10 Easy Steps for Great Interior Design

Table of contents

• Here is a step-by-step guide to an interior design process.

The interior design process goes beyond conceptualising a visually appealing layout. The objective of a great interior design is not just an aesthetically designed room but also one that enhances functionality, adheres to the latest trends and embodies sustainability. From identifying a suitable colour combination for the room to planning the layout of furniture and exploring various lighting options, several elements must be considered. Here the expertise of an interior designer becomes invaluable to meet the overall goals of the interior design process. All work stages of interior design requires the team to adhere to a strict ethos and discipline to design a beautiful interior which is functional, aesthetically pleasing and meets the client's expectations.

Here is a step-by-step guide to an interior design process.

Know your client’s expectations: At the outset, understand the project brief. Take a download from your client about the project and understand his requirements and expectations from your team. While some clients prefer a turnkey solution, others might meet their specific requirements for every detail. It is imperative to be clear about the client's brief; either jot it down or record it so you can revisit it whenever you have any doubts. Your final interior design solution must align with the client's expectations, incorporate his preferences and provide a superior service experience instead of merely a good design. It is advisable to maintain a constant flow of communication with your client and keep him updated at all stages of the interior design process. 

Define the clear objective of the design process: Identifying the objective of the design process is among the crucial interior design steps. Try to understand what your client wants to achieve through a great design. For instance, if the project involves designing a bedroom, the objective may be to enhance functionality and make it a cosy haven to unwind from routine. Similarly, the aim of interior design steps for a home can be to incorporate sustainable design trends, enhance an aesthetic appeal in the case of a homestay or enhance its functionality. Identifying and delineating a clear and precise objective is among the vital steps to ensure the desired result. 

Derive inspiration from a mood board: The mood board is a vital tool for organising your initial ideas and visualising a design plan. It is one of the initial interior design stages that shape your ideas. Begin by gathering inspirational images from Instagram, Pinterest and home décor websites. Once you have a fine collection, start putting all pieces together to form a mood board. 

You can create a physical mood board by using a large foam board as a base and pinning them with the samples of fabric, wallpapers, and furniture that you might want to use. Consider adding textures through rugs and fabrics such as velvet, wood or tweed. 

Nowadays, designers rely on digital mood boards, which are easy to modify and store. EverNote, Milanote and Pinterest are great tools for designing a digital mood board. 

Pay attention to scheme presentation: Though its significance is often underestimated, this is among the crucial steps for interior designing. The key challenge interior designers face is depicting their design ideas in the form of a comprehensive presentation. This presentation is like a design proposal and should be concise, coherent and responsive to client requirements. Moreover, it should fully describe the key value proposition of the particular interior design team in the project. 

Incorporate the latest design trends: The design industry is rapidly evolving with newer materials, trends and technologies penetrating the market. Interior designers must be abreast of these trends and incorporate them into spatial and interior design projects. Designers now use eco-friendly materials such as bamboo and cork to construct homes. The COVID pandemic has also reoriented the focus towards sustainable construction and biophilic design. Potted plants have increasingly become common in living rooms as they are associated with wellness and prosperity. 

Consider materials: The marketplace offers the choicest range of fabrics, wall coverings, and wood and stone artworks to choose from. However, the key to designing a well-thought space involves the conscientious use of materials. Factors such as the objective, budget, client preferences and availability determine the materials to be used. For instance, recycled steel is used in buildings due to its durability, while cob is known for its flexibility and insulation properties. 

Choose paint colours: Choosing the appropriate paint colours requires in-depth knowledge of colour psychology, colour palette and design psychology. Gone are the days of white-painted door frames and ceilings. Today, interior design is about experimenting with various colour combinations. For instance, the purple colour associated with luxury, imagination and positivity in home decor goes well with black and white as secondary colours. 

Decide on the furniture: The use of furniture is a vital cog in the interior design steps. Not only does it enhance the functionality of the space, but it is also a comfort and décor element in interior design. The layout of the furniture plays a vital role in the circulation and flow of space. While choosing the right furniture, think about scale. For instance, heavy furniture with intricate carvings will be apt for a large living room, while a bookcase equipped with a folding table will be ideal for a small study room.

Zero in on the fabrics: The choice of the right fabrics is often dictated by the client's preferences. For instance, people who prefer a conventional route are likely to go with a plain and monochromatic design. Budget is also an important factor when selecting the fabric. If your budget is small, go for cotton, nylon or polyester, but opt for silk and wool for a luxe look. An interior designer must also consider the requirement of a given space and the mood he/she wants to create. For instance, bed linen in silk would be appropriate for newly-married couples. 

At the same time, it is also essential to have a knowledge of the colour palette and colour wheel. Ideally, the colours for the room for walls, furniture, upholstery, and curtains should be decided during the initial interior design stages. As a thumb rule, pinks and reds go well with greens and yellows with grey and blues. Using too many colours will make the décor chaotic, but you can play with textures and patterns. For example, if your walls are plain, you can go for patterned curtains and vice-versa. 

Add finishing touches: Accessories such as lamp shades, rugs, paintings and plants can accentuate your home décor but are hard to select until walls are painted, and furniture is arranged. Even on the spines of books on a bookshelf, the tablecloth or a throw on the sofa creates opportunities for accents of colour to spruce up the décor.

The key to a successful project lies in its seamless execution. This can be achieved if the entire team and stakeholders in the process deliver on their promises. Hence, the entire team needs to understand the significance of all interior design stages and anticipate exigencies. There might be an unforeseen challenge that might put to the test the skill of the team. However, astute planning and meticulous attention to detail early on can help mitigate unprecedented issues. Handing over a completed project to the client is akin to making their dreams come true by transforming a space into a beautiful interior.If the above interior design stages fascinate you, you may consider a career in the field. The basic eligibility to enter interior designing is 10+2 with a minimum of 50% marks. The four year undergraduate degree is the gateway to a career in this field. The interior design coursework equips you with the fundamentals of the discipline. It also consists of lots of practical learning as an integral component, including case studies, masterclasses, workshops, projects and internships. A focus on building a solid portfolio and career development, such as resume building and mock interviews, increases your chances of getting the first job in interior design. Sketching and illustration skills, superior project management skills, attention to detail and proficiency in design tools are necessary to excel in the field. Moreover, lifelong learning and out-of-the-box thinking will go a long way in aiding you to become a sought-after professional.