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The mysterious world of interior design can seem a little daunting; when you walk into a stunning room, consider the fact that someone somewhere, put a lot of thought into the layout and decor. Everything man-made begins with an idea, every room is planned prior to decorating and with that in mind, here is a beginner’s guide to interior design.
Create a large floor plan
Each room should be represented by a ‘to-scale’ floor plan; a sheet of A3 would be perfect; draw the room outline carefully, adding doors and windows. It is important to make the floor plan to scale, which allows you to accurately measure curtains/blinds/carpet etc.
Interior design principles
As you would expect, interior design works on the following principles:
- Balance – In a visual sense, achieving a level of balance in a room is an important aspect of interior design. Take a look at the best interior design in Sydney and you will see a balanced layout, with an emphasis on proportion.
- Unity – This refers to numerous aspects coming together to create a unique ambience. Colour, shape, texture and material can all be combined into your design. Unity can also mean maintaining a theme throughout the house, which is an art that can take a while to master.
- Rhythm – Rhythm can also be described as ‘repetitive decorative processes’, materials would include brushed aluminium, textured finishes, treated timber and when used in multiple rooms, a rhythm is achieved.
- Scale & proportion – It is vital to maintain scale and proportion, which can be challenging with a small or very large room. The web can assist you in sourcing specific size furniture and make sure you check the dimensions with your floor plan before ordering. Here are a few great kitchen design ideas to consider.
- Contrast – Contrast is a very powerful element that interior designers use to add texture; shapes, textures, materials and colours can match by choosing the right combinations. Light-dark, rough-smooth, and straight-curved are effective contrasts that you can add to give the room some depth.
- Emphasis – This is all about creating focal points that attract the eye; be careful not to overdo statement pieces, as this makes the room look crowded and busy. Provocative art can be displayed in a central location, making for a perfect statement piece that draws the eye to the centre of the space.
- Details – The little things make all the difference; it might be classy embroidery on cushions or antique handles in the kitchen; there are many ways to add detail and your interior designer can show you a huge catalogue of fixtures and fittings that you can add. Lace is the designer’s favourite, which can enhance any furniture item.
Personalise the space
Use family photos, trophies, medals and artwork to add a personal touch, giving the room a unique identity. If you would like a professional to design your living room, for example, start with a Google search to locate the whereabouts of a leading Australian interior designer and make an appointment for an initial consultation. Most are happy to share a Zoom call with a potential client without charge or obligation, which might lead to a proposal.
Bespoke storage
Every room is unique and the best way to make use of available storage space is made-to-measure storage units. Small alcoves and corners can be good places to add storage units. Choose a suitable timber and a local joiner can build the units in a style that is in keeping with the decor.
Online solutions
Whether you are based in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, you are never far from an established interior designer and you can easily make an appointment via their website. Once the designer has seen your home and understands your concept, he or she can start putting together a few ideas and with your input, a final design awaits.
If you don’t have the self-confidence to design your interior, talk to an interior designer and let the experts create the perfect living space for you and your family.
