How to Design a Room in 10 Easy Steps

Whether you don’t have the budget to hire a pro, or simply enjoy the idea of doing it yourself, designing a room can be intimidating, confusing and overwhelming (to say the least!). The good news is interior design is more of an ‘art’ than a science, so there are no hard and fast rules about how to decorate a room. That being said, if you’re needing some guidance, these start-to-finish steps will help you visualize everything that is required to design your space.

1. Establish the Mood

This is the fun part. Allow your mind to wander, consider all the possibilities without limitation. If you’re up for it, why not make a pinterest board by grouping some imagery to capture the “vibe” you’re wanting for the space. Note: if you live alone, take this time to get to know yourself better and refine your likes/dislikes, if you share the space, collaborate with your friends or family and come together on some common ground then build from there.

Consider all five senses, and how these might inform your decision making from touch, taste, sight, smell and sound. By focusing on setting the mood rather than a particular style you can create a dreamy space that works for you.

2. Let’s be pragmatic here… 

Rather than striving for some aspirational vision of how you think your life should look, design your space for the way that you live now. If you have kids or pets, choose items that can take a beating and still look great. If you live alone and rarely entertain, there is no need to for a huge dining table, and above all else- before you buy anything, come up with a solid vision, and a realistic budget that will help you prioritize on where to spend or where to save along the way.

3. Declutter, Declutter, Declutter!

Create a keep, donate and sell pile for every single room. Use a garbage bag if you have to. Take 5 minutes a day to get a little done, but by bit if you are time poor and suddenly you’ll see progress. By decluttering, you will not only feel calmer and less stressed but you’ll have more time and energy to enjoy your space and far less things to clean! Start with the essential items and build slowly from there.

4. Make a Plan. Literally.

Whether its an old fashioned paper and pen approach, or digital designing there are so many ways to capture your ideas and map a space out to ensure it works spatially (even just a rough test fit!)

There are plenty of free online room design tools if you want to create a floorplan to scale of the space, some even create 3D views to give you a better feel for the space without being overly technical. As the saying does, ‘measure twice, cut once’.

5. Decide on a Color Palette

Whether you want to keep it neutral or have a bright pop of colour, deciding on a colour palette early can help keep the space cohesive by creating a parameter which any pieces you acquire must fit within. This means you’re almost guarenteed to be on track for creating a cohesive space, which flows with ease rather than an electic mix of things that don’t match or make sense.

6. Start With the Finishes

If you are aiming for a makeover rather than a reno, think about how you can build on the room's existing assets whether its some amazing flooring, or perhaps a feature wall colour. If you’re starting with an empty room, you’ve got a blank canvas! consider floor finish, wall paint, tiling, wallpapering, wall panelling, or even installing joinery before bringing in loose items and decor.

7. Choose Your Pieces

Now it’s time to decipher the big ticket items (anchoring pieces) from the little fries (secondary decor) so you can plan how to stage the space. For example, a dining table is the key piece and the decor on time is secondary. Focussing on the big items first will allow you to functionally set out the space, before going back and layering in the decor so suit. Slowing down at this step will also ensure you don’t create visual and physical clutter.

8. Choose Rugs, Curtains, and Textiles

Now that you have a sense of how the room flows, you can choose peripheral items like rugs, curtains (i love sheers to layer over privacy or sun blocking blinds), bedding, throws and more to complement your colour scheme.

9. Light It Up

Lighting is one of my favourite ways to transform a space. From a sunny abode, to a cozy reading nook, or even shadowplay. Using a blend of natural light from the sun, and artifical lighting can make or break the mood of a space. Too bright? uncomfortable, too dim? sleep-inducing. So, how do we strike a healthy balance? Try to maximise natural daylight throughout sun up hours, then add in layers of options for the evening, be it roof lights, a feature pendant, wall scones, floor lamps, task lighting or dimmer switches. Good lighting will enhance your overall sense of wellbeing.

10. Accessorize

You made it! this is the fun final step. Now that all the key items are in place, take a step back and pretend you are visiting your home for the first time. Does it need something extra, or something taken away? Perhaps add some art, mirrors, loose decor, coffee table books, candles… you get the idea. These personalised finishing touches will breathe life into any room and make it feel like home.

Check out my Youtube Channel for more design tips!