Whether you’re starting from scratch or sprucing up your home, these interior design rules will help you create a space that feels right.
Creating a well-designed interior isn’t about splashing out on pricey furniture or matching every piece to perfection. It’s about balance, function, and flow – making sure the space doesn’t just look amazing but also works for the way you live.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or sprucing up your home, these six rules will help you create a space that feels just right. And if you’re not sure where to begin, a tradie from ServiceSeeking.com.au can help you bring your vision to life.
1. Proportion and Scale: Keep It in Check
Have you ever walked into a room and thought, Something feels off? That’s probably a proportion problem. Proportion is all about how the sizes of furniture and décor relate to each other and the room. A giant sofa in a tiny living room will overwhelm the space, while dainty chairs in a sprawling open-plan area can feel out of place.
A good rule of thumb? Stick to pieces that fit the scale of your room. For example, if you’ve got high ceilings, go for taller bookcases or artwork to balance things out. Tradies, like carpenters or furniture makers, can customise pieces to fit your space perfectly. That oversized dining table you’ve always wanted but can’t find? A local pro could make it happen.
2. Walkways and Spacing: Keep It Comfortable
A well-designed space isn’t just about how it looks; it’s about how it feels to move through it. Imagine trying to shimmy past a coffee table that’s too close to the sofa or squeezing between chairs in a dining room – frustrating, right?
As a rule, keep walkways at least 90 centimetres wide in living areas and slightly wider in high-traffic zones. Around furniture, aim for at least 45 to 60 centimetres of space. It keeps the layout open and inviting while ensuring you don’t bump your shins every time you grab a cuppa. Need help rearranging or installing built-ins to free up space? You can find an experienced handyman on ServiceSeeking.com.au to sort it out.
3. Eye Level: Art and Décor Placement Matters
Hanging art too high or low can throw off the entire vibe of a room. The golden rule is to position art so its centre is at eye level – roughly 145 to 155 centimetres from the floor. Of course, this depends on your ceiling height and furniture placement.
For gallery walls, consider the entire arrangement’s centre point, not just individual pieces. If you’re not confident about measurements or mounting your precious artwork securely, hiring a tradie to help with precision hanging is a smart move.
4. Varied Lighting: Layer It Up
Lighting can make or break a room, so don’t just rely on a single overhead fixture. The secret is layering – combining ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a dynamic and functional space.
Start with overhead lighting for general illumination, then add task lighting, like floor lamps or under-cabinet lights, for activities such as reading or cooking. Finally, sprinkle in accent lighting – think wall sconces, LED strips, or candles – to highlight features and set the mood.
Installing lighting might sound like a weekend DIY project, but the reality often involves rewiring, mounting, and plenty of frustration. Save yourself the hassle and call in an electrician from ServiceSeeking.com.au – they’ll light up your space without a hitch.
5. Contrast: Mix It Up
Balance in interior design doesn’t mean everything needs to match. In fact, contrast is key to creating a visually interesting space. Play with opposites – light and dark, smooth and rough, shiny and matte – to give your room depth and dimension.
For instance, if you’ve got neutral walls and floors, add a bold, dark rug or bright cushions to make the space pop. If your furniture leans towards modern, mix in a rustic timber coffee table for contrast. Not sure how to blend styles or textures? A professional interior designer or decorator – easily found on ServiceSeeking.com.au – can guide you.
6. Repetition: Tie It All Together
While contrast adds excitement, repetition brings cohesion. By repeating patterns, colours, or textures, you can unify the elements in a room and make it feel more intentional.
For example, echo a colour from your curtains in your cushions or carry a wood tone from your flooring through to your shelving. Be subtle – it’s about creating a rhythm, not going overboard. A skilled carpenter or cabinetmaker can help you achieve this with custom finishes and details that tie your space together beautifully.
Need a Hand? Hire a Tradie!
Designing a balanced, functional space might seem straightforward, but getting all the elements to work in harmony takes skill. Whether you need custom furniture, professional lighting installation, or a complete room overhaul, ServiceSeeking.com.au connects you with the best tradies in your area.
From carpenters to electricians, decorators to handymen, you’ll find reliable pros who can turn your dream space into a reality – and often at competitive prices. Post a job today and start your home’s transformation.
A well-designed home isn’t just a treat for the eyes – it’s a space you’ll love living in every day. Ready to make yours a haven of balance and function? Get started now!
