One day I started thinking about what the principles or simple tricks are that interior designers use in every project without thinking about them. I realized that there are quite a lot of things that have become so natural to us that we no longer consciously notice them.
You probably already know a big part of these ideas. You probably already know a big part of these ideas, but I hope you will also find something new, or at least notice these principles more consciously and apply them intentionally in your next project.
1. They move furniture away from the walls.
Move your furniture away from the walls. The larger the room, the more it needs to be visually divided into zones.
This can be done by placing the sofa, or one of the sofas, in the middle of the room. In an open living room and kitchen, this is a very good way to turn the living room into a clearly defined zone. Do not be afraid to place side tables, floor lamps and other pieces next to the sofa. Even sofas that are not in the middle benefit from being a few inches away from the wall. This creates more visual air. It also avoids the stiff showroom shelf effect.
In bedrooms, if space allows, place the bed in the middle of the room. This allows access from both sides, even with a single bed. At the foot of a larger bed you can place a bench or armchairs.
In all rooms it is best to avoid the dance floor effect. This is when furniture is placed tightly against the walls and the middle becomes one large empty area. The only exception can be a playroom or a very small children’s room. Even in those cases it helps to create zones with furniture when possible.
2. They choose the right size rug.
Choose the right size rug. The right size means not too large and not too small for the specific room or area. More often the problem is choosing a rug that is too small.
A rug is the right size when all the legs of the furniture are on the rug. In smaller rooms it can also be acceptable when at least the front legs are on the rug. This means that all main furniture (sofa, armchairs, coffee table, side tables and more) have their legs on the rug to create one solid area.
I often see rugs that float alone in the middle of the living room like small islands. This gives the impression of a separate object. It does not fulfill the function of a rug. A rug should create a base for a specific area and feel warm and soft underfoot.
A correctly sized rug can make a room feel larger, reduce echo, and connect different elements into one cohesive area. If you want to read more about choosing a rug, you can find that post here.
3. They use ceiling lights strategically.
Hanging lights and chandeliers can work for you or against you. Interior designers use these fixtures at the right height to shape the space. This is especially important in the living room, dining room and above the kitchen island. Lighting helps bring the space together. It also visually lowers the ceiling.
In open plan spaces it can be difficult to distinguish different areas. A pendant light is a very effective way to create a focal point, especially in the living room. Together with a correctly sized rug and furniture placed away from the walls, this creates a defined and cozy area.
At the same time, a chandelier above the dining table creates a more intimate mood. It also visually brings the ceiling lower. If you want to read more about lighting, you can find that post here.
4. They add a lot of texture to every room.
Add different textures to every room, even when the colors and furniture already feel right. Many rooms feel visually flat not because something is wrong, but because all the surfaces are too similar. Everything is either smooth, hard and matte, or shiny and uniform. Interior designers always think about bringing out contrast, even between textures. The easiest way to introduce softness is with textiles such as rugs, curtains, cushions, throws and upholstery. Natural materials like wood, rattan, stone, clay, glass and metal also provide rich texture.
The goal is not to use everything at once. The goal is to create a layered and varied surface world that feels visually interesting and cozy at the same time. If you have hardwood floors, use stone in the kitchen counter. If you have tiles on the bathroom floor, add wood or other softer materials in cabinetry or storage baskets. This helps introduce warmth and interest. If a room feels fine but somehow empty or boring, texture is almost always the first thing to look at.
5. They keep the color scheme unified and intentional.
Keep the colors in the room connected to each other and consistent throughout the home. This does not mean everything should be the same color. It means choosing one or two main colors and using lighter and darker variations to add depth.
For example, if I like dark plum-red, I can use it as my main color. I can then add deep cool brown or burgundy red in cushions. This creates variation while keeping a cohesive effect. If this still feels too plain, add one more complementary color, like blue or green.
Add neutral tones that support the main colors. Keep undertones in the same family. You can read more about undertones in my post “Why your room feels off and how to fix it.”
Have fun with color or keep the palette minimal if you prefer. Just do not use only one exact tone everywhere. The room will then lack depth and feel flat.
6. They use curtains as a tool to shape the space.
Use curtains not only for privacy and light control, but also to shape the proportions and mood of the room. Curtains add softness and warmth. Curtains also add visual weight. These layers help a room feel finished.
Interior designers hang curtains close to the ceiling and wider than the window. This makes the window feel larger and the room feel taller. Curtains also help with acoustics and reduce echo.
Very often fabric panels are the final layer that completes a room. Choose materials that support the effect you want. Light and slightly see-through curtains feel breezy and relaxed. These work well in natural or coastal interiors. Heavier fabrics and darker colors feel more substantial. These work well in luxury interiors and bedrooms. They also work well when you want height or windows to stand out. Read more about curtains here.
7. They create balance and symmetry.
When in doubt, use symmetry. It is the easiest way to create a calm room. Ancient architecture used this principle everywhere.
Use symmetry when you want a stable and restful result. Place a nightstand and a lamp on both sides of the bed. Place two armchairs opposite the sofa. Use two wall lamps on each side of a mirror.
Symmetry helps the eye rest and creates order. This does not mean everything must be mirrored. It means the room should feel balanced. If something heavy is on one side, something else should answer it on the other side.
If your home lacks symmetry in its architecture, you can fake it. Strategically placed curtains can make two different windows look the same size or look centered in the wall. Large artwork can balance the opening on the other side of the room and so on. Once you learn to create symmetry, it is a game changer.
8. They use wall space actively.
When I moved into my house with freshly painted walls, I did not want to make any holes or hang anything. I was afraid to ruin the finish and afraid I might change my mind later.
I have learned that wall space is very valuable in interior design. It is a large surface, and when it is left empty a room often feels unfinished or temporary.
Use walls as part of the design, not only as a background. Walls are perfect for adding character, scale and texture. Art, shelves and mirrors all help. Wallpaper, wall panels and moldings can also add interest. You can fill big empty wall space by putting a large plant in front of it. Darker walls are especially good as a backdrop for plants.
In small rooms, wall space is even more valuable. It allows you to add interest without taking floor space. Interior designers always consider walls as an integral part of the design.
9. Go big or go home!
This is one of the most effective tricks in interior design. Unexpected scale creates an instant designer look. This does not mean everything needs to be oversized. Scale still matters. This approach works best in decorative elements.
Choose art, light fixtures and decor in a slightly larger scale when you are unsure. Very small objects visually fragment a room and make the space feel busy but unfocused. One larger artwork, one larger vase or one larger chandelier often feels calmer and more intentional.
Interior designers are not afraid of scale because it gives a room presence. One oversized vase on a round table feels much more high-end than several small objects. Be bold. When in doubt, go bigger!
10. They choose the “star” for each room.
Each room should have one clear focal point. This can be a sofa, a rug, a fireplace, a piece of art, a view or a light fixture. The rest of the room is built around this main element. When everything tries to be important, the room becomes visually tiring. When one element leads and the others support it, the space feels calm and clear. Choose one key piece and let the other elements support it through color, shape or restraint. This allows the star to truly shine.
Finally
You do not need to apply all of these ideas at once. One small change can already shift how a room feels. Move one piece of furniture. Change one light. Add one layer of texture. Replace three small objects with one larger one. Let one element lead and allow the others to support it.
Interior designers do not think about all of this consciously every time. These patterns are simply ingrained through experience. But once you start seeing them, you can use them too. In your next project, apply these principles and see how your space can transform from basic to designer-level.
