Our Goal is to Make Interior Design Accessible to Everyone
Interior design shouldn’t feel like an exclusive luxury. At its heart, it’s about creating spaces that feel personal, functional, and inviting. That’s why our mission is to make interior design accessible to everyone, regardless of budget or experience. We believe that everyone deserves a home that reflects their personality and meets their needs. By breaking down the principles of design into easy, actionable steps, we’re empowering people to create spaces they love. A well-designed space isn’t just beautiful—it improves your mood, supports your lifestyle, and turns a house into a home. That’s the power of accessible design.
The Rules
Plan Before You Begin
Thoughtful preparation is the cornerstone of effective design. \"Planning is key!\" stresses Elizabeth Krueger. Reflect on your lifestyle and personal style before diving into decorating. Ask, \"What do I want my space to reflect about me?\" By establishing clear goals, you can avoid unnecessary purchases and create a design that tells your story.
Careful planning ensures your space feels intentional and functional while making the design process smoother and more rewarding.
Focus on Comfort First
A home should prioritize comfort and practicality above all else. \"Don’t get drawn into trying to make a space look so cool and trendy that it’s not a comfortable place to sit or relax,\" advises Nick Cryer. Miriam Fanning adds, \"A home must respond to the needs of its occupants.\"
Choose furniture and layouts that make everyday life easier. Comfortable seating, functional storage, and practical layouts create a space that’s not only stylish but livable for everyone.
Start with Scale and Proportion
Getting the size of your furniture and decor right is essential for a balanced room. \"When in doubt, go big!\" says Meg Lonergan. Many homeowners mistakenly choose pieces that are too small for their space, leaving the room feeling disconnected.
Ensure rugs fit under furniture, drapes are hung at the right height, and lighting fixtures are appropriately scaled. Larger items often anchor a room better, making it feel cohesive and grounded.
Layer Your Lighting
Lighting is more than just functionality; it sets the mood and adds depth. \"Don’t rely on only one light source as it can make the space feel flat,\" explains Sanjit Bahra. Instead, layer lighting with floor lamps, table lamps, and accent lights to create warmth and flexibility.
Strategically highlight surfaces, like a dining table or artwork, and avoid relying solely on harsh overhead lighting grids. A mix of light sources adds ambiance and dimension.
Understand How Color Works
Choosing the right color palette is about more than just picking favorites\u2014undertones matter. \"Pay attention to undertones when working with any color\u2014and more importantly, neutrals,\" warns Sarah Stacey. For example, grays can lean blue, green, or purple, and knowing how these interact with other colors is key.
Complementary colors from the color wheel create vibrant, harmonious spaces. Testing colors under different lighting conditions helps ensure they’ll look great all day.
Think About Spatial Flow
Good design is practical, ensuring people can easily move through and use a space. \"Think about how you are going to live in the property,\" advises Nicky Mudie. Every area should serve its purpose while being easy to navigate.
Plan layouts that prioritize clear walkways, easy access to key areas, and furniture arrangements that encourage conversation and functionality.
Balance Is Key
Every design element should feel harmonious and intentional. \"Everything in design is about balance,\" explains Joyce Pickens. Repeating tones, textures, or colors helps tie the room together.
For example, if you use a warm-toned wood, echo that color in accents or decor. Repetition creates a sense of unity and makes the space feel cohesive.
Master Volume, Light, and Depth
Three elements create a room’s foundation: volume, light, and depth. \"When designing a new space, I focus on three elements: volume, light, and depth,\" says Amalia Graziani.
Volume can be emphasized by bold furniture or oversized architectural features. Light moves through reflective materials and lighter tones, brightening the space. Depth is created by layering furniture, colors, and textures to draw the eye through the room.
Use Art to Make a Statement
Art can transform a room, adding personality and sophistication. \"Confidence when it comes to selecting art is crucial,\" explains Alexandra Donohoe Church. Choose pieces that resonate with you emotionally and align with your design style.
Sometimes, less is more\u2014one impactful piece can elevate the space and act as a focal point, tying the entire room together beautifully.
Measure Everything
Accurate measurements prevent awkward layouts and ensure furniture fits perfectly. \"A comfortable space is all about scale,\" says Stefani Stein. Misjudging the size of rugs, tables, or couches can leave a space feeling cramped or empty.
Take the time to measure your space and furniture before making any purchases to avoid costly mistakes and achieve a balanced, harmonious look.
