7 Basic Principles of Interior Design

It can be quite tricky to design your home’s interiors if you don’t know the “rules.”

Interior design has certain principles that, when applied correctly, will allow you to create a wonderful space inside your home.

If you’re planning to upgrade your interiors, here are the basic principles you should keep in mind.


1. Balance

In interior design, balance refers to visual balance. To create balance, objects must be equally distributed in a room.

Balance can be achieved in three ways:

• Symmetrical – when both sides of a room mirror each other
• Asymmetrical – when each side of a room has different furniture, décor or arrangement but the same visual weight
• Radial – when design elements are arranged around a center point

2. Unity

Unity is closely associated with harmony. This is achieved by coming up with a theme or common style so that all the design elements work together. A great way to create harmony inside your home or interiors is to choose a color scheme. You may pick a color and use different shades throughout your interiors.

3. Rhythm

Rhythm in interior design is about visual flow or continuity. There are three ways to accomplish rhythm in your interiors:

• Repetition – using similar elements repeatedly throughout a space. For example, you can use similar colors or decors in one room.
• Progression – using a particular element and decreasing or increasing its qualities. An example of this is placing candles on a table and arranging them according to size (small to large or the opposite).
• Transition – using curved lines to create a smooth flow or transition from one area to another. Examples of transitional tools are arched doorways and windows.

4. Emphasis

To create emphasis, you can use color, size and texture. A room should have a focal point – the center of attraction. A focal point draws attention and makes an impression on viewers or guests. This could be a piece of furniture, an appliance or exquisite artwork.

5. Contrast

Contrast can be accomplished by putting two opposite elements in one room to keep it from looking too plain or flat. In terms of color, you can create contrast by using black and white. If you want to work with shapes, you can mix different shapes of furniture such as round ottomans and square center tables.

6. Details

Details are small and unobvious touches that enhance the ambience of a room. These details may be subtle but they make a big difference. They add personality to an area. Examples can include door handles, decorative light switches and trim on pillows.

7. Scale and Proportion

These two often go together. Scale refers to the relationship between a space and the size of an object. Proportion has something to do with the size of an object compared to another. The furniture and decors you use in a room should be of the right size and proportions.

Do you require professional help for your home improvement?

Contact the experts in interior design in Hong Kong. Gail Arlidge Design is a one-stop interior design firm specializing in quality residential properties. With over 15 years of experience, the team has built a solid reputation among clients. Call Gail Arlidge Design to discuss your plans.