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INTERIOR DESIGN &

HOME STYLING

Module 09

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9. Module 09: Practical components of interior design

Table of Contents

9. Module 09: Practical components of interior design .......................................................................... 1

9.1 Design elements ......................................................................................................................................... 2

9.2 Choosing a suitable color scheme.............................................................................................................. 3

9.3 Choosing flooring & wall décor .................................................................................................................. 5

9.3.1 Choosing flooring .............................................................................................................................. 5

9.3.2 Choosing wall decor .......................................................................................................................... 7

9.4 Choosing & placing furniture ..................................................................................................................... 9

9.5 Choosing window dressings ..................................................................................................................... 12

9.6 Choosing & placing lighting ...................................................................................................................... 15

9.7 Choosing accessories & soft furnishings .................................................................................................. 19

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9.1 Design elements

What you’ll learn in this module:

Choosing a suitable color scheme

Choosing flooring and & wall décor

Choosing & placing furniture

Choosing window dressings

Choosing & placing lighting

Choosing accessories & soft furnishings

This module focuses on the practical components of interior design. You will be learning about how best to

dress your space taking into account the walls, flooring, lighting, furniture, soft furnishings and accessories.

These are the tools with which the interior designer builds an impactful design. Creativity, ingenuity and

expression are very important. The designer’s eye is vital in pulling together the numerous elements needed

to create a complete interior scheme. This is where individual flair and attention to every small detail is

paramount.

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Learn the lingo!

Palette A range of colors

AccentA visual emphasis

Hue A color or shade

Shade A color, especially how light or dark it is

9.2 Choosing a suitable color scheme

The colors in any design scheme are the cornerstone of a successful project. Color comes into design in every

aspect from the wall and floor coverings to the furniture, the accessories, the soft furnishings and more. In

choosing color really anything goes as color preference is very personal. However there are some basic

principles which are worth understanding to make sure that any color choice has been properly thought

through and has a good chance of fulfilling the design brief and setting the right mood. On the next pages

we share some top tips for making those choices.

When choosing color remember that:

Light has a big effect on color especially when it comes to paint, so make sure that you have

looked at your color choice in the room you want to use it in and at different times of day.

The period of the property might have a bearing on your choice. Where bright and edgy shades

may work well in a contemporary space they may not work sympathetically in a Victorian period

property for example.

The colors which the user of the space already likes should be taken into account. Their clothing,

vehicles, fabrics, other properties etc. will provide clues as to an acceptable palette.

If you decide upon a particular shade inspired for example by a favorite piece of clothing or a

picture, smart technology allows you to take a photo of the object and any good paint merchant

will be able to produce the same color for you.

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What works well?

The norm is to paint ceilings and woodwork in lighter shades. However it’s great to experiment and tip this

on its head by using more color on woodwork and ceilings and keeping walls lighter. Can create stunning

results.

Big rooms can be made to feel smaller and cozier if you paint them in warm, bright colors. If you want to

make a smaller room feel bigger then choose cooler, lighter shades.

If you have a space which has poor quality surfaces, black and white color schemes work well at masking

faults.

Approach color choice as a whole scheme and not just limited to one space or room at a time. The best

effects are gained when there is harmony and flow between rooms and colors complement one another

throughout. A good way to achieve this is to use one or two key colors throughout your scheme adding in

other accent colors along the way. This will give a sense of continuity while establishing different moods

along the way.

Neutral colors will stand the test of time but they can be a bit dull. Bold colors will add some zing to the

space but be aware that they can date quickly as strong shades are very fashion led.

Some tried and tested color combinations include blue and white for bathrooms, yellow and green for

kitchens, red and black for formal dining rooms, wacky feature walls for a more informal eating space. Try

warm, light shades for relaxing spaces such as bedrooms and living rooms.

Some practical considerations…

Always apply tester pots directly to the surfaces or to paper attached to that surface to see which color

works best. Leave the tester patches for a number of days to see which grows on you. Again remember to

study the color at different times of day so that you get a representative idea of how the light affects the

color.

