Top 10 Tips for Successful Interior Decorating

This article was co-written with Damien Lacroix, an interior designer who has been designing homes for over 15 years. Originally from Los Angeles, this 39-year-old designer, now based in San Francisco, prides himself on creating living spaces that reflect the personality, preferences, and experiences of his clients.

In this article, we will give you practical advice as well as the way of thinking of an interior designer.

Without further ado, here are the 10 best tips for successful interior decorating. Whether you want to furnish a new home, modernize your kitchen, or simply find inspiration to refresh your decor, here are ten key tips to " perfect your decor ."

1) Determine your interior design style

Another way to help you determine your style is to think of keywords that define how you want to feel in a space. Traditional, formal, elegant? Playful, humorous, welcoming? Monochromatic, minimalist, modern? These kinds of questions will suggest different possibilities for your interior design.

Take note of the design inspirations you encounter in your daily life. I often use them as a starting point with my clients when helping them design their dream interior.

To do this, I take them to places they've enjoyed in the past, places where they've experienced strong emotions. Think back to a hotel or restaurant you stayed in that you particularly liked. Perhaps it was a minimalist interior from your trip to Japan or a clubby bar in New York, furnished with worn leather chairs.

2) Identify what you don't like about interior design

It's much easier for people to express what they dislike. By including dislikes in the equation, we can eliminate some things and restrict others. For example, a large print might remind you of something from your childhood that you don't want in your own space. Or, a chair with a winged back might bring back unpleasant school memories.

Similarly, a certain color can evoke feelings about a past trend that you don't want to repeat. These memories and reactions are very personal and individual, but they also define our tastes.

3) Planning the space for your decoration

Spatial planning, which impacts scale, is essential. People often use furniture that is too big or too small for a space. I like to blame a certain retail company for the large-scale furniture that saturates interiors today.

Build around the furniture you actually have space for, always keeping the overall balance in mind. For larger rooms, consider creating zones for different activities : a seating area conducive to conversation; another area for watching television; a workspace with a desk or table for projects or games. If possible, we recommend using a miniature house to visualize the room layout.

While I appreciate symmetry, it can make everything feel too artificial when you make it perfectly symmetrical. Consider weight and visual distribution to balance a space. Proportion and scale are key elements of any design.

4) Painting at the heart of interior decoration

Choosing paint is one of the most important and cost-effective decisions you can make. A good paint choice can help create a harmonious flow between spaces. Think of your home as a whole. Painting one room at a time risks creating disconnected spaces. Also, consider how colors affect your mood.

Certain colors make people happy, calm, or even agitated. I'm known for painting interior doors a striking black to contrast with bright white walls. This instantly creates a modern design in the room.

5) Mix high and low prices for a successful interior design

Pedigree doesn't necessarily mean better (whether it's art, furniture, or dogs). Consider an "unknown" artist or designer and buy based on form, comfort, and how the art or furniture works for you and your needs. The humblest objects can have the most soul and be the most beautiful thing in a room.

Don't be afraid to mix high and low prices. Not everything has to be expensive to be important. You can say the opposite by splurging on something you truly love and will keep for years.

6) Start from the basics of the decoration

Design can be overwhelming, so we need to know exactly where to start. For any room, I generally suggest starting from the bottom: Decide on the flooring. It doesn't matter if you want or have hardwood, carpet, tile, stone, or rugs. Thinking about your flooring first will determine how the other furniture in the different rooms will be arranged in the space.

It is important to plan these things in tandem, otherwise you end up with the "circus" effect: too many things happening without the space as a whole working in unison.

You'll have more flexibility with a floor covering; dozens, even hundreds, of possibilities are available. This is where you have the most options, allowing you to start decorating the rooms right away. It's easier to decide on your flooring first and then install it.

Keep in mind that the layout will depend on the existing space and the future furniture. Therefore, creating a floor plan can be a good idea . Some mobile apps, such as Kozikaza, can help you create plans worthy of top designers.

7) Decorate your home with plants

Plants are a great way to make your home stand out, both inside and out. If you want your interior design to make a statement, decorate your home with large plants. Place a few large plants in the hallway or in your living room.

A plant is inexpensive and an excellent idea if you want to enhance your interior décor while staying within your budget. This touch of greenery is ideal for modern interiors. Keep in mind that depending on your choice, it will require more or less maintenance.

8) Decorate your walls

Decorating your walls is essential for successful interior design; a room without wall art can quickly appear empty and dreary. The idea is to find a piece of art that truly reflects your personality and blends seamlessly into your home. You've come to the right place! Our website offers over 10,000 designer canvases that will enhance the ambiance of your rooms. For a modern and understated look, we recommend our selection of Jungle-themed paintings.

Other themes are also available; feel free to explore our unique art collections. As a thank you for reading, our team is offering you a 10% discount coupon on your first order: "Loffy10".

9) Think about the lighting

Lighting can make or break even the best interior design. If you want to impress your guests with a captivating interior, make sure the lighting is appropriate. Pendant lights are an excellent lighting choice for a modern interior. But when it comes to pendant lights, be sure to choose something with an extraordinary and unusual design, something that draws the eye upward to the ceiling.

Remember that your lighting should be in keeping with the room you wish to decorate; opt for a cozy light fixture for the bedroom and a more extravagant one for common areas.

10) Incorporate unique patterns into your decor

If you don't mind spending more on your interior design, consider investing in a custom-made piece of furniture with a truly unique design. Make it a focal point of your interior décor and place it somewhere your guests will easily notice it.

For example, you can modernize your living room with a zigzag bookcase or an unusually shaped coffee table. These decorative elements are sure to inspire your guests. Some of these pieces are available made-to-measure, or in high-end furniture stores, such as the famous Roche Bobois . This kind of eccentricity comes at a price and should only be considered if your decorating budget allows it.

First and foremost, thank you for reading! Our final word is that, once you've considered all these tips, you should take your time to make your final decision. Keep in mind that these choices will have a lasting impact, and you don't change your interior decor every year.

See you soon.

The Lofty Trend Team.