It can be very overwhelming when you begin to think about creating gorgeous spaces in your home – Where do you start? What do you need to know? Believe it or not, there are a few key concepts you can use to apply to your own home with amazing results. Today I’m sharing four concept standards of design that will help you build a beautiful new space.

Balance

Done right, a balanced room creates a sense of calmness and stability. It means you’ve managed the visual weight of all the pieces in the space. That can include the furniture, design elements, colors, textures and patterns. From a symmetrical standpoint, think of all the décor that is often paired…lamps, chairs, pillows. You can also include an asymmetrical look – the visual weight can on each side of the room can be close to the same even if the individual objects are not. Sometimes, an asymmetrical look can be more pleasing to the eye than mirror image symmetry.

Scale and Proportion

Most of us probably think that scale and proportion are the same. While they are related, they are definitely different. Scale is all about choosing furnishings and accents to fit the actual space of the room. Think about putting a large oversized sofa in a small living space, it wouldn’t work. Make sure you’re taking measurements of your space before shopping and  plan around the function of the room so your selections fit correctly.

When we think about proportion, we need to think about how the pieces in the room relate to one another. They can have different shapes, sizes and scale (to some degree) but should all make sense in relation to one another.

Focal Point

Every room should have one main focal point or emphasis that makes the room visually appealing. It could be an architectural feature, a piece of furniture, a large window or a fireplace. All the other elements in the room should support and enhance this emphasis.

Rhythm

Another standard design concept is the the repetition and contrast of visual elements and patterns used in the space. As a design concept, it creates cohesiveness and draws the design together for a better overall result. One of the most common repeating patterns is the use of color. You can use shades of color that progressively get darker or lighter throughout the room. You can also experiment with shapes, lines, textures, patterns, and more. When designed correctly, it creates cohesiveness throughout your home. Also consider how different elements flow into one another. You want a smooth transition between elements and between rooms.

Keep these concepts in mind when you’re ready to refresh or redesign spaces in your home. It will make all the difference and your home will come together cohesively for a harmonious look.