New technologies such as the Dulux Vizualiser app allow you to choose any paint shade and then using a

phone or tablet ‘project’ that color onto the walls in the room you want to paint. On your screen you will

then see the room as if it were painted in that shade. The ultimate in try before you buy! Calculate carefully

the quantities of any paint or wallpaper and over purchase if there is any uncertainty. It is always best to get

materials from the same batch in one go as there can be slight differences between batches

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9.3 Choosing flooring & wall décor

9.3.1 Choosing flooring

There are numerous options available to dress a floor area with style and flair. Firstly you need to decide

what kind of flooring is suitable for the area and then you can secondly choose an appropriate type and style.

Not every type of flooring will work in every kind of area. So think:

Is it an area where there is water and or food nearby e.g. bathrooms and kitchens?

If so luxury vinyl, tiles or other non porous and easily washable flooring types will be best.

Is at an area of high traffic? Hallways, staircases and public spaces will have high footfall.

Flooring which can be easily maintained and withstand frequent cleaning is the best choice.

Carpet can work as long as the carpet is hard wearing and preferably stain blocked to keep

cleaner. Rugs and doormats are also good to place in these areas.

Is it an area where children and/or pets will be?

Hard wearing and practical flooring is first choice but softer options such as easily cleanable carpet will be

best.

Is it a relaxing area where users will mainly be without footwear and which has lower footfall?

Here you can afford to put in more delicate and lightly colored carpets. They will feel and look more

luxurious, a more appropriate flooring for such areas.

The main flooring types – with their ups and downs:

Carpet – Versatile, colorful, soft underfoot, suitable for all budgets; variety of types from synthetic to wool

to silk.

Hardwood – Naturally beautiful and long lasting; costly but adds value; needs careful maintenance.

Ceramic tiles – Waterproof and highly durable; variety of sizes and finishes; gives scope for creative design.

Engineered wood – Alternative to hardwood; cheaper, lighter with a consistent look.

Luxury vinyl – Good value and easy to install; low maintenance and flexible in tricky spaces.

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Laminate – Easy to install, maintain and clean; hard to scratch, burn or damage; Can look cheap.

Natural stone – Durable with a high end look; needs frequent re sealing.

Concrete – Hard wearing, unbreakable, sleek but cold to the touch and unforgiving.

Rubber – Semi industrial feel; variety of colors; easy to maintain.

Bamboo – highly durable; versatile in color and environmentally friendly.

Marble – Elegant, timeless; hardwearing and costly.

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Top tip: When installing any flooring, make sure that the user of the space is aware of the maintenance

which will be needed to keep it looking in top condition. Some wooden flooring for example needs

frequent oiling and ceramic tiles will need to have the grout cleaned and refreshed periodically. Worth

bearing in mind as it can have an impact on budget as well.

9.3.2 Choosing wall decor

When it comes to decorating walls, the world is your oyster! From dramatic wallpapers to the latest paint

shades, the choices are endless. For the best finish it is vital to make sure that all walls are perfectly smooth.

Freshly plastered walls will give you a great base to work from and walls prepared with lining paper too. At

the very least it is crucial that all walls are filled and sanded prior to painting or wallpapering. You will really

reap the benefits if solid groundwork is put in at the start of any project. Flaws and imperfections will detract

from the overall impression at the end of the project.

It’s important to keep up with the latest products, styles and trends in wall coverings, here are some tips to

get started:

So what is hot for 2015 and beyond?

Luxury is in – plush, textured wall coverings are all the rage

Fairy tales, animal prints and humor are all strongly tipped motifs for the year ahead

Modern twists on geometric patterns and wall graphics are also in.

Metallic finishes such as glittery gold and warm coppery tones are on trend

The Pantone color for 2015 is Marsala – described by Pantone as “an elegant, grounded statement color

when used on its own or as a strong accent to many other colors”

High end manufacturer, Farrow and Ball, have chosen Pink Ground, Light Blue, Breakfast Room Green and

Tanner’s Brown as their colors of the year. Their emphasis is on styling domestic settings in colors which

encourage rest and contemplation, a haven after a busy day.

