What is Interior Design and How Does it Work?
Hi, fellow interior design enthusiasts. Welcome to another "all about interior design" blog at Rocabu Designs. You might think this blog's topic is silly, but I just realized I've been sharing design ideas, tips, and how-to blogs without ever explaining what interior design actually is.
Disclaimer: My blog contains affiliate links. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more information, please read my Affiliate Marketing Disclaimer. Featured Image via Amazon.
Let's also discuss the key design factors that impact a space's appearance and vibe, particularly for residential design.
Assuming I've got time (hopefully you do, too), I'd also like to discuss why a well-designed space is crucial to our everyday lives and share my top tips for creating a cozy interior design that reflects your style and personality.
Alrighty, go ahead and grab a cup of joe, kick back, and let's dive into the enchanting world of interior design!
What is Interior Design?
Let's start with the basics, what is interior design? I mean, we could Google it and get a fancy-pants definition, but where's the fun in that?
I bet you're not reading my blog for that! I will give you my definition of interior design based on my more than 15 years of experience in the design field.
Image via Rocabu Designs' Portfolio
Interior design is like a wild adventure, a complex (yet super fun) journey to craft livable spaces that solve users' unique problems and needs (in a way that fits their lifestyle most of the time). It's like solving a puzzle where designers like me put in our all to craft the finest and most affordable solutions (if you're counting your pennies) for the client to enjoy a practical and visually appealing space.
Interior design goes beyond choosing attractive curtains or deciding on a wall color. It's a dynamic field that creates thoughtfully planned, accessible, eco-friendly, and stunning spaces.
Image via Design Milk
It's all about grasping how various elements like color, lighting, space, and texture can team up to make a harmonious environment.
Never Missed the Key Design Elements
When revamping a room in your house, keep in mind the interior design elements mentioned above - they're the secret sauce for creating a balanced, functional, and homey space.
Space- Where We Define Functions
Space is everything in interior design. It's our creative playground, where ideas burst to life. It's not just about the dimensions, but how we perceive it.
When we think about redesigning or renovating a room, we take into account the current space. It's a part of the interior design process where our imagination goes crazy with finishes, decor, and lighting (but hold up); let me interrupt you for a moment.
Image via Design Milk
Planning is key! Before diving in, take a moment to consider your space requirements, like what you'll be using the space for and whether you want to keep your current furniture or spice things up with something fresh and new.
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Line- The Way We Go
Lines are like a treasure map, guiding your eyes on a thrilling journey across the room. They can be as level as a dance floor (floors and ceiling), as tall as superheroes (walls, doors & windows), or as lively as a comedy show (furniture & lighting).
Image via Interiors Magazine
Horizontal lines create a chill and stable vibe, while vertical lines spark a sense of freedom and openness, and lively lines bring some pep and motion. Get wild and mix it up to design a space that spills your story!
Form- Tri-Dimensional Elements
A room that's got the right vibes should find a sweet spot between geometric and organic shapes.
Image via Arch Daily
Keep it unique in interior design with two types of forms: organic forms like curved sofas and light fixtures, and geometric forms like tables and chairs. The shape of the room and the objects inside it determine the form.
Light- Sunny or Shady
Mellow, snuggly lighting can conjure up an intimate mood, while zesty, A-grade lighting can bring a space to life and get things done.
Image via Lightform
Light makes spaces pop. It can be natural or man-made. It doesn't just reveal a space's beauty but also affects our mood.
Color- Sparks Feelings
Color has a major impact on a room's vibe, size, and style! Each color has its own unique personality and effect. Blues give off a cool vibe, reds ignite passion, and greens bring freshness.
Related Blog: 2024 Color of the Year: A Vibrant Palette from the Biggest Paint Brands
Image via Design Milk
Texture- Tickles the Soul
Image via Tile Bar
Texture adds depth and dimension to any space. It's all about the sensory experience - a plush cushion, a shiny tabletop, a rugged brick wall. Experimenting with textures can turn a room into an enchanting oasis!
Pattern- The Fun Twist
Patterns, just like color, add flavor to a space. They're everywhere: in fabrics, furnishings, and even architectural elements. Patterns can be vibrant and eye-catching or subtle and unobtrusive.
Peel & Stick Floral Wallpaper (BUY ON AMAZON)
They bring life to a space and bring everything together. But don't go over the top - going too pattern bananas can turn a room into a complete frenzy.
