Thinking about exploring a career in interior design or decorating your own space like a pro? Interior design is more than picking out pretty furniture and choosing a color scheme. It’s a blend of art, science, and strategy that requires an understanding of aesthetics, functionality, and human behavior.
Whether you’re considering it as a profession or simply want to level up your personal decor game, here are 12 important things you should know about interior design before you get started.
What Is Interior Design All About?
Interior design revolves around creating functional and visually appealing spaces. It combines elements like color, lighting, furniture, and spatial planning to enhance a room’s usability and beauty. From homes to offices and public spaces, skilled interior designers consider the practical needs of a space while bringing their unique creative vision to life.
Now, let’s dig into what you should know before starting your interior design journey.
1. Interior Design Goes Beyond Decoration
Many people confuse interior design with interior decorating. While decorating focuses on aesthetics like styling, wall colors, and accessories, interior design encompasses functional aspects like layout planning, ergonomics, and architectural considerations. Designers work with contractors, architects, and other professionals to ensure the space not only looks great but also works well.
2. It’s Not Just About Your Personal Style
Interior design is about understanding and catering to your client’s preferences and needs—not imposing your own aesthetic on every project. If you’re designing your own space, think about how you’ll use the room every day instead of sticking purely to Pinterest trends.
3. Knowledge of Design Principles Is Key
Successful interior design follows a framework of principles, including balance, proportion, rhythm, contrast, and harmony. Each principle ensures that rooms are not only visually appealing but also practical and cohesive. Mastering these concepts will elevate your designs, giving them a polished and professional edge.
Balance
Balance refers to the visual weight distribution of items within a space. For example, symmetrical arrangements can create a formal look (think matching bedside tables), whereas asymmetry adds playfulness and modernity.
Contrast
Contrast adds interest by combining lights and darks, smooth and rough textures, or rounded and angular shapes. A design that lacks contrast can feel flat.
4. Space Planning Is a Big Deal
Interior design isn’t just about making things look good. It requires forethought on how people will move through the space. Poor space planning might result in awkward layouts (like sofas blocking doorways) or inefficiencies that make daily life feel cluttered.
A good design always puts purpose and functionality first.
5. Color Is Your Greatest Tool
Color is one of the most impactful elements in interior design. Different tones and shades can set the mood of a space, make it feel larger or smaller, and evoke specific emotions. A basic understanding of color theory is crucial to choosing palettes that work cohesively.
For example:
- Warm colors (reds, oranges) can make a room feel energizing and inviting.
- Cool colors (blues, greens) tend to create a calm, relaxing atmosphere.
- Neutrals (grays, whites) are versatile and timeless but can be elevated with accent colors.
6. Lighting Can Transform a Room
Lighting influences mood, highlights architectural features, and impacts how colors appear in a room. Incorporating a mix of lighting types (ambient, task, and accent) can create depth and functionality in any space. Don’t forget to consider natural light and window placement while planning your design.
7. Textures Matter More Than You Think
Texture adds personality and depth to interiors. Don’t underestimate how rugs, cushions, wall finishes, or furnishings can create layers that make a space feel rich and inviting. For instance, combining soft textiles with wood, stone, or metals brings a tactile balance to your designs.
8. You Need to Know the Rules Before Breaking Them
Design rules (like the 60-30-10 color rule for balancing hues) exist for a reason. They form a solid foundation for beginners to create cohesive spaces. Once you have a firm understanding, you can break those rules intentionally to craft bold and unique interiors.
9. Budgeting Is Part of the Game
Whether you’re working for yourself or clients, designing within a budget is essential. Learn to set realistic expectations and prioritize spending. High-impact areas like lighting, seating, and statement pieces often deserve a larger portion of the budget, while smaller accents can be added over time.
10. Trends Are Tempting but Don’t Overcommit
Trends, like arched furniture pieces or earthy tones, can add freshness to your designs—but consider how long-lasting they’ll be. Certain trendy pieces can date a room quickly. Instead, aim for balance by incorporating neutral, timeless options with trendy accents that can be updated easily.
11. Sustainability Is Growing in Importance
Sustainable interior design is more than a buzzword. More clients and homeowners are focusing on eco-friendly furniture, energy-efficient lighting, and seamlessly recycled materials. Taking a sustainable approach is not only better for the planet but also adds a meaningful, cost-effective layer to your designs.
Some sustainable design tips:
- Prioritize quality over quantity when buying furniture.
- Incorporate plants or biophilic elements for healthier air and aesthetics.
- Support brands that use responsibly-sourced or recyclable materials.
12. Collaboration Is Crucial
If you decide to become a professional interior designer, collaboration will be key. You’ll need to communicate effectively with clients, architects, contractors, and even furniture makers. Being a good listener and fostering teamwork ensures more successful projects.
For those working on personal projects, collaboration can mean involving family members or even hiring a consultant for key decisions.
Bringing It All Together
Whether interior design is your passion, career goal, or DIY hobby, knowing these foundational aspects can empower you to create stunning and practical spaces. From understanding core design principles to sharpening your collaboration skills, you’re now equipped to take the first step into the world of interior design.
Want more tips and tricks? Visit Ad Evo now to stay inspired with expert insights, product recommendations, and guides for elevating your interiors to a professional level!