Want to see the latest trends for yourself?

To stay informed about industry trends and new products subscribe to magazines such as Wallpaper, Interior

Design, Living, Elle Decoration and Home & Design.

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Read the latest online on the websites and blogs from:

Houzz

The Peak of Chic

About Home

Paint Quality Institute

Kelly Hoppen

Suzzane Kasler

Rachel Ashwell

Elle Decor

Book a ticket for top trade shows which are the best places to find out the very latest in what’s hot for the

coming year. Best worldwide design events:

IMM Cologne

Maison & Objet Paris

Stockholm Design Week

Design Days Dubai

Messe Frankfurt

ICFF New York

London Design Festival

Design Miami

Paris Design Week

CDW London

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9.4 Choosing & placing furniture

How to choose?

Function - First up, what do you want to do in the room you are furnishing? List all the possible

activities and then think of the furniture you will need for it. Strike a balance between comfort,

functionality and look.

Style - Choose pieces which work in harmony with your overall design scheme. Make choices

which complement your color palette. If budget is an issue, try upcycling existing items with new

fabric, keep your eye on the overall look at all times.

Storage - Vitally important to factor into your plans. Keeps clutter at bay and maintains line and

balance.

Architectural features - Windows and doors etc. will affect the space available to you. Take

accurate measurements to ensure the pieces you choose will fit in and be in proportion.

Flexibility - Most spaces need to be multifunctional. Find furniture which can be moved, adapted

or screened off to give the user more options

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Where to put it?

Create a focal point - A stunning fireplace, antique sofa or top of the range kitchen island– all

great centerpieces around which to build your furniture arrangement.

Traffic flow - Consider how people will move around the space and position accordingly.

Needing to walk in front of a television to get to a doorway or putting an occasional table out of

reach of an armchair won’t work for example.

Grouping - Place logical pieces near one another – sofas near televisions; kitchen appliances

within easy reach etc.

Positioning - Aligning items parallel to walls helps to maintain lines and frees up central spaces

for movement. Experimenting with diagonal positioning though can create some exciting

energy.

Zoning - Larger spaces can seem overwhelming. Use oversized sofas or shelving to break up the

space into manageable zones.

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9.5 Choosing window dressings

The window dressing can be the crowning glory in any design. What you choose will be affected by a number

of factors including – taste, budget, access, style, window shape and functionality. Options abound for what

to choose. Here are some of your top choices:

Curtain - Usually found in pairs and moveable across the window

Swag - A swathe of fabric attached at both ends with a downward dip in the middle

Panel - A single curtain section

Roman blind - a blind made of fabric that draws up into pleats.

Roller blind - A window blind fitted on a roller.

Blackout blinds - Opaque to block light

Venetian blinds - Made of horizontal slats which pivot to control the light, often ceiling mounted

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Louvered shutters - Usually have wider horizontal slats and can be fixed into the window space

Window film - Film which sticks to the window itself blocking light

Opaque glass - Can be etched or left smooth. Good when space and privacy are issues.

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Which window dressings work well in these spaces?

The kitchen - Often if the kitchen is to the rear of a property and not overlooked and there is an attractive

garden you can consider leaving the windows undressed, lovely for creating an outdoor/indoor feel.

Otherwise wooden louvered blinds work well for ease of cleaning.

The living room - Often living rooms have larger and more impressive windows. They can provide a focal

point in the space so sweeping curtains framing the glass can work well. If there are privacy issues, consider

placing lighter voile panels close to the glass as a first layer. For a more contemporary look, fixed wooden

louvered blinds work well. They have the advantage of their slats which can be pivoted to control the light.

They can also be sourced in different wood finishes and widths so are flexible and can be adapted to an

overall design scheme. New window films are proving popular and can be a cost effective way of blocking

light and helping with privacy.

The bedroom - Blackout blinds are a good starting point especially for light sleepers. Dress with a pair of

curtains in a fabric which matches the color palette.

