5 Essential Ingredients in Interior Design

1. Colour

Probably the most useful tool at the interior designer's disposal. Handled properly, colour can make a small room appear larger, make a dark room appear lighter, or bring about a complete change of atmosphere. It is important to plan your colour scheme carefully and to let your rooms lead visually into each other, in order to create a feeling of continuity throughout the house.

2. Texture

Pattern and texture play a part in creating the style and enhancing the colour scheme. There is an enormous variety of patterns available in wallpapers, fabrics and floor coverings. Your choice of pattern is just as important as colour, to achieve successful results.

3. Style

Style is often determined by the type of property you live in and the function you want each room to play. For example, a Victorian house may suit ornate furnishings in distinctive colours and patterns, while a contemporary apartment would be better with simple uncluttered lines, neutral tones and a stronger accent colour. However, there are no set rules and mixing traditional with contemporary can be perfectly acceptable, provided you find balance and harmony between old and new.

4. Lighting

The impact of your design can be totally changed by the way you light it. Unfortunately, lighting is often considered only at the end of a project, or even neglected totally. In my opinion, lighting should be the first consideration of any design scheme, especially with the recent advances in home technology and the wide range of lighting now available.

5. Accessories

Accessories add the finishing touch to every room, as they are the detail that sets your home apart from all others. Your personality can be reflected in artwork, artefacts or memorabilia to give your room culture and interest. A strategically placed mirror can reflect light and enhance space dramatically, while a simple vase of fresh flowers can add colour, scent, life and energy to a room. Again, balance is the key to achieving a successful outcome.