Interior Design 101: Essentials for Every Room

Interior design can be a little tricky to wrap your head around at first, but once you get the basics down, it’s actually quite easy to do and rather fun too! There are a few essential concepts every homeowner should know before designing their home’s interior, and we’re going to go over them right now. So if you’re looking to spruce up your house but aren’t sure where to start, here are some of the most important interior design concepts you should know about!

Walls

The first thing you need to think about when planning an interior is, of course, walls. Walls are essential in every room and serve multiple purposes. Obviously they keep rooms separated from each other and provide protection from things like weather conditions or noise pollution but walls can also be used as storage solutions or even decor additions. In a dining room, for example, you might use wainscoting on your lower walls to create visual interest or incorporate built-in shelves. These shelves can be used to display important knickknacks like decorative dishes and family portraits.

Doors

Depending on how you want your space to feel, pick a style that complements it. Make sure all doors open and close easily and provide at least 30 inches of clear space when they’re open. Also, door knobs are easier to use than doorknobs; opt for those in any rooms where kids or pets might be playing. Doors can’t make or break an interior, but they can determine how easy a space is to move around in—and since your home is likely just one part of a busy lifestyle, functionality matters!

Roof

A roof protects interior walls, doors, and windows from precipitation and other harsh elements. Most roofs are made of a mixture of clay tiles or synthetic materials—like rubber or plastic—and slate, wood, or metal shingles. Ceiling: The ceiling is often one of most overlooked features in interior design; many designers spend more time thinking about what’s happening on floors than they do on ceilings. Nevertheless, ceilings can be just as important as floors—or even more so. Not only do they contribute to a room’s ambiance by amplifying light sources and colors (they also provide insulation from excess noise), but they also act as a physical partition between rooms.

Ceiling

A ceiling is really just a fancy word for a wall, but in architecture and interior design, it's specifically defined as a finished surface above an architectural element such as a floor or wall. Think of it as that thing that connects two walls—that's your ceiling. Here are some things to consider about ceilings: The height of a room can make all the difference; low ceilings tend to make spaces feel more intimate and high ceilings give open rooms an airy feel. Likewise, you can also vary your ceiling height within a space; higher up in one area (like over an eating area) and lower (over seating) gives your home character by creating contrast.

Flooring

You’ll have three main choices to consider when choosing flooring: carpet, hardwood, and tile. Each type of flooring serves a specific purpose in various areas of your home. Carpet can be used anywhere from living rooms to bedrooms and is a good choice if you’re looking for a soft surface underfoot or have kids or pets that track in mud and dirt on a regular basis.

windows

When designing your home, don’t forget about windows—especially if you live in a climate where sunshine is important to your lifestyle. Windows can play a significant role in how much light enters a room. In fact, you might want to consider their size and location when creating an overall design concept. Whether installing new windows or updating existing ones, always take care to adhere to local building codes and state laws regarding energy efficiency and energy consumption. It will be worth it when you notice how much more pleasant your living space feels on hot summer days or cold winter nights.

other accessories

Use color and furnishings to give each room its own personality. Keep in mind that every room has accessories that can be used to personalize it. In addition to wall paint, which provides an instant face-lift for your walls, there are many different accent colors that you can add throughout your home. Accessories such as window coverings, lighting fixtures, and area rugs also play a major role in determining the overall appearance of a room. Use them to complement your existing decor or change it up completely! And don't forget about furniture pieces when decorating your home; just because they're not as flashy doesn't mean they aren't important! The right sofa or chair can create instant comfort and style in any living space—and they can really make a good space great!

lighting fixtures

One of the easiest ways to add instant personality and style to a room is with lighting fixtures. Depending on your color scheme, you can opt for colorful or dramatic lights that illuminate like candles, or choose ones that dim depending on your mood. Decorative lamps are another great way to personalize a space; they come in any style imaginable and can be unique as well as classic. Just make sure they’re not interfering with lighting basics, such as walkways and furniture placement.

window coverings

A window treatment is a secondary interior element in your home, but it can make a big difference to your aesthetic. Window treatments include shades, blinds, curtains and more. Don’t worry—you don’t have to live with bare windows if you don’t want to! There are plenty of options that will help you express your sense of style and keep your living space cozy and warm. Depending on what type of lighting you like in each room and how much you’re willing to spend, there are so many choices that it might be overwhelming. With so many styles and fabrics to choose from—from lace panels to faux leather—don’t make the mistake of opting out entirely.

color

If you’re not sure what colors would work best in a room, think about what colors you gravitate toward. Most people have one or two colors they favor, whether it’s green or blue or orange. It can also be helpful to think about what makes you feel comfortable; maybe there are certain shades of colors that bring you peace, so incorporating them into your home can make you feel more at ease and relaxed during a stressful day. Once you know your favorite colors and how they make you feel, seek out complementary colors that will enhance their vibrancy.