Now that the kids are back in school and before the pre Christmas madness it's a good time to think about your interiors.
Ready to take your home to the next level? Whether you're designing your first space or refining your dream home, these 10 essential design rules will help you create a space that looks and feels like a pro’s masterpiece. Avoid rookie mistakes and follow these golden rules to transform your room into a stunning, functional sanctuary.
1. Make a Plan
Great design doesn’t happen by accident—it’s all about preparation. Before you dive in, take the time to craft a detailed plan. Think beyond just furniture placement. Consider everything: your layout, color palette, lighting plan, plumbing, storage, and even the finer details like accessories and art.
A well-thought-out plan helps you visualize how each element will come together and ensures nothing is left to chance. Designing on the fly might sound exciting, but it can lead to costly errors and restricted options. With a clear roadmap, you’ll be able to make informed decisions with confidence, avoiding unnecessary headaches down the line.
Pro Tip: Sketch out your ideas on paper or use online design tools to get a clearer picture of how your space will come together. You can create a free floor plan on line with Canva https://www.canva.com/create/floor-plans/. There are many others but most want emails or ask for money to save/download your work, so check before you waste hours of your precious time. As I use professional software I'm afraid I don't have hands on experience, but canva is usually reliable. If all else fails,a pencil, ruler, rubber and graph paper will do the trick, but if you can use an online plan, it should be easier to make changes to your layout.
In this carefully planned penthouse layout, the large custom rug plays a pivotal role, visually anchoring and defining the seating area within the vast open space. Its size and design bring a sense of cohesion to the room, creating a distinct zone for relaxation while ensuring a seamless flow through the surrounding areas.
The positioning of the dining table is equally strategic. Thoughtfully placed to allow all chairs to be pulled out without bumping or damaging nearby furniture, it ensures effortless movement and comfort during dining. This attention to detail transforms the expansive space into a perfectly balanced, functional, and luxurious living environment.
Looking to divide your space with sophistication and precision? JC Interiors Design can bring your vision to life. Let's create a space where every detail is perfectly planned—contact us today!
2. Go Big or Go Home
If there’s one mistake many people make, it’s choosing furniture and accessories that are too small. The fix? Go big. Large rugs, mirrors, lighting fixtures, and artwork can create an impressive sense of scale and make a room feel more balanced.
Even in smaller spaces, oversized items bring cohesion and style. While it might feel risky at first, choosing larger pieces can elevate your design from ordinary to extraordinary. The key is balance—big pieces ground a room and create focal points, making everything look intentional rather than cluttered.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, size up. You want your rug to anchor your furniture, not float in the middle of the room. Just make sure you can fit it through your doors before ordering.
Below: In this stunning open-plan penthouse, one piece stands out: a custom-designed 6m x 6m rug, inspired by the owner's favorite painting. Its bold design doesn’t just complement the space—it defines the entire seating area, bringing art from the walls to the floor in a way that’s truly one-of-a-kind. And when luxury meets scale, things get exciting. Too large for the lift? No problem. It took six burly men to carry this masterpiece up the stairs—because when you want something extraordinary, you make it happen.
Ready to elevate your space with custom, statement-making designs? Contact JC Interiors Design today and let’s create something spectacular just for you!
3. Be Bold, Be Brave
Confidence is key in great design. Don’t be afraid to take risks and commit to bold choices. Whether it’s a striking color for the walls, a standout piece of furniture, or a unique material, bold design elements can make a room memorable.
A timid approach often leads to safe, yet uninspiring spaces. On the other hand, rooms that make a statement are unforgettable. Embrace your unique style and let your creativity shine through your choices.
Pro Tip: If you love a deep, dramatic color, don’t just use it on one accent wall—commit to painting the whole room. Let bold elements define the space and give it a sense of confidence. I love bold colour BUT I would advise trying your bold colour or design choices in a small room that is infrequently used or is a transitional space. For example the guest cloak room, or an entrance hall.
Step into a world of 1930s Art Deco glamour and bold, exotic flair! While the rest of the home embraces a neutral, understated palette, the guest cloakroom is where things get daring. Inspired by the owner's love of the opulence of the Art Deco era, this space combines sleek geometric lines with bold animal prints and faceted mirror, making it a true statement room.
