Whether you’re saving money by skipping a professional designer or just love the idea of a DIY project, starting from scratch with room design can feel overwhelming. Remember, interior design is more art than science, with no strict rules. If you need a guide, this step-by-step approach will help you plan and design your space like a pro.
Set the Mood
Instead of focusing on how you want your space to look, think about how you want it to feel. This will help you choose colors, textures, furniture, and décor. For a light and airy zen oasis, go for minimal furniture and natural materials. For a lively, casual family space, incorporate bold colors and patterns. Prioritizing mood over specific styles or trends will help you create a unique, personalized space.
Get Inspired
Look for inspiration on social media, in interior design magazines, books, and websites. Reflect on the places you love and why they appeal to you. Create a mood board if that helps you visualize your ideas. If you live alone, use this as a chance to discover your personal tastes. If you share your space, collaborate to ensure everyone feels represented.
Be Realistic
Design your space to suit your current lifestyle, not an idealized version of it. If you have active kids or pets, choose durable fabrics and surfaces. If you live alone and rarely have guests, skip the large dining table. If you work from home, make sure your home office is functional and comfortable. Set a realistic budget before you start shopping to prioritize your spending.
Declutter
If you’re redecorating, start by getting rid of anything you don’t use, need, or love. If you’re designing an empty room, be mindful of what you bring in. Personal items are important, but successful interior design begins with the essentials and builds from there.
Map it Out
Use free online tools or home design software to create a floorplan, or simply sketch your ideas on paper. You can also use painter’s tape to outline furniture placement on the floor. Measure your space carefully—twice—before buying any furniture to ensure everything fits well and suits your layout. This way, you’ll avoid the hassle of dealing with furniture that’s the wrong size.
Decide on a Color Palette
Whether you prefer a neutral scheme or a bold, eye-catching palette, deciding on colors early will help create a cohesive look. Neutral rooms can be easily refreshed with interchangeable accessories. If you’re set on a specific color like green, pink, or blue, choose three complementary shades to keep it interesting. For an all-white room, varying shades of white can mix and match different furniture styles effortlessly.
Start with the Finishes
For a makeover, rather than a remodel, enhance the room by building on existing flooring, wall color, and fixtures. If starting with an empty room, focus on refinishing floors, painting walls, adding tile, wallpaper, or wall panels, and installing cabinetry before bringing in furniture and accessories.
Choose Anchor Pieces
In a living room, prioritize your anchor piece, usually the sofa, before selecting smaller items. Making your biggest purchases first ensures you don’t compromise on quality for high-use items, helps you manage your budget, and allows you to visualize the remaining space for additional furniture.
Select Secondary Furniture
After choosing your sofa, start looking at coffee tables to find the right size and style, or consider if an oversized pouf fits better. If you’ve chosen a rustic wooden table for the dining room, balance it with contemporary metal chairs. Pair a modern upholstered headboard with vintage lighting or bedside tables for contrast.
Choose Rugs, Curtains, and Textiles
With a sense of the room’s flow, select rugs, curtains, and textiles like bedding, throws, and decorative pillows that complement your anchor pieces and add color, pattern, texture, and interest.
Light it Up
Lighting is key to successful room design. Maximize natural light during the day and incorporate layered lighting options for the evening, including task lighting, ambient table lamps or sconces, and decorative pendant lights. Light all four corners of the room to avoid shadows and create a cozy atmosphere after dark.
Accessorize
With the essentials in place, step back and see what’s missing. Hang art, photographs, or decorative mirrors. Add extra pillows and throws, and style shelves and tables with design books, candles, decorative objects, plants, or cherished souvenirs. These personal touches will add texture and bring the room to life, making it truly feel like home.