Children’s bedrooms - Motif curtains work well in children’s rooms. Readymade curtains which continue a

theme are easily obtainable. As children grow and their interests change, window dressings will need to be

updated regularly. Important to bear in mind when setting a budget.

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The bathroom – Often opaque glass is used in bathrooms so there is no need for further window dressing.

If the design scheme demands it, ensure products are chosen which will withstand moisture and be easy to

clean.

The hallway – Space is often restricted in a hallway so close fitting blinds work well. Heavy drapes hung

behind a front door can serve as a practical block to any drafts and complement certain design schemes.

Playrooms – Great scope here for some fun. Window stickers and colorful curtains are good choices here.

Study – Control of light away from any computer screens will be key here. The window dressing choice needs

primarily to be led by practical concerns in a work area.

9.6 Choosing & placing lighting

Lighting provides the interior designer with fantastic scope to add depth and interest to any

scheme. There are numerous sources of light which the designer can utilize according to the

needs of the design scheme. For added flexibility, installing dimmers works well as they can

enable the user to control the lighting at the touch of a switch. Before understanding the best

places to install lights, it is worth thinking of all the different types of lighting available to the

designer.

Natural light - A unique and organic kind of light, adds variety with the seasons, brings a sense

of well-being to the space

Candles - Excellent mood lighting; for use in quiet settings and to create a relaxed atmosphere.

Fires - Can be used as a focal point in a room for interest and warmth. Will provide gentle mood

lighting

Table lamps - Provides gentle side lighting in living areas. Light up and down.

Study lamps - Important to use a strong directed light for work and study; important to be

adjustable.

Floor lamps - Great for living areas and bedrooms; light up and down; can add a dramatic feel.

Uplighters - Good for creating mood and extending ceiling heights. Use to highlight wall hangings

and pictures.

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Downlighters - Cast light down from a ceiling; useful in bathrooms and kitchens.

Chandeliers - Dramatic lighting usually found in the centre of a space; focal point in itself.

Pendants - A more modern central light. Good for general room lighting or to highlight.

Track lighting - Useful in practical areas such as kitchens and offices; component lights can be

directed as needed.

Recessed lights - Great in kitchens in or under cupboards; add layers of contrast and are

unobtrusive.

Fairy lights - They are flexible and easy to move; lovely to create the atmosphere; good for

parties and celebrations.

Spotlights - A bright light suited to highlighting a particular feature.

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Lighting can be broadly divided into three categories: general lighting, task lighting and accent lighting.

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General lighting - General or ambient lighting will illuminate a large area and light will bounce off the walls

maximizing the reach of the light. This kind of light is good for safety and making spaces highly visible. Natural

light provides good general lighting. Maximize natural light by making sure windows are kept clear of

branches from outside and curtain dressings do not obscure too much of the glass. Remember that natural

light will vary with the seasons and will need to be shaded in summer months.

Task lighting -Task, or work, lighting provides an intense beam of light to illuminate a very specific area. As

a general rule task lighting should be three times brighter than general lighting. This will reduce eye strain

and help with accuracy during the task. Study lamps and under counter kitchen lighting are good examples

of task lighting. While task lighting is predominantly functional, there is still scope for the designer to choose

items which have style and sit well within a design scheme. The iconic Angle poise lamps come in numerous

colors, sizes and finishes and so prove very versatile choices for the designer seeking stylish task lighting

solutions.

Accent lighting - Accent lighting is all about creating mood and atmosphere. For a party, colored tea lights

along a shelf or garden path create a fun look with an eye to the budget. Larger candles of varying heights

can be clustered together. To maximize their effect, place reflective surfaces nearby. Mirrors and baubles

are great to use for this. You can highlight certain focal points in a room with clever use of accent lighting.

Drape pretty fairy lights along a mantelpiece or picture rail. Vary the color of the bulbs for an added

dimension. Experiment with the light settings, flickering or changing light sequences will add to the impact.

For everyday accent lighting, work with well-chosen and positioned table and floor lamps. When placed near

a wall, attractive shadows will be created by the light, adding to the atmosphere in the space.

