Six Key Tenants of Great Home Design...What Interior Designers Know that We Don't

Take a look at six key tenants of great home design, so you can decorate like a pro.

Begin With Lighting

Lighting is a very important part of interior design and can beautifully transform any space. Consider pendant lights or chandeliers to enhance your lighting scheme and create focal points in your room. Design experts understand that evaluating the natural light and how it changes throughout the day is key to determining the type of window treatments, how many accent lamps, and overhead light fixtures are needed to create the desired look.

Lay The Foundation

Interior designers know that flooring lays the foundation for any space and sets the stage for the overall room design. Consider area rugs to add texture and warmth, or wood flooring to create a classic, timeless look. Flooring instantly makes a space look smaller, larger, formal, cozy, laid back, or luxurious.

Connect Everything With Color

Color is an instrumental component of interior design. The color of a room will not only connect everything in the room together, but it will also affect how you feel. Rich, deep colors like red create energy and passion while light, neutral colors like cream create calm and relaxing feelings. Enhance the effect with glass wall art that complements your chosen color palette, adding both style and cohesion to the space.

Mix Old With New

One tenant of great interior design that is sometimes overlooked, but very important is mixing the old with the new. Combining pieces from different time periods or styles adds a personal flair and uniqueness to a home. It is important to blend the pieces together, so there is balance and harmony. Incorporate accent chests or antique-inspired furniture for an eclectic yet cohesive look.

• Use wood tones and colors that are similar and complement one another
• Pair and display pieces of the same period or style together for visual appeal and balance
• Create groupings by combing items from different periods that have something in common, ie: color, size, or theme
• Use antiques and standout vintage pieces as artistic, interesting focal points
• Re-purpose and reuse something old into something new (especially something with sentimental value). For example, hang an old ladder on the wall to create a smart bookshelf or transform vintage crates into eye-catching end tables.

Use Art Creatively

Interior designers realize that original framed artwork adds interest to any room. One, large framed original piece hanging above a mantle's fireplace becomes a fabulous focal point. A grouping of smaller artwork and personal pictures displayed in an out-of-the-way corner or hallway becomes a charming art gallery. To complement your art collection, consider using wall mirrors to reflect light and make the space feel more open and vibrant.

Go High and Go Low

Designers know that every square inch of the room should be appealing. This includes higher areas in the room. Hanging a large mirror higher than expected, displaying light fixtures that hang down from the ceiling, or arranging window treatments above the window will create a balanced space.

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