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A lovely decorated home doesn’t only create functionality but also sets the tone or mood of the entire space. Attention to detail and incorporating principles such as function, mood and personality is key to decorating success.

When you know and understand the key interior design principles you will be able to transform any space to look trendy and stylish. When you walk into a well-decorated home, you instantly get a feeling of cohesiveness or togetherness. You can achieve that instant gratification as well with a little knowledge of these five key interior design principles:

  1. Create a Vision

Create a concept for the space that blends together functionality and the desired aesthetics. You really want to have the whole space planned out and visualized ahead of time so you’re not just picking out a random sofa and hoping it meshes well.

  1. Provide Balance

When thinking about the interior decor of a space, evaluate the room’s overall composition. Start by looking at the room’s architectural features such as windows, doorways, and frames and then add pieces throughout that will provide balance. Take a look at the room from every angle to decide where the placement of furniture should be.

  1. Add Function

Decorating is all about making a room truly work for you during any time of the day. Here’s how to start:

  • Locate a Focal Point: Some spaces already have focal points such as a fireplace, window or even a built-in fixture. If there isn’t a natural focal point, create one with a bold piece of artwork or a colorful area rug.
  • Add the Furniture: Find furniture that will satisfy the functions you’ve already planned for the room. Consider the sizing, color, and purpose of every single piece.
  • Provide Lighting: Lighting provides functionality as well as visual appeal. Provide accent lighting where needed whether you use track lighting, lamps or recessed lighting.
  1. Set the Mood

The mood is set by the colors you choose to incorporate into your space. Establishing a set theme throughout the home is a nice and easy way to provide cohesiveness and to set a tone for the home in its entirety. The easiest way to set the mood of a space other than color is to start with an inspirational piece such as a pillow or portrait and then use color cues from that piece to support the overall theme. Be sure to include various textures and patterns to add depth and dimension to space.

  1. Be Authentic

Every home should be personalized for those who live inside. Beyond just catering to a particular aesthetic or preference, be sure to consider everyday belongings as well as heirlooms or antiques. Whether you use your grandmother’s picture frames or a unique vintage find, the goal is to incorporate something of meaning that will make the space a little more interesting.