Rich textures, luxurious finishes, and a touch of wild elegance—this cloakroom is designed to impress. It’s not just a functional space; it’s an experience. Whether you love it or hate it, you're unlikely to forget it.
Ready to turn an ordinary room into something extraordinary? Let JC Interiors Design help you unleash your creativity and make every corner of your home unforgettable! Contact us today and let’s bring your bold ideas to life.
4. Embrace What You Have
It’s tempting to chase the latest design trends, but true design magic happens when you work with the features of yourspace. Each room has its own personality, whether it’s the amount of natural light, the architectural style, or quirky structural details. Instead of forcing a trendy look that may not suit your home, celebrate the unique characteristics of your space.
For example, if you have beautiful natural light, don’t cover it up with heavy drapes—use sheer curtains to let the sunlight flood in. If your room has an awkward shape, make it work for you by creating cozy nooks or functional zones.
Pro Tip: Take inspiration from design magazines or Pintrest, but remember to adapt the ideas to fit your home’s architecture and existing features.
Faced with an awkward corner with an obtuse angle, this space could have easily become wasted potential. But instead, it’s transformed into a cozy, stylish feature with a bespoke sofa tailored perfectly to fit. In a soft, subtle grey, the custom design doesn’t just fill the space—it turns it into an inviting and comfortable corner that blends seamlessly into the rather eclectic sitting room.
No space is too tricky for a touch of creative design! Ready to transform every inch of your home into something special? Contact JC Interiors Design and let us show you how bespoke solutions can elevate your space to new heights!
5. See It Right: Think About Your Viewpoint
Your room's layout isn’t just about where things look good—it’s also about where things feel right. When hanging art, placing a TV, or positioning mirrors, consider where your eyes naturally fall. A TV screen should be at eye level when you’re seated, typically about 1 meter high. Similarly, artwork should be hung at an average eye level (around 145 cm from the floor), ensuring it doesn’t feel too high or too low.
This rule applies to all wall-mounted items, from lighting to picture frames. The right height is crucial for both comfort and aesthetic appeal.
Pro Tip: Stand or sit where you’ll typically view the item before you hang it, and adjust until it feels comfortable and natural.
The relaxed seating area in this stylish family kitchen is centered around a sleek, built-in TV unit that serves as the area’s focal point. Designed with both form and function in mind, the wall-to-wall cabinetry houses a multitude of items while ensuring the TV is positioned at the perfect height for comfortable viewing from the plush Camrich sofa. This bespoke unit, with its streamlined design, adds a touch of modern luxury, making the space as practical as it is elegant.
Ready to combine style and function seamlessly in your home? Contact JC Interiors Design to create a custom solution that elevates your living space!
6. Lighting is Everything
Lighting is one of the most powerful—and often underestimated—tools in interior design. Great lighting can transform the atmosphere of a room, highlighting focal points, setting a mood, and making everything else look better. Poor lighting, on the other hand, can make even the best design fall flat.
There are three main types of lighting: ambient (general lighting), task (focused, functional lighting), and accent (decorative lighting). A well-designed room combines all three, creating layers of light that work for different activities and times of day. Plan your lighting early to ensure it integrates seamlessly into your overall design.
Pro Tip:If you can't install an A/V lighting system with scences .... dimmer switches are your best friend. They allow you to adjust the mood at any time, whether you want bright light for reading or a soft glow for a cozy evening. But before installing always check your bulbs are dimmable.
This exquisite guest cloakroom is designed to impress, featuring seven layers of lighting that create a warm, intimate ambiance where guests feel truly special. The bespoke cabinetry, with its integrated lighting, perfectly showcases the delicate mother of pearl inlay and polished marble surfaces, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication. Thoughtful task lighting ensures makeup touch-ups are effortless, while subtle uplighters under the cabinetry create the illusion of floating, opening up the space and enhancing its sense of elegance.
Elevate every detail in your home with custom design solutions. Contact JC Interiors Design today and let us craft a space that leaves a lasting impression!
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7. Create a Focal Point
Every room needs a focal point—something that draws the eye and anchors the design. Without one, a room can feel aimless or incomplete. A focal point can be a stunning piece of art, a statement piece of furniture, an eye-catching light fixture, or even an architectural element like a fireplace or a window with a view.
