Interior Design is both an art and a science. While it does make use of creativity and artistic flair, there are also certain rules and conventions that should be considered to make the best use of a space. This is often what sets professional designers apart from amateurs. Knowing these design conventions will help you take your interior design to the next level and transform your home.

Space

Space is just what it sounds like-the length, width, and height of the room that you are working with. More often than not, you will not have the luxury of changing the size or shape of your space, so assessing what you already have is a good place to start. A room is made up of positive and negative space, positive space referring to space which contains an object, and negative to a space which is left empty. Functionality often affects a designer’s use of space. For example, there needs to be enough negative space in a room for walkways and to keep the space from looking cluttered.

Lines

There are 3 types of lines - horizontal, vertical, and dynamic. Horizontal and vertical are self-explanatory, and dynamic lines are either angled or curved. Lines are created using the objects in a room. For example, a long coffee table creates strong horizontal lines, while a tall bookcase adds vertical lines. Horizontal lines give a sense of stability, vertical lines a sense of freedom, and dynamic lines energy. Use a combination of all three types to create a sense of balance in a room.

Form

The shape of the room itself as well as the shapes of any objects in it are known as forms. There are two main types of form - natural and geometric. Natural forms are softer and more organic, while geometric forms are more exact and man-made in appearance. It’s usually best to add several similar forms to a design to create a sense of harmony throughout the room.

Light

Light is both functional and decorative. Man-made or natural light (or a combination of the two) are needed to make a space usable. Light can also affect the way that we feel in a space. Bright white light has an energizing effect, while dimmer, more yellow light has a calming effect. Consider the primary purpose of your room when choosing lighting. Also consider the lighting fixtures themselves. They should be a part of your design, not an afterthought.

Color

We could write an entire blog on the psychology of color, but for now just know this: color matters. It affects the way that we feel and the way that we perceive space. Lighter colors are popular in smaller spaces, as they can make them look larger. Darker or more intense colors are best saved for larger rooms to add dimensionality. Consider the intended use of your space and pick colors accordingly. For example, consider blues or greens for a bedroom, as they have a calming effect.

Texture

Texture refers to the physical surface of an object. Often overlooked, texture adds interest to a room. Mixing textures - think rough, soft, and smooth - adds depth to a space. Consider actual, 3-dimensional texture as well as visual texture which often comes in the form of our next element of design: pattern.

Pattern

Pattern is a visual texture created by a repetitive design. It can be found in fabrics, wallpapers, and rugs. Like physical texture, pattern adds visual interest to a space and can really bring a room to life. Patterns come in many different styles, including geometric, stripes, floral, pictorial, and animal prints. It is important to consider the style of the room that you are decorating and choose a pattern that compliments it well. For example, a modern design may work well with a geometric or striped pattern, while a floral one may be better in a traditional design. Pattern is a powerful tool and should be used sparingly; limit yourself to a maximum of 3 different patterns per room.

By keeping these 7 elements of interior design in mind, you can quickly take your space to the next level. Always keep in mind the purpose of the room you are designing and let that guide your decisions in each of these areas.