Designing your room may seem intimidating if you are not an expert. Remember that interior design is not science but more of an art. There are no strict rules on how to design a room. If you want guidance, this step-by-step guide will show you how to create your own space like a professional.
Designing a Room
Set the Mood
Ask yourself, “How do I want to feel in this space?” This will guide you to the right colors, textures, furniture, and décor. Natural materials and minimal furniture are the best choices for a light and airy zen-like oasis.
Bold colors or patterns may be featured in a casual and energizing space. You can create an eclectic room that suits you by focusing on mood rather than a specific style or fashion.
Do Your Homework
It’s helpful to gather images of designs and styles you like. Reviewing these will help you understand what you want your room to be. Reflect on why certain designs appeal to you and how they align with your vision.
Get Inspired
For inspiration, check out interior design magazines and books. Consider the places you love and analyze what makes them special. Create a mood board to organize your thoughts. If you share your home with others, this is an opportunity to collaborate and create a shared space that reflects everyone’s preferences.
Remember the Size of Your Vehicle
Sofas are getting bigger and larger. This is a major problem for homeowners. When I am called into rescue rooms, it is often because furniture pieces don’t match the size of the space,” says designer Jackie Glisson.
The solution is simple. Measure the room with tape and graph paper. Draw your floor plan on a scale (one square = one foot, for example).
You can also use your blueprints and make additional copies if you find them. When purchasing additional pieces, mark their intended placement and check that they will fit. In general, you should always try to match the scale of furniture to that in the room. In a small space, an oversized couch will feel out of place.
Be Realistic
Design your space to reflect the way you live today, not some aspirational idea of how your life should be. Choose upholstery materials and surfaces that hold up to rambunctious children and pets.
It is okay to have a table that seats six people if you are a single person who rarely hosts guests. You can move your office to a spare room in the corner, usually only used on holidays. Create a realistic budget before you start shopping. This will help you to prioritize your spending.
Begin with a Signature Piece
Designers claim that sometimes an existing item, which you like and cherish, can be used as inspiration to create the rest of the room. It could be a single tile, chair, or pillow. It all depends on what the client wants, likes, and has.
Then we work from there.” What looks are inspired by the things you love?
Maybe Grandpa’s handsome desk will look more at home as part of a ’40s-themed home office. The rustic seascape from your honeymoon might be the center of attention in a beach-cottage-style bedroom. You could place a vase with your prized flowers in an English country room with lots of floral furniture.
Declutter
Start by removing anything you don’t use, love, or need. This creates a blank canvas for your redesign. Think carefully about what you add on back into the room.
Map It Out
Use free room design programs or sketch ideas on paper. Painter’s tape can also help you visualize layouts on the floor. Before purchasing furniture, measure the space twice to avoid size issues, such as not fitting a sofa through the door.
Formulate a Plan
Make sure you create your file for room design. Include important measurements and inspiring pictures. Also, keep a shopping checklist based on items that fit your theme, budget, and dimensions. (You may later find something better, but comparing is good.)
Keep plastic bags with fabric samples, flooring samples, and paint chips you would like to use. Labeling the baggies clearly but writing them in pencil because you could change your mind.
Everything is flexible, but this plan will help you stay on track and make the right decisions.
Start with the Finishes
If doing a makeover instead of a renovation, consider how to work with existing elements like flooring, paint, or fixtures. Refinishing floors, painting walls, or adding wallpaper can create a fresh look before introducing furniture and accessories.
Choose Anchor Pieces
Focus first on major furniture items, like the sofa in a living room. High-quality anchor pieces are worth the investment as they set the tone for the space. Once these are in place, it’s easier to add complementary elements.
Light It Up
Lighting is an important part of any room’s decor. Include task lighting based on your activity in the room. For example, include task lighting if you are reading or checking email. Ambient lighting can also help set the mood. Designers suggest changing your light switches into dimmers and adding several lamps for various lighting options. You can’t have too many lamps.
Choose Textiles and Rugs
Select rugs, curtains, and textiles after deciding on the room’s layout. These elements add color, texture, and pattern to complement anchor pieces and enhance the room’s character.
Accessorize
Add personal touches with art, photographs, mirrors, and decorative items. Use books, candles, plants, or souvenirs to give your room a lived-in feel. These details make the space uniquely yours.
Make It Personal
Your room’s style should reflect who you are. Designers see their work as successful when a client tells them a room is theirs. A beautiful vacation photo can be blown up. You can dedicate a shelf for your favorite books or to a collection of seashells.
Purchasing original artwork has become more accessible. A unique painting or print from an art show or online gallery can cost as little or as much as mass-produced art at the local furniture shop. You can be sure that no one else will have it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I decide how to design my bedroom?
- Define the function of the room.
- Decide on the mood you want to create.
- Identify your style preferences.
- List the furniture you need.
- Be creative in designing unique spaces.
- Start with the largest pieces.
- Identify the room’s focal point.
- Arrange other pieces around the main feature.
How can I design a room by myself?
- Know what you want.
- Choose a color palette.
- Find reference designs.
- Understand basic design principles.
- Seek feedback and collaborate when possible.
- Start with foundational elements.
- Pay attention to lighting.
- Take measurements and create sketches.
How can I create a floor plan?
- Determine the area to be included.
- Measure walls, doors, and other features.
- Use graph paper or software to draw the layout.
- Add architectural features, utilities, and furniture.
- Review the plan to ensure functionality.
