Every now and then, a client will ask, “How do designers actually design?”
Or maybe you’ve wondered it yourself—maybe while staring at a blank room thinking, Where do I even start?

The truth is, designers absolutely do have a roadmap. And yes, there are fundamental interior design principles that guide almost every decision we make. These principles help create homes that feel intentional, functional, and beautifully put together.

Let’s break down the basic interior design principles that shape nearly every space.

1. Balance

Balance is one of the most foundational rules in interior design—and for good reason. A room, a vignette, a wall, or even a single shelf needs balance to feel “right.”

If everything heavy sits on one side, the room feels off.
If everything is too light or spaced out, the room feels empty and unfinished.

Designers are always aiming for that sweet spot where a space feels grounded, harmonious, and visually comfortable.

Think of balance as the “Ahh… yes. This feels right.” moment.

2. Proportion & Scale

In interior design… size matters. More than most people realize.

Proportion and scale affect everything—how pieces relate to each other, how cohesive the room feels, and whether the space feels intentional or accidental.

For example:

• A huge armchair next to a tiny sofa feels unbalanced.

• A giant faucet on a small sink looks awkward.

• Oversized art on a petite wall overwhelms the space.

• A tiny rug floating under a large sofa throws the room off completely.

Proportion and scale work together to make pieces feel like they belong together.

3. Color Theory

Color theory is very real, and designers use it daily.

Color impacts mood, atmosphere, and emotional response. It shapes whether a room feels peaceful, energetic, bold, moody, or soft. It also helps us know which colors work well together—and which combinations to avoid.

For example:

• You probably don’t want intense red in a meditation room.

• A soft pastel yellow might not bring the presence or authority you want in an office.

Color theory helps designers choose the right hues for the right purpose—and create a space that supports the feeling you want the room to give.

4. Flow

Flow is all about how people move through a space, and it matters more than most homeowners realize.

Before placing a single piece of furniture, designers think about:

• Where you enter the room

• Which way the door swings

• Natural pathways

• How people gather

• How the room functions day-to-day

You can have the most beautiful furniture in the world—but if you can’t walk around it comfortably, the room doesn’t work.

Design has to be functional before it can be beautiful.

5. Style

We can’t talk about interior design without talking about style. It’s essential.

Designers consider:

• The home’s architectural style

• The client’s personal style

• What fits the surrounding environment

• How to blend these elements without creating chaos

Good style is less about sticking to one “category” and more about creating a cohesive look that reflects the home and the people living in it.

So… How Do Designers Design?

We use all of these principles (and a lot more). Interior design includes countless small choices, guidelines, and refinements—far more than most people realize.

And while these principles help guide the process, design isn’t about rigid rules. Most decisions are a mix of:

• Design principles

• Designer intuition

• The client’s lifestyle, taste, and needs

We give you direction, expertise, and recommendations—but at the end of the day, it’s your home. You have the final say.

Thinking About Starting a Project?

Whether you're redesigning a single room or refreshing your whole home, understanding these interior design basics gives you a huge head start. And if you ever feel stuck or unsure where to begin, that’s exactly what designers are here for.

If you want guidance, clarity, or help bringing your ideas to life, you can always reach out—or book a consultation and we can walk through your space and goals together.