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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