Ever wondered how designers create stylish show homes? The sort of homes that you walk into and immediately admire every aspect; causing feelings of calm and content. Well there is a method to the magic and it’s all in the details.

Interior designers focus on certain qualities that fit together to create harmony within a living area and it all begins by analysing an architectural space. Interior design is a science composed of principles and fundamentals that piece together to complete a puzzle.

In this blog post we’ll discuss the seven elements of interior design for the purpose of achieving your own ‘show home’ influenced interior.

Space

Space is the foundation of interior design as rooms are made up of dimensions, including length, width and height. A ‘positive space’ is a space that is essentially filled with furniture and decorative features whereas an empty space is referred to as ‘negative space.’

Designers believe that there should be an equilibrium between the positive and negative space, meaning that rooms should neither overcrowd nor skimp on the furniture and accessories. Maintaining an equal measure of positive and negative space will enable a room to appear easy on the eye while avoiding feelings confinement.

Lines

The three principles of interior design are harmony, contrast and unity which can be created with room furnishings and fixtures. These concepts are defined in shapes with horizontal, vertical and dynamic lines that visually guide the eye. Interior designers will find a balance with furniture and features by incorporating a mix of the different lines.

Feelings of freedom and strength are evoked by the vertical lines of windows and doorways. What better way to exaggerate these feelings by choosing door handles on square rose that feature a mix of vertical and horizontal lines, blending strength with efficiency which are ideal components for contemporary interiors.

Available in a variety of finishes, from satin chrome to satin brass, there’s an option for all colour schemes and styles. Dynamic lines are featured in the gradual curve of the handle, providing energy and movement as it stimulates the eye.

Form

Geometry is the science of shapes and this plays a part in creating harmony and balance with three dimensional forms. Proportion and scale are key aspects to consider when placing objects together as this can affect the balance.

Essentially there are two types of forms: Geometric and Natural. Geometric refers to square edges and hard lines whereas natural refers to more organic forms that, like the name suggests, are more unrefined in appearance. Forms can also be open and closed depending on whether an object does or does not possess a caved in space.

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Light

Light is key in interior design as it highlights the space, lines and form while emphasising the colour, texture and pattern within a room. Whether it’s natural or artificial, lighting can have a great affect on ambience and mood. Dimly lit rooms can engender feelings of relaxation and tranquillity, likewise it can also negatively effect mood and energy. Getting the correct balance is tricky but most certainly achievable.

The trick is to maximise on the natural light that an architectural space offers. It is essential to get the balance right, which is why interior designers seek to utilise the natural light sources such as windows and patio doors. Homeowners and architects will often install skylight windows to exaggerate the natural light in the room.

Artificial lighting can be used in a few different ways to brighten spaces as lighting fixtures are incorporated to style interiors, adding ambience and atmosphere where required.

Colour

Colours influence and alter the perception of interiors, creating the illusion of large and small spaces while simultaneously engineering certain emotions and moods. Colour is truly a science all on its own and can be a rather difficult element to master.

Colour psychology is the study of hues as a determinant of human behaviour. It influences perception and can have great effect on mental and physical well-being as colours incite emotional responses.

As many of us know, light colour schemes maximise interior spaces whereas darker shades have the opposite effect; condensing the size of a room. It takes a certain level of skill to combine shades and hues of colour to induce certain emotions and perceptions.

Most colours can be roughly divided into two types: cool and warm. Cooler colours such as blue and green have a calming effect whereas warm tones of red and orange evoke feelings of passion and activity.

Before decorating a room with colour, identify the purpose of the area and determine what sort of feelings you wish to ignite. Black bathrooms offer serenity and tranquillity, perfect for bathing and winding down after a long day. For a cohesive fit, place duo black door handles on square rose to bathroom doors to render feelings of security and privacy in spa inspired bathrooms.

Texture

Texture refers to both visual texture; perceived by the eye and actual texture; the tangible feeling of an object. Texture offers dimension to a room and can have an overall effect on an interior when placed in proximity of other objects. Textured furnishings can warm up a room without the need for warm tones, colours and hues. Correspondingly, a lack of texture can cool down a room. This technique is often used in rooms that feature a neutral colour palette to draw out an emotional state or reaction such as comfort and cosiness.

Pattern

Pattern has similar qualities to texture and is greatly linked to the principle of colour as it is found in the design of wallpaper, soft furnishings and decorative accessories. Careful consideration of pattern will help create balance and harmony in a room as it encourages spatial illusion in addition to drawing focus to special pieces. Many choose to showcase pattern in cushions, curtains or in a single feature wall to add interest and life to an interior. Implementing any type of pattern appears particularly seamless when continuity is ensured.

We hope to inspire your home improvement projects and offer a variety of high-quality products that excel in both aesthetic and performance. For more interior inspiration, check out our previous blog Renting: 3 Ways to Make it Homely for some tips on personalising your space.