A light-bulb moment: Old-fashioned incandescent bulbs have been phased out so are now three

types of bulb available.

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs): An inexpensive and flexible option. Can be slow to brighten

when turned on and the light they emit is not to everyone’s taste, but they are very energy efficient

which makes them a popular choice.

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs): Costly to buy but last up to 25 years; 90% more energy efficient than

traditional bulbs.

Halogens: give a similar light to traditional bulbs; cheaper than LEDs but only last around two years.

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9.7 Choosing accessories & soft furnishings

The walls are painted, the stunning floor is down, the windows look beautiful and the lighting is just right.

So what is left to finish off any design project with a flourish? It’s the accessories and soft furnishings. This is

where the designer can really go all out to totally personalize any space and make sure that the user’s brief

comes to life. The desire to display objects goes back for centuries. We feel a need to display our prized

accessories so that we can share them with others, we can personalize our space and enhance the look of

our décor.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to accessorizing a space, with a great imagination and a bit of

experimentation, it is these objects which will make any space totally unique and truly enhance the

experience of the user.

Choosing accessories, while being great fun, can also be a bit overwhelming as there are just so many

possibilities. Here is a suggested framework of how to plan for this last, vital stage of a design:

The color palette

To begin your search for these finishing touches, it is worthwhile returning to the color scheme you devised

at the start of the project. In particular when it comes to choosing appropriate soft furnishings, it is essential

that the fabrics you choose for any cushions, throws, rugs and carpets work harmoniously with the other

colors which are now established in the space. The overall feel and personality of the space will be enhanced

if the patterns and designs on any materials complement the wall, curtain and floor colors. A good starting

point is to look at the primary color on the walls and look for accessories and soft furnishings which have an

accented version of that color in them. This will bring a homogenous look to the space and be pleasing on

the eye. However, in more modern spaces, there is an argument that contrast is king. Correctly executed, a

statement piece in a clashing color can bring real dynamism to a space.

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The space

Before you start accessorizing, you need to take a close look at the space requiring your attention. Look for

any likely areas where accessories are needed. A large plain carpet could need a rug to add interest, an empty

fireplace would need an interesting display to act as a focal point, the alcove shelving could need attention,

a bare occasional table could hold a lamp, a bay window could show off a large statement piece – and so the

possibilities go on. Make sure that you also take measurements so that you select items which will fit in and

be proportionate to the available space.

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The style

Your accessories also need to harmonize with the interior style of the space. There’s no point in hanging an

edgy painting by a new abstract artist if the look you are aiming for is old school Parisian. At all times it is the

overall feel of the space which is paramount. It is at this stage that careful analysis of the brief will be vital.

Ask the user of the space what kinds of objects they like to have around them. See if there are any favorite

pieces which they already have tucked away which you can incorporate.

Put your plan into action

Once you have gathered the objects you want to use; now it is time to experiment with display. The aim is

to highlight the aesthetic qualities of the pieces but not to overwhelm the surrounding furniture and

architecture.

Other things to consider are whether sets of objects look better together or whether a larger more striking

object will have greater presence when displayed alone with clear space to the side. Think laterally about

how to display any accessories. Variations in height form and depth will add interest. Items can be displayed

hung from walls and ceilings; on plinths; on stools or tables; in frames or directly onto a surface. Try stacking

suitable objects such as books or retro leather travelling cases for some variety.

What can be used as accessories?

Old or new, antique, retro, homemade, upcycled, recycled, large, small, valuable, sentimental or unique –

accessories can come in any shape or form. Let your imagination go wild, the results will truly be amazing.

Here are some suggestions to get the ideas flowing:

Books

Pictures

Photos

Posters

Statues

Pots

Plants

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Candles

Jugs

Jewelry boxes

Retro cameras

Umbrellas

Stones

Musical instruments

Umbrellas

Fans

Memorabilia

Children’s paintings

Theatre program

Skateboards

Plates

Toy cars

Antique kitchen gadgets

Shells

Teapots

Shoes