Basic interior design rules that everyone should know – 7 insider tips from the world’s best designers
If you love the stylish interiors and renovations you see in Homes & Gardens but aren’t sure how to transform your own rooms, we’re here to help
These basic interior design rules cover the layer of decoration on the interior of a space within a building, be it residential or commercial, so while most designers and architects will say there are 'no rules to design', there are still some fundamental design decisions we should consider before beginning to decorate and plan our dream home.
While there's certainly no one size fits all formula, there are still a few basic principles we should master if we want to curate a beautiful home that is fit for family life. After all, the whole purpose of interior design is to create a room or rooms which answer the needs of the individuals living in them, whilst also reflecting their personalities with good design, space, and functionality.
A well-planned and well-designed interior design scheme not only looks beautiful but should also improve your quality of life. Even if you’re not currently renovating or redecorating, these interior design tips could help inform your existing space – from choosing furniture and color palettes to the ergonomics and light levels to consider, and everything else in between.
Get ahead with home decor ideas and advice from the world's best interior designers, and discover how to bring the latest interior design trends to every room, with our back-to-basics design rules that will truly elevate your home in 2023.
Basic Interior Design Rules To Follow
'Interior design is an intricate and extremely personal process, however, there are a few key things you can do to get started,' explains interior designer Emma Sims Hilditch, founder of Sims Hilditch(opens in new tab).
Any project can be clearly defined by having solid rules in place. These design standards exist to help you accomplish harmonious interiors that convey character. So, to help you comprehend the basic principles of interior design, we delve into each of them in detail below.
1. Know Your Space
(Image credit: Rikki Snyder)
Interior design is a broad church that covers everything from the intricacies of the color wheel to more practical tips around furnishing your home for functionality. Therefore, we always advise that you know your space well before you make any changes.
‘We always encourage our clients to live in a space first before they make any expensive or architectural changes,’ says interior designer Samantha Todhunter(opens in new tab). 'It is important to not only understand the circulation and flow, but also to define what it is you need from your space, and how you would like it to perform.'
Emma Deterding, founder and creative director, of Kelling Designs(opens in new tab) agrees: 'The goal of space planning is to create efficiency. For us, this means eschewing current trends and dictums, including unnecessary or impractical home additions. 'We’re finding that most of our clients come to us thinking that want to replicate the latest interior trend,' she says. 'We often try to guide them toward longer-term, liveable solutions.'
2. Put Comfort At The Forefront Of Your Design Philosophy
(Image credit: Project by Sean Anderson / photograph by Haris Kenjar)
This may seem obvious, but it is easy to forgo comfort in the name of fashion. We've all been there, so instead think about making your home as liveable and luxurious as possible. Pay no mind to outdated decorating rules, and remember that comfort is key.
Fashions and fads fade, so don't get drawn into trying to make your space look 'cool' or, so ultra-modern that it no longer resembles a home. 'It is vital to add practicality and livability to a home renovation project. A home must respond to the needs of its occupants, therefore always design with purpose. Read More…

