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10 Decorating Rules Interior Designers Follow

Designer Living Room

Decorating your home to professional standards may seem like a daunting task, especially when those before-and-after photos make it appear effortless. While we can’t offer you a magic wand, we can certainly impart some fundamental decorating principles that will empower you to craft your own enchanting spaces.

Let’s dive into the top 10 decorating rules that award-winning interior designers like Jo Taylor Design swear by, and discover how you can transform your home into a haven of style and comfort.

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Embrace the Hero Piece

In the art of interior design, there exists a principle that champions the notion of a “hero piece.”

This beacon of style serves as the pièce de résistance, commanding attention and infusing the room with an unparalleled sense of character and charm. Picture it: a majestic furniture item that demands admiration, a captivating artwork that stirs the soul, or perhaps a vibrant rug that electrifies the space with its color and texture.

This hero piece isn’t merely a decorative element; it’s the nucleus around which the entire room orbits. It beckons you to invest in something that speaks volumes about your aesthetic inclinations, allowing your unique style to radiate with unbridled brilliance.

Mix Up Shapes

In the quest to craft visually captivating spaces, one mustn’t shy away from the allure of diverse shapes and forms. While straight lines and right angles may dominate the architectural landscape, it’s the introduction of contrasting shapes that truly elevates the decor scheme to new heights.

Picture a delicate dance between rectangles and squares, punctuated by the graceful curves of circles. Embrace the allure of round coffee tables, mirrors, or rugs, as they infuse the room with a sense of dynamism and balance. It’s this harmonious interplay of shapes that imbues the space with an undeniable sense of intrigue and sophistication.

Hang Artwork at Eye Level

The art of displaying artwork extends beyond mere aesthetics; it’s about creating a visual symphony that resonates with harmony and balance. To achieve this, one must adhere to the golden rule of hanging artwork at eye level. Imagine the sublime moment when the center of a masterpiece aligns perfectly with your gaze, creating a profound connection between viewer and art.

By positioning artwork at a height of approximately 160 – 175 cm from the floor, you not only enhance its impact but also imbue the room with a sense of cohesion and unity. It’s this meticulous attention to detail that transforms a mere living space into a gallery-worthy masterpiece.

Create Illusions of Height

For those grappling with the limitations of low ceilings, fear not, for design ingenuity holds the key to unlocking untapped potential. Through strategic design tactics, one can effortlessly create the illusion of height, transcending the confines of spatial limitations.

Imagine a realm where low-profile furniture pieces reign supreme, effortlessly elongating the vertical plane. Picture walls, skirting boards, and ceilings cloaked in a seamless coat of color, striped curtains visually elongating windows and ceilings, blurring boundaries and expanding horizons. It’s this artful manipulation of space that imbues the room with an ethereal sense of grandeur, transforming even the most modest of abodes into lofty havens of style and sophistication.

Anchor with Rugs

Within the tapestry of interior design, rugs emerge as the unsung heroes, capable of weaving together disparate elements into a cohesive and visually striking tableau. Far more than mere floor coverings, rugs serve as anchors that delineate separate zones within an open-plan layout.

Envision a generously sized rug that extends beyond the confines of furniture, creating a seamless transition between spaces. It’s this deliberate attention to detail that not only adds warmth and texture to the room but also fosters a sense of unity and balance. In the grand tapestry of interior design, rugs emerge as the thread that binds, imbuing the space with a sense of harmony and cohesion.

Curate Meaningful Spaces

At the heart of every well-designed interior lies a narrative—an intimate tale of personal experiences, cherished memories, and heartfelt aspirations. To curate a space that speaks volumes about one’s essence, one must embark on a journey of self-discovery, shedding the trappings of conformity in favor of authenticity.

Picture a home adorned with treasures that resonate deeply with the soul, each item serving as a poignant reminder of cherished moments and cherished dreams. These may be small knick-knacks collected during travels, family heirlooms, or even priceless gifts from loved ones. It’s this deeply personal touch that transforms a mere living space into a sanctuary—an oasis of serenity and self-expression.

Gain Perspective

In the frenetic dance of daily life, it’s all too easy to lose sight of the bigger picture—to become ensnared in the minutiae of existence. Yet, within the confines of our living spaces, there exists an opportunity for clarity—a moment of respite amidst the chaos. Step back, dear friend, and behold your domain from a distance—a bird’s-eye view that unveils hidden truths and untapped potential.

It’s in this panoramic vista that one discovers opportunities for enhancement, whether it be adorning empty walls with works of art, infusing the space with bursts of colour, or breathing life into the surroundings with verdant foliage. Embrace this newfound perspective, for within its embrace lies the key to unlocking the full potential of your living space.

Embrace Off-the-Wall Placement

In the grand tapestry of interior design, there exists a notion that transcends convention—an ethos that champions the art of defying expectations. Gone are the days of confining furniture to the perimeter of the room; instead, dare to embrace off-the-wall placement as a means of cultivating depth and intrigue.

Envision a world where sofas eschew conformity, embracing the limelight as they take centre stage amidst a sea of open space. It’s in this audacious departure from the norm that one discovers a newfound sense of freedom—a freedom to reimagine, to reinvent, and to revel in the boundless possibilities of design.

Balance with Negative Space

Amidst the cacophony of color and form, there exists a silent protagonist—a force of tranquility known as negative space. Negative space in interior design serves as a canvas upon which bold elements are juxtaposed, creating a visual symphony that resonates with harmony and balance.

Picture a delicate dance between vibrant hues and serene neutrals—a dance that captivates the senses and soothes the soul. It’s in this harmonious interplay that one discovers a sense of equilibrium—a balance that transcends the confines of space and time, elevating the room to new heights of aesthetic splendor.

Harness the Magic of Mirrors

Within the realm of interior design, mirrors emerge as enchanting portals—gateways to a world of boundless possibility and intrigue. Far more than mere reflective surfaces, mirrors possess the power to amplify natural light, expand spatial horizons, and imbue the room with an ethereal sense of elegance. Envision a carefully curated collection of mirrors strategically placed to maximize visual impact, each one a testament to the transformative power of design.

It’s in the shimmering embrace of these mirrored surfaces that one discovers a realm of infinite possibility—a realm where style and substance converge in a dazzling display of beauty and brilliance.

In Closing

By adhering to these guiding principles of interior design, one embarks on a transformative journey—a journey that transcends mere decoration, ushering forth a renaissance of style, comfort, and self-expression. So go forth, fellow decorator, and unleash your creativity upon the canvas of your living space, for within its hallowed halls lies the promise of beauty, inspiration, and endless possibility.