The 5 Golden Rules for Interior Design: A Guide to Creating Authentic, Timeless Spaces
Interior design can seem overwhelming, especially with so many choices available. But at its core, design is about crafting spaces that feel authentic, functional, and beautiful. Whether you're refreshing a single room or designing a whole house, a few timeless principles will help guide you through the process. These five golden rules of interior design can help you create spaces that tell your story while feeling both effortless and intentional.
1. Balance Function and Aesthetics
One of the most important rules of interior design is to find the sweet spot between beauty and function. Spaces should not only look good but also work for you and your lifestyle. A room that looks stunning but is uncomfortable or impractical can quickly lose its appeal. When choosing furniture, fabrics, and accessories, consider how the space will be used and who will be using it. In family rooms, for example, opt for durable and stain-resistant fabrics and comfortable seating that invites relaxation. In more formal spaces, you can prioritize aesthetics without sacrificing comfort.
Designer’s Insight:
Form follows function. Before falling in love with a piece, ask yourself:
Is it comfortable? Will it hold up for many years & different life stages?
Will it serve its purpose in the space?
Start by thinking about how you need the room to serve you, then layer in the design details that make it beautiful.
2. Create a Cohesive Flow
Great design tells a story, and that story should be consistent throughout your home. This doesn’t mean every room has to look the same, but there should be a common thread that ties the spaces together—whether it’s through color, texture, or style. Pay attention to how each room transitions into the next. A cohesive flow helps the eye move comfortably through a home and makes the entire space feel thoughtfully curated.
Designer’s Insight:
Use color palettes or a consistent style of furniture to create continuity. You can introduce variety with accent pieces, art, or textiles, but keeping a cohesive foundation is key.
3. Mix Old with New
Incorporating a mix of modern elements with heirlooms or vintage pieces is one of the most effective ways to make a space feel rich and layered. It's the blend of old and new that creates warmth, depth, and personality. A sleek, modern sofa can look even more striking when paired with an antique coffee table, while a vintage mirror can bring charm to a contemporary bathroom. These contrasts create visual interest and allow you to showcase your unique heritage and taste.
Designer’s Insight:
Don’t be afraid to display sentimental items, such as family heirlooms or pieces from your travels. These personal touches help a home tell your story and feel truly one-of-a-kind.
4. Pay Attention to Scale and Proportion
One of the most common design mistakes is overlooking scale and proportion. A well-designed space is all about balance, and this starts with ensuring the scale of furniture and decor fit the size of the room. To help, follow the "2:3 rule": reserve about two-thirds of your space for larger furniture, like sofas or dining tables, and one-third for secondary pieces, like side tables and storage. This same rule applies when picking the right amount of furniture or items for a space. Fill up the room two-thirds with furniture and decor while leaving one-third for negative or white space. This prevents the room from feeling cluttered and leaves space for the eye to flow from one object to another.
Designer’s Insight :
When in doubt, create balance by varying the height and scale of objects. Mix a large statement piece with smaller accents to keep things visually interesting without overwhelming the space.
5. Embrace Natural & Layered Lighting
Lighting can make or break a room. Natural light is the best design feature you can’t buy, so maximize it as much as possible. Large windows, reflective surfaces, and lighter color schemes can all help amplify the natural light in your space. But don’t stop there—layered lighting is key for creating the right mood and functionality. Think of lighting in three categories: ambient (general lighting like overhead fixtures), task (focused lighting for activities, like reading lamps), and accent (decorative lighting that adds warmth and dimension).
Designer’s Insight:
Layer your lighting for flexibility. Use dimmers, floor lamps, and accent lighting to create mood and atmosphere throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
Interior design is about more than just filling a room with furniture—it's about creating spaces that reflect who you are and how you want to live. By following these five golden rules, you can design rooms that are not only beautiful but also functional, cohesive, and personal. Remember, your home should feel like an authentic reflection of your story, a space that inspires connection, comfort, and joy.
Let’s design your home together.
If you are still struggling with how to incorporate these 5 golden rules into your home, I’m here to help! I love working with my clients to design their home interiors in a way that is intentional and really highlights the story of you and your family.