Related Blog: Top 10 Interior Design Trends for 2024
Image via Design Milk
Don't forget, interior design isn't just about making a space look good; it's about crafting a space that feels good. It's all about balance, harmony, and storytelling. So go ahead, have some fun with these elements, and create a space that's completely you!
Why is a well-designed space important?
You may be like, 'Wow, that sounds awesome, but why does it matter?' Alright, let's dissect it.
Elevates Functionality
Image via Real Living
A good space isn't just nice; it's useful. Interior design helps to make the most of space, improve flow, and enhance usability. Ever been in a room where everything just clicks? That's good interior design.
Increases Property Value
Image via Catherine Wilman
If you're in the business of selling or renting out your property, listen up! Good interior design can work wonders when it comes to boosting its value. A thoughtfully designed space is like catnip for potential buyers or tenants, giving you the upper hand in negotiations.
Enhances Aesthetics
Image via Black & Milk
Good interior design is like a visual symphony, where every piece of furniture, every color, and every light fixture plays a part in creating a fantastic and cohesive look for your home.
Reflects Personality
Image via Betty Wasserman Art & Interiors
Turn your home into an extension of you. Express your personality and interests through interior design. Crave a striking green wall? Rock it in the entranceway or even on the ceiling. Love minimalism? Keep it neat, organized, and clutter-free.
Improves Mood
Image via Right Meets Left Interior Design
You won't believe it, but how you design your space can totally affect how you feel. A messy, dimly lit room can stress you out, while a well-planned, vibrant, and open space can totally boost your mood!
Are you up for a dose of interior design tips?
Want to unlock the magic of interior design in your home? Look no further! Here are some major guidelines you can try!
Planning Before Anything Else
Before purchasing furniture or adding a fresh coat of paint, make sure you know exactly what you're looking for. Take into account the purpose of the room, your budget, and your personal style.
Image via Jeffery Ho on Unsplash
Measure every inch of the room, from wall to wall, top to bottom. Don't forget to note the positions of doors and windows. And hey, keep an eye out for electrical outlets too! They'll come in handy when you're figuring out where to put your furniture and appliances!
Sample floor plan sketch from my Blog: How to Make a Rental Living Room Feel Like your Own?
Drawing a floor plan by hand is totally up to you; snapping pictures, printing them out, and adding measurements and notes is just as good.
Functions First Before Beauty
Be trendy and practical with multi-functional spaces! Think about all the cool things you can do in your space. Picture yourself and your family in the newly renovated area. What fun activities will you do? And how will the furniture and fixed elements play a part?
Image via Arch20
While your space must be fabulously stylish, it's equally crucial for it to be practical. Ensure there's ample storage, seating, and lighting.
Creating a Never-Ending Experiment with Space
Snag some swatches and try out different finishes in your space! Manufacturers often offer free samples of tiles, flooring, fabric, and wallcovering.
Get your hands on the real deal (even swatches) to see what these finishes really look and feel like!
Interior design is like a wild adventure, a creative process that will make you go 'wow'! Let loose and play with colors, patterns, and styles. Get ready to be pleasantly surprised!
Design Help is Just a Click Away
Time is precious and renovation can be a headache (especially when you're short on time). If that's the case, why not bring in an interior designer to transform your space into your wildest dreams?
Image via John Schnobrich on Unsplash
All Interior Designers have an extensive arsenal of knowledge, experience, and resources to guarantee the creation of your dream space. It may require some extra cash, but it's worth it to save you time and stress if you're not into DIY design.
Conclusion
Interior design isn't just about making spaces look pretty. It's about creating environments that amp up our lives, mirror our personalities, and bring us joy and coziness.
Whether you're building a new home or revamping your bedroom, don't forget the significance of great interior design. Have a blast designing!
Looking for some extra design inspiration? Take a deep dive into our top-notch home design blogs loaded with tips and tricks!
8 Ways to Achieve the Perfect Japandi Style in your Home
5 Types of Outdoor Lights to Elevate your Home's Exterior Style
Top 8 Design Tips for Creating the Perfect Baby Girl's Nursery Room
Thanks for checking out my blog. I'm here to share over fifteen years of design expertise (mainly interior design) through reviews, tips, inspiration, and DIY projects.
I hope you love it here as much as I love writing my blogs; feel free to drop a comment, email me at info@rocabudesigns.com, or join our newsletter for fresh blog updates.
Together, let's create meaningful and beautiful spaces.
Ron
