Navigate Basic Interior Design in CA with This Guide

Whether you want to redesign a space or start a career in interior design, here are some tips and design basics to help you get started. 

Interior design is a profession that focuses on planning and designing cohesive and aesthetically pleasing home interiors and businesses. Professional interior designers usually have formal training and schooling. 

When getting into your designs, there are a few things to keep in mind: 

  • Style: In the beginning, selecting an interior design style will help keep your space cohesive and focused. There are many decorating styles to choose from—like shabby chic, Tuscan, mid-century modern, industrial, Scandinavian, or farmhouse—and each one comes with its unique design elements, color schemes, color palettes, window treatments, floor plans, and styles of wall art. 
    Get familiar with different interior design styles, including what design trends are up right now, to get a taste of what styles and decorating ideas you like. 

  • Focal Point: Each room should have one focal point: an exciting or beautiful piece—such as a piece of art, a fireplace, or a lovely couch—that draws viewers’ attention. Don't have too many focal points in a living space, or it will become and feel overpowering. 

  • Balance: To achieve this in every room, evenly distribute your furniture's visual weight and accents. Think about factors like scale (large and small items), texture (hard and soft items), and position (high, eye-level, low placement, left, suitable furnishing locations). 
    Paying attention to subtle contrasts in a single space results in rooms that feel complete and balanced.

Basic Interior Design Tips

Are you feeling prepared to take on the task of designing a living room? If so, here is a helpful guide that will get you started:

  • Be mindful of your spending from the very beginning. It's best to take things slow and choose which pieces of furniture will be your statement pieces. A good rule of thumb is the best items to splurge on our couches and beds since they are the room's focal point. Once you have those, you can fill in the gaps with accent items and DIY home decor. 

  • Lighting is critical in design. A well-designed room can be easily ruined by improper lighting, so factor it into your budget. Ways to brighten a space include using natural light from windows, floor lamps, overhead lights, and accent lighting. White- or light-colored walls and furniture also help to make a room feel more open. 

  • Make use of accent pieces. Some interior designers forget the small details, but accent pieces are a great way to make a room feel more personal and visually attractive. You can spruce up shelves and coffee tables with bowls, books, and other decorations.

  • Don't move furniture up against a wall. It may be your first instinct when you get a new piece of furniture, but it will make your room feel stiff and flat. Instead, keep your furniture at least a few inches away from the walls to give your room an airier feeling. This configuration is easier to clean, too!

Work with the Best Interior Designers from Orange County

Learn more about interior design in CA from Orange Coast Interior Design! We create beautiful spaces that reflect your needs and personalities. Get to know us and our services more through our website!