We are constantly flooded by stunning designer interior aesthetics on social media and in magazines but a lot of times these looks seem unattainable, especially when you don’t have an endless budget. There are however a few basic design principles and tricks to follow that will transform your place into something out of Architectural Digest.
1. Curated Colour Palette
Many luxury and high end spaces use neutral tones as their base. Soft whites, delicate beiges and greys give off a sense of class and serenity. It is essential to decide on a colour palette in advance and stick to it throughout your space. Designers recommend choosing two neutral colours as a base and one to maximum two accent colours. Play with the different shades, tones and tints of these accent colours if you want more colour variation, but more than two accent colours makes a room look messy.
2. The Rule of Three
Proper balance is key within a space and an easy way to achieve this is by grouping objects of three together. Whether that is an assortment of table accessories or a collection of pillows, groups of three create an appealing and curated aesthetic. Use different sizes, shapes, colour and texture of objects for a visually interesting and balanced look.
3. Matching Hardware
Matching your hardware seems like a small detail but makes a huge impact on the look of your home. This doesn’t mean you will be using the exact same material for every lighting fixture, sink, door handle and cabinet pull throughout the home but it is important to choose a primary colour and secondary colour scheme and stick with it. A combination such as brass and matte black create beautiful contrast and can be mixed and matched throughout spaces.
4. Clever storage solutions
We all have necessities in our home that make out interior look messy. But things like cables, remotes, paper rolls or even TV’s can be smartly concealed with simple tricks: hide cords with cord covers that match the wall, install a paper towel holder on the inside of a cabinet or splurge on a beautiful frame TV that looks like a painting. There are also great sofa and ottoman designs containing hidden storage space to place blankets, toys, remotes and other things in that you do not want on display. Also utilize different sorts of storage solutions from trinket boxes to woven baskets that will hide objects and simultaneously serve as beautiful decor pieces.
5. Layered Lighting
The importance of multiple light sources within a room cannot be emphasized enough. A designer space always contains some form of ambient lighting, task lighting and accent lighting. That means incorporating a combination of ceiling lamps, wall sconces, table or floor lamps to create an inviting ambiance. To take the designer feel even further, consider investing in dimmer bulbs so that you can adapt your lighting according to the time of day and situation.
6. Layout and focal points
A layout that is well organized for conversation and promotes good flow throughout the space instantly lends that high-end feel. So, when possible, arrange your furniture pieces in a way for people to gather while also having enough space to move around. Having multiple focal points or not having one at all can confuse the eye, so make sure to intentionally set one focal point by means of statement furniture, accent walls, artwork or anything that instantly guides the viewer’s eye in that direction. A focal point sets the tone of the room and is therefore the ideal starting point when conceptualizing a space’s layout.
7. Decorative mouldings
There is something exquisitely elevated about wall trim and mouldings, they lend architectural significance, add dimension as well as texture and give a space an overall tailored aesthetic. And lucky for you, the options of different crown, applied and panel mouldings are endless! From shiplap to wainscoting all the way to more period-inspired styles like tudor panelling, there are plenty of DIY possibilities to incorporate this designer element into your home. Note that installing mouldings do require more expertise than your usual home project, so be sure to carefully plan out the style, material, scale and colour well in advance.
8. Plants and flower arrangements
An absolute must for a designer space is the inclusion of plants or flowers – or ideally a combination of both. They freshen up the home and instantly convey a sense of serenity and sophistication. That being said, limit the quantity of plants as well as their different colours because too many plants and varying colours quickly feels overwhelming and messy. Dried twigs and flowers are a great option for people without a green thumb, as they still convey a sense of nature and oftentimes come in delicately subdued colours. In any case, regular upkeep of your plants is a must in maintaining a crisp and luxurious look.
