10 Interior Design Tips

Small decisions add up to a room that feels calm, open and considered. Here are ten interior design tips you can put to work in almost any space.

1. Floor-to-Ceiling Curtains

Hang curtains near the ceiling, not just above the windows. Mount them about one to three inches below the ceiling and let them fall all the way to the floor, and your space will feel much larger.

2. Open Space

Remove unnecessary clutter and adopt an open floor plan wherever possible. Space in a room can dramatically change how people feel when they walk in.

3. Point Couches Toward Each Other

Facing couches toward each other instead of toward a television does a wonderful job of encouraging conversation, unless of course you're hosting a movie night or watching the game.

4. Cover the TV When It's Not in Use

Even when it's off, a television tends to draw attention, and its colors rarely complement the rest of the room. Drape a piece of fabric that matches your color scheme over it when you're not watching, and you solve both problems at once.

5. House Plants

Plants are a great way to bring nature into your home. If you want your interior to feel peaceful, a few strategically placed plants can do wonders. Try arranging a couple of large plants next to furniture or in corners.

6. Art

Hanging art doesn't have to be expensive, and it can really make an interior pop. Focus on two things: size and color. Measure your wall and your art so there's enough open space around each piece to let it shine without feeling cluttered, and make sure the colors of the art complement the room.

7. Mirrors

Mirrors make a small space feel larger, and a mirror placed directly across from a window brings in more natural light, which is especially helpful in rooms without many windows. Decorative mirrors can also stand in for art on an empty wall. Large or small, they add light and dimension to your living space.

8. Rugs on Wood Floors

Rugs are a great way to bring life to wood floors, and size matters. A rug should be big enough that every piece of furniture has at least two legs on it. Too small, and the space feels uncomfortable; too large, and it can feel claustrophobic.

9. The Golden Ratio

In mathematics, two quantities are in the golden ratio if their ratio equals the ratio of their sum to the larger quantity. Interior designers use it to keep the placement of objects in a room balanced. One simple way to apply it is to divide a space into roughly two-thirds and one-third. For instance, if two-thirds of the floor is occupied, fill about one-third of the wall.

10. Use Color Thoughtfully

The color wheel is an interior design essential. It can help you plan color pairings or pull you out of a design rut when you're short on inspiration. Use it to build complementary schemes, which pair colors from opposite sides of the wheel.

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