Once you establish your focal point, arrange the room around it to make it shine. Don’t be afraid to emphasize it, whether through lighting, contrast, or positioning. A strong focal point brings the room together and adds a layer of sophistication.
Pro Tip: One focal point is good, but more than one can be distracting. Stick to one main attraction and let everything else complement it.
This simple yet striking print of Marilyn Monroe blowing bubble gum adds an unexpected pop of personality, creating a stylish focal point in an otherwise luxuriously understated family room. Its playful vibe perfectly contrasts with the room’s elegant design, bringing a touch of modern cool to the sophisticated space.
Elevate your home with unique art pieces that make a statement. Contact JC Interiors Design to help you curate the perfect blend of luxury and character for your home!
With an ocean view like this stunning villa in St. Barts, it would be a crime not to make it the star of the show. Every element in the room has been thoughtfully pared back to let the view take center stage, creating an ambiance of understated luxury that enhances the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Let your space breathe with refined elegance and effortless style. Contact JC Interiors Design today, and we’ll create a design that allows your home’s natural assets to shine like never before!
8. Design Around Your Lifestyle
Great design isn’t just about how a room looks—it’s about how it works. Consider your daily routine and how you use the space. Do you have kids or pets? Opt for durable, easy-to-clean materials. Love entertaining? Create spaces for conversation with comfortable seating and practical layouts.
Designing with your lifestyle in mind ensures that your home isn’t just beautiful, but also functional. Think about storage solutions, room flow, and the types of materials you choose—because no matter how gorgeous a room is, if it doesn’t work for your life, it won’t feel right.
Pro Tip: Create zones in larger rooms. For example, a living room can have a seating area for conversation, a reading nook, and a play space for the kids, making the space versatile and organized.
In this large, elegant formal drawing room, the thoughtful arrangement of seating creates intimate zones where guests can gather and converse with ease. Toward the front of the room, the comfortable sofa and chairs offer a stunning view of the garden, while the center is anchored by a grand fireplace and a large coffee table, surrounded by inviting U-shaped seating for relaxed socialising.To the right, a cozy, more intimate seating area sits near the grand piano, perfect for private moments.
Transform your space with purposeful design that fosters connection. Contact JC Interiors Design to craft a room that blends elegance, functionality, and effortless luxury.
9. Appreciate Empty Spaces
Not every corner needs to be filled. In fact, some of the most stunning rooms are the ones that allow space to breathe. Empty spaces create visual rest and prevent a room from feeling cluttered or overwhelming. They also allow other design elements to stand out.
Think of empty spaces as the punctuation of your design—moments that let the eye pause and appreciate the full picture. Whether it’s a blank wall or a clear section of floor, these spaces are just as important as the furniture and decor you choose.
Pro Tip: Don’t feel pressured to fill every wall with art. Sometimes, the absence of decor creates a more sophisticated and serene atmosphere.
This minimalistic chic room embraces a calming color palette of off-white and natural wood, creating a serene, restful environment. The bold design choice to choose artwork in the same tone as the off-white walls proves that sometimes less truly is more. This subtle yet powerful statement adds depth and sophistication without overwhelming the space, allowing every element to breathe and shine effortlessly.
Ready to embrace the beauty of minimalism in your home? Contact JC Interiors Design today and let us create a space where simplicity meets luxury!
10. Stick to Your Guns
The design process can be full of distractions. With endless inspiration online and well-meaning advice from friends and family, it’s easy to start second-guessing your choices. But remember this: you are the one living in this space. If you’ve thought through your design and made decisions that feel right for you, stick with them.
Of course, you may need to make adjustments along the way. But don’t let every new idea derail your original vision. Trust your instincts, implement your plan, and your space will be a true reflection of your style.
Pro Tip: It’s easy to be tempted by shiny new trends, but timeless design choices often pay off in the long run. Stick to what you love!
Follow these 10 basic design rules, and you’ll be on your way to creating a space that’s not only beautiful but also functional and personalized. Want professional help bringing your dream space to life?
Contact JC Interiors Design toay! Our expert team will work with you to design a home that’s perfectly tailored to your style, needs, and lifestyle. Let us help you create a space that’s uniquely yours—beautiful, functional, and timeless. and timeless.
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