Now imagine, you've just stepped into a brightly-lit foyer. You look around and gander at the hexagon glass doors into a room of beautifully curated decors - where am I?.. You ask to yourself.

Instantly your attention is taken away by the sleek white shelving and concrete fireplace. You notice the neutral tones of the open space helps illuminate the bold furniture within. Strolling around seems like the only way to discover this peak of curiosity.

The very thing that moves people around any space, whether it be residential, institutional, or commercial - is essentially the basis of interior design. A properly planned interior design strategy is a sure way to create a space that will meet both functionality and artistic charm.

Of course, these 7 essential interior design tips is not laid out in some rigid structure that you must follow, no. In fact, we advocate that you take this into consideration when showing your clients, friends, and loved ones. That you experiment, play, and be daring with your choice of interior designs.

1. Rhythm,

In design, the regular creation of patterns, repetition, and lines with the overall objective to make visual interest to the viewer is called rhythm. This is particularly useful when you want the eyes drawn around the space, letting all sections of the area be naturally seen. Using a specific colour-scheme in the kitchen wear and living room artwork is a prime example of this. 

This not only means you can showcase some of your favourite cups, but also naturally creates excitement through continuity and organized repetition. When well-executed in the space, the element of rhythm is a vastly important design principle that ties all other elements in this list together.

2. Proportion + Scale,

The proportion is the ratio between objects in relation to the space it is in, like a cobalt-blue sofa with a cascade of artworks hanging behind them. Scale on the other hand is how the size of one object relates to another or to the space in which it is placed, like the enormous statue in Brazil - Christ the Redeemer, overseeing the city of Rio de Janeiro, or a beautiful SUMO sized publication perfectly placed as the star of the show on a small table. Ideally, scale + proportion revolves around how items fit together in a particular space.

As the Golden Ratio Rule saying goes "the ratio of the smaller section to the larger section should be the same as that of the larger section to the whole.."

In english, it means the space between both the small section and the large section should NOT be uneven. This is ever so present in nature such as flowering plants, which probably explains why they're so naturally beautiful to look at.

3. Harmony,

The type of harmony we're talking about isn't the one vocalists come together to create a soothing tone (although similar), but when various shapes, colours, and materials such as in your candles and vase work harmoniously together within the same space. This could mean you can decorate your office with the same mood or aesthetic, or even a themed interior.

Say for example, a space using a consistent tone throughout the space with decor & textures such as a beige, whites, speckled, and velvets can not only look beautiful in its own, but also promotes restfulness. This can be especially appropriate for the bedroom.

Another great instance would be to utilize harmony for your bathroom - turning it into a dream-like spa with an elegant marble mirror can make you feel like you've gone to a place of paradise right in your own home.

4. Contrast,

Contrast is when two or more elements with opposite characteristics are placed together in a space. Using this method may sound counter-intuitive, but is actually an essential to interior design. This can be achieved by using the various aspects of design such as colour, texture, shape, material, and style.

When done properly, this creates a dynamic and striking visual in the space that you can show for your family, friends, and clients. Try using this teapot as a good start.

      
Double-Sided Cushion

5. Balance,

When considering using balance throughout the home, always remember that your main objective is to create a feeling of equilibrium - equalizing or approximating the visual weight of objects through colour, pattern, or texture. This can be easy to achieve, however boring if used repeatedly throughout the space. Luckily, there are three options to choose from when trying to obtain balance:

Symmetrical or Formal.

Pretty straightforward. This is done through evenly splitting the space in a mirroring design using objects, tones, and textures. A classic example of this is an analogous room design. Creating a sense of balance in a symmetrical or formal way is a great essential method as you begin to further develop on your projects.

Asymmetric or Informal.

This is rather complex, however interesting to say the least. Asymmetric or informal is balance without the exact duplication of either sides. An excellent example of this is a reading chair with an end-table on the left - possibly for tea & coffee, while the right displays your favourite book. This is also an excellent way to test your display skills as the options to experiment is endless.

& lastly..

Radial Balance.

A central focus point such as your dining table with other elements radiating from it. An example of this would be a gold centrepiece placed on a dark oakwood/marble dining table with dinnerware and chairs.

6. Emphasis,

This is the big shabang. This is how you set the impression when showing your clients or friends to the space. Emphasis refers to a point of interest you want people to notice first - a window with a beautiful ocean view, a luxurious fireplace, or a tall concrete lamp. You can further emphasize your choice of focal point by adding appropriate decorations around it.

When properly utilizing this design essential, it can also be used to draw attention away from certain areas, undesirable areas such as a section still in development or stains, scratches, marks that need repair. I personally utilize this method when you want an important or special piece to stand out, such as the CN Tower, in Toronto, Canada.

7. Be Unique,

Although not traditionally taught through essentials of interior design, being unique and innovative when developing any space is definitely worth mentioning on our list. Take the rules and make them your own. Want to split your living room into two sections? Use contrast by colouring the walls in different tones, while using harmony in the decor to tie them back together.

New avenues of design & concept continue to arise around the world. The award-winning hospital building designed to harvest rainwater was named world's best building is an amazing example of how ingenuity can move our society forward.

It goes without saying that the field of architecture and interior design encompasses a plethora of essential methods that have been in practice for many years, from residential, to commercial, and institutional. With the ever changing landscape of our world today, we must look ahead to ensure the structures we set forth will not only encourage innovation and sustainability, but to promote a healthier lifestyle for all.