MY GO-TO INTERIOR DESIGN TIPS FOR A STUNNING HOME
Designing a home is not about fleeting trends — it’s about crafting a space that embodies your essence and enhances the way you live. The magic lies in the interplay of thoughtful proportions, meticulous detailing, and a story woven into every element of the design.
YOUR HOME NEEDS TO BE YOUR UNIVERSAL COLLECTION OF THE PAST, PRESENT & THE FUTURE
— — Design that’s not just philosophy, but also Life ——
UNDERSTAND BASIC DEISGN PRINCIPLES
The term ‘Design Principles’ may sound daunting as a whole — but with one read, you understand that it all comes down to the basics of Balance, Contrast, Proportion, Rhythm, Harmony, Emphasis and Repetition that can be adopted, adapted and adjusted to your specific needs.
As a start, understanding that these principles form the backbone of effective design, ensures that every space feels purposeful and cohesive.For a practical start, understand that you have an eye for your space that is unique and correlated more to the required output.
Start by evaluating your room by sketching its layout and identifying the dominant features to align with these principles. Whether it’s the symmetry of a living room layout or the rhythm created through recurring patterns, adhering to these guidelines results in interiors that are both inviting and visually seamless.
2. LET EVERY CORNER SPEAK YOUR STORY
Whether it’s your childhood memory of your forest adventure painted in a shade that you love, or its statement cane or bamboo pieces that you picked up on your last trip, there should always be a physical space dedicated for the importance it holds in your life.
Your home should reflect your journey. Personal touches make a house feel like a home. Don’t shy away from creating dedicated spaces that celebrate your hobbies or milestones — a reading nook, a gallery wall, or a cozy corner for music.
3. THE 60-30-10 RULE
This timeless rule for color distribution is a cornerstone of professional design, ensuring a visually balanced and harmonious space. Psychologically, this rule leverages human perception by creating a structured visual hierarchy, which reduces cognitive load and makes a room feel more organized.
The dominant color (60%) establishes a calming foundation, the secondary color (30%) adds depth and richness, and the accent color (10%) introduces vibrancy and focus, satisfying our innate attraction to contrast. For example, in a living room, soft neutral walls (60%), shaded of the 60% used to enhance the contrast (30%), and vibrantly coloured cushion covers or statement single chairs as decor (10%) together create a serene yet engaging environment.
4. MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER
Design isn’t merely about aesthetics; it’s about seamlessly blending beauty with practicality. Begin by analyzing your daily routines to create layouts and select furnishings that enhance efficiency and comfort.
For instance, incorporate built-in storage to declutter, modular furniture for adaptability, and easy-to-clean surfaces for effortless maintenance. An entryway with concealed shoe cabinets and hooks, or a kitchen with pull-out pantry systems, can elevate both form and function, ensuring your home remains as stunning as it is functional.
5. OPTIMISE WITH “TRIANGLE OF LIGHT”
Lighting is one of the most transformative elements in a home, and the triangle of light concept ensures a perfectly balanced ambiance. It involves using three types of lighting: ambient lighting for overall illumination, task lighting for focused activities, and accent lighting to highlight specific areas or decor
. For example, a living room can feature recessed ceiling lights (ambient), a reading lamp near a sofa (task), and wall sconces highlighting artwork (accent). This thoughtful layering of light sources not only enhances functionality but also adds depth and warmth, making every room feel inviting and well-curated.
6. ACHIEVING THE ‘CENTRELINE’ BENEFITS
Every room benefits from a clearly articulated focal point or centreline, which acts as the visual anchor for the entire space. This could be a dramatic fireplace, a panoramic window framing an outdoor view, or a statement piece of furniture like a sculptural sofa. To achieve this, start by identifying the most visually dominant feature in the room and arrange furnishings symmetrically or asymmetrically around it, depending on the desired aesthetic.
For example, in a living room, align a plush sectional sofa and a pair of armchairs to face the fireplace, complemented by a large area rug that ties the arrangement together. This approach not only creates a cohesive visual hierarchy but also establishes a natural flow that enhances both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
I believe in designing for the future as much as for the present—crafting homes that age gracefully, adapting to the rhythms of life while preserving their architectural integrity.
7. LAYERS, MORE LAYERS
Layering is a fundamental technique in interior design that adds depth, texture, and visual complexity to a space. It involves strategic combinations of elements such as rugs over carpets, plush throw pillows on sofas, and layered window treatments like textured curtains paired with sheer drapes. Incorporating diverse materials—such as the interplay of polished wood, brushed metal, and soft textiles—enhances tactile richness while maintaining cohesion through a consistent color palette or design theme.
For example, in a contemporary living room, layering can include a wool area rug over hardwood floors, a velvet sofa adorned with leather and knit throw pillows, and a mix of matte and glossy finishes in decor pieces. This approach not only creates visual contrast but also introduces warmth and a curated, multi-dimensional aesthetic.
8. YOU CAN NEVER GO WRONG WITH THE RIGHT STATEMENT PIECE
Investing in statement pieces is a strategic approach to creating a distinctive and memorable interior. These standout elements, such as a cascading crystal chandelier, a large abstract painting, or a sculpturally designed chair, serve as focal points that anchor the design narrative of a room. Statement pieces not only capture attention but also establish the thematic tone, often acting as the visual representation of the homeowner’s personality or style.
For instance, an oversized art piece in the dining area can inject character while tying together surrounding furniture and decor. Carefully curated, these elements elevate the sophistication of the space and invite engaging conversations, underscoring the home’s unique identity.
