materials such as stone and brick, may be used in French Country style. Collections of beautiful porcelain dishes, as well as heavy linens and bed coverings, are examples of French Country design.
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JAPANDI
Japandi design combines Scandinavian functionality with Japanese rustic minimalism to produce a sense of art, nature, and simplicity. This fusion focuses on clean lines, bright spaces, and light colors to achieve the ideal combination of function and form.
- Pick a neutral color as a base. (You can have 2 neutral colors in a room, in that case, try to have one dark, one light.)
- Choose 1-3 accent colors to emphasize. (Analogous, monochromatic or complementary scheme always works.)
An analogous color scheme involves three colors that are positioned next to each other on the color wheel.
Monochromatic color schemes focus on a single color, often using variations of that hue by incorporating tints, tones, and shades.
- Choose a color for your hard surfaces.
5. Choose your Rug
Most designers will tell you that a rug is essential for a room to feel complete.
But rugs can be quite costly. And, because such a large-scale item will have such a significant impact on the way a space looks and feels, deciding on one might be intimidating.
There are three factors to consider when buying a rug:
- Size
- Color
- Material
Determine the Size
Avoid the center-of-the-room floating rug. The rug you purchase should ideally be large enough to fit beneath each piece of furniture's four legs. If this isn't possible, place your furniture's front legs on the carpeting. It helps to avoid trips and falls in addition to anchoring your furniture.
Choose a Color
I think it's fantastic when the rug matches or incorporates the colors of your accent. Consider other design factors, such as color, while selecting your rug. If you choose a rug that incorporates a design element from your room, it will help to reinforce and create a more coherent feel and aesthetic. They have the potential to make a significant difference and are really necessary for a well-dressed space.
Pick a Material
Plant-based fibers such as cotton, linen, sisal, jute, and allo; downy, natural fibers such as wool, silk, and mohair; and synthetic materials such as nylon and solution-dyed acrylic are among the many materials available for rugs. Nonwoven rugs made of stitched materials such as cowhide are also available.
Each has a distinct look and feel, as well as differences in how well the materials wear and how easy they are to clean. They also come in a wide range of prices.
Plant-based rugs are usually among the most economical and provide an easy, casual look. However, the durability of different fibers varies.
6. Choose your Wall Art
If you're a visual/creative person like myself, you're definitely aware of how your surroundings may influence your mood and even your everyday productivity. At the same time, it's likely that you value your home's ability to transmit your personality and originality (as an extension of yourself).
When it comes to decorating, there are numerous factors to consider, and it is critical to consider them all. When deciding on what type of wall art to use, you should certainly consider if you prefer photography, abstract art, or more traditional pieces.
However, you should also consider the interior design style of your room.
For example, abstract artwork works particularly well in styles like Contemporary and Transitional.
Black and white photography is perfect for the Industrial and Urban.
Modern styles, and reproductions of classic pieces are ideal for Traditional and French Country interior design.
Feel free to check on another article we created as a guide in choosing your wall art on the link below:
https://motiv-art.com/blogs/canvas-wall-art/how-to-choose-art-for-your-home
7. Choose your Window Coverings
A home's windows are more than just a functional feature. They're a must-have, a functional need, and an attractive addition that has a direct link to our enjoyment.
Curtains, drapes, shades, blinds, vertical blinds, shutters—the possibilities are endless, as are the combinations you may make. After all, the difference between a polished interior and one that isn't quite there is a well dressed window.
Consider the style you've picked for your room or home to help you limit down your options even more. Flat Roman shades, roller blinds, wood blinds, or very simple and clean drapes are fantastic window coverage alternatives for a Contemporary, Mid-Century Modern, Industrial, or Urban Modern style.
For a Scandinavian or Zen style, go with simple light colored curtains or light filtering roller shades.
Now, in terms of color, you can either choose to have it be a shade of the neutral you've chosen for your room or have it be a shade of one of your accent colors.
8. Choose your Plants
Plants are an important part of effective interior design, but they're also one of the most overlooked! When customers complain that something is lacking from their rooms or that their space lacks coziness, it's usually because they are missing a natural element such as plants.
While many plant varieties work well in a variety of settings, there are a few classic or well-suited options for specific styles.
Snake Plant
This is an ideal plant for busy people who do not have a lot of time to fuss with plants. Superb air purifier. This plant is perfect for a Scandinavian or Japandi look.
Spider Plant
This is considered one of the most adaptable of houseplants and the easiest to grow. Perfect to be used as a hanging plant because of its beautiful shape.
Peace Lily
When it comes to indoor plants, peace lily are some of the easiest to care for and are a popular choice for offices and homes. It brighten up a living space and also excelleny at cleaning the air of the room they are in. Perfect for almost all the interior design styles!
Ficus Lyrata
The Lyrata gives off a simplistic and modern plant design that pairs nicely with neutral colors and trendy interior decorations.
Monstera
Monstera deliciosaʼs iconic, split leaves are so pretty that theyʼve been featured extensively in art and design recently, but even more stunning is the plant itself. This easy to grow houseplant can get huge and live for many years, and it looks great with many different interior styles.
Orchid
The Phalaenopsis or 'Moth Orchid' is the most common orchid due to its
ease of production and the availability of blooming plants year-round. Perfect to add elegance and to a pop of color in any space.
Take a good look and try and find plants that bloom with colors that compliment the color scheme of your space. This will give your interior space a tidier appearance, while also helping to make focal points pop and to create
a harmonious composition.
9. Choose your Lighting
The basic guideline of lighting is to have distinct layers of lighting at all times. Ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting are the three forms of lighting that designers utilize to provide style and functionality.
Simply said, ambient lighting illuminates the majority of a space and makes it visible. The type of lighting used to support close-range activities, such as reading, working on hobbies or crafts, or food preparation, is referred to as task lighting. Finally, accent lighting is used to alter your space's tone and ambience.
Here are a few examples:
Ambient Lighting
- Chandeliers
- Flush mount lights
- Recessed can lights
- Cove lighting
Task Lighting
- Table lamps
- Floor lamps
- Desk lamps
- Track lighting
- Pendants
- Under cabinet lighting
Accent Lighting
- LED strip lights
- Directional recess can lights
- Picture lights
- Wall or step recessed lights
Lighting has the ability to influence your mood and even the perceived size of a place, which is why it is an important part of any design concept. In terms of finishes, pick lighting fixtures that complement the hue of your room's hard surfaces.
Here are some final tips on lighting. In terms of how big a chandelier, pendant, semi-flush, or flush mount light should be, for the middle of your room the standard professional formula is to add the width and length of the room to determine the diameter.
For example, if your room is ten by fourteen, then the fixtures should be around twenty four inches.
Remember, lighting has the ability to transform a space from cold and uninviting to warm and welcoming.
Overall, it’s your home and you are the one who has to live in it, so create a home that you love— a place that reflects who you are.