Is your home’s interior design feeling a little drab and uninspired? Perhaps you have been feeling unsettled at home and want to create a fresh and inviting space that you can be proud of. Whatever the case, figuring out your own home’s style can be difficult – particularly given how many different styles and décor ideas there are out there. 

In this article, to simplify the process, we’re going to help you find your style and share some of the ‘golden rules’ of interior design at home. Here’s what you need to know…

Home interior design ideas

You don’t have to look very far to find home interior design ideas. Inspiration is everywhere! The question is, how do you find home interior design ideas that resonate with you? First, to get the juices flowing, you need to think carefully about what each room is going to be used for. Is that spare bedroom being converted into an office? Do you plan to do more cooking at home this year? Are you tired of having to shower every evening and want to treat yourself to some relaxing solo bath time? 

Get a notepad, take your time, and start brainstorming the various things that you are missing at home. Aspire and dream big! 

First, however, let’s talk about how you can figure out your own home style…

How do I figure out the style of my home?

So, how do you go about figuring out your own home’s interior design style? When there are so many different themes and décor styles to go for, it can feel overwhelming to settle on something for yourself. The important thing to remember is that you can always make changes in the future, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself to get it perfect on your first try. In any case, here are some tips for finding your own style: 

• Read magazines and brochures 
• Take online quizzes (there are loads of fun quizzes that can help you find your style)
• Brainstorm all of your favourite ideas of other people’s homes (try to think about which features resonated most with you)
• Poke your nose in your wardrobe for inspiration (you may notice a trend in certain colours that you love)
• Explore Pinterest (Pinterest can provide you with a smorgasbord of interior design inspiration)
• Spend some time shopping around and exploring the local flea markets and charity stores in your area 
• Remember that interior design should be influenced by the exterior of your home. What does your garden look like? How can the colour of your house influence the interior? What window coverings do you have? Would some of Perth’s Boutique Plantation Shutters transform your home entirely? 

Be honest with yourself. Your interior design should be a reflection of you and your personality. What kind of vibe do you want to give off when guests arrive? But more importantly, how do you want to feel when you are at home, relaxing with your family? 

What is the golden rule in interior design?

There isn’t one single ‘golden rule’ when it comes to interior design. Everyone has different ideas but there are at least some fundamental points that you should remember when moving forward with a project of your own: 

1. Form AND function

Form and function is a phrase coined by the esteemed Frank Lloyd Wright and it essentially means that everything in your home should both look good and be practical too. Bear this in mind when you are in the early planning stages of a room. 

Think about items of furniture like your sofa. It might look great but is it genuinely comfortable? Will it provide enough seating for you and your loved ones? Think carefully before rushing in and buying any items and then build your décor around the key features. 

The same applies to your flooring as well. Is your old carpet serving you well? Would hardwood flooring be more appropriate? What about laminate vs engineered flooring? 

2. Measure well – and then do it again

When planning the purpose and design of a room you really need to pay attention to your measurements. It’s not just the floor space that matters, but the wall space as well. A great way to think about this rule is the ‘golden ratio’ 2:3. 

In other words, divide a room into two sections with the main area measuring two-thirds of the total space available. Take the bedroom as an example:

• The bed and dressing table should feature in the ‘main area’.
• With a secondary area for wardrobes, storage, and extra seating perhaps. 

3. Colour psychology 

When it comes to interior design, colour plays a critical role. There are a few things that you must consider when you are putting your colour scheme together: 

• Use one shade that you love and build around it.
• Study colour psychology for further inspiration/clarification.
• Understand the impact that warm vs. dark colours can have on a space.
• Use a colour wheel to find various hues that complement your chosen colour scheme.

4. Light the way 

Lighting can make or break the interior design of a room and yet it is largely one of the most commonly underestimated factors. Always remember, what is the worst punishment that prisoners can be subject to? Being isolated in a dark room with no windows. Light is POWERFUL! 

• Form and function applies to lighting in that it should be both pretty and practical.
• What is the purpose of the room? This will impact the type of lighting your need. 
• Kitchens and laundry rooms should always be well-lit, while feature rooms like home offices and theatres can benefit from focused lighting instead. 
• Natural light is in abundance and should be leveraged wherever possible (larger windows that allow a higher quality of light throughout the day). This is also the most energy-efficient option as well. 
• Floor lamps make great use of dark and empty corners. 
• Mood lighting is perfect for lounge areas that promote relaxation. 

5. Freshen up your environment regularly 

You don’t have to gut and overhaul your home every single year in order to keep your home relevant and on-trend. Instead, you can make small and impactful changes that breathe a new lease of life into your environment. 

• Something as simple as changing the fabric on your cushions can make a big difference.
• Never underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint. 
• Rotate your coffee table displays with the seasons. 
• Don’t get too attached to certain items if they are too demanding of your space and décor – you can always rotate heirlooms and antiques into storage. 
• De-clutter your home often and sell/donate old items that no longer bring you joy.

Final thoughts 

Remember, you don’t have to look very far to find your own style; inspiration can be found all around you – and inside that wonderful imagination of yours. 

Don’t forget the five golden rules we shared above: 

• Form AND function
• Measurement
• Colour 
• Light 
• Keeping it fresh

It’s also worth considering hiring a handyman if you are feeling a little out of your depth. It’s all very well having grand ideas but if you lack the skills and experience to actualise those dreams, you may end up making some costly mistakes. Not only that, but an experienced handyman will also be able to assist you with the interior design process should you find yourself struggling to come up with ideas!