How to Create a Stylish Interior Without a Designer

"The main rule that is just as applicable to interior design and fashion – always ask yourself 'why?' about every detail," - Ekaterina Korchinova reminds. According to her, every item should carry a specific load, whether aesthetic or functional. The key is harmony; remember this when taking your first steps in design!

Ekaterina Korchinova - Designer. Head of the Form of Chaos bureau. Psychological education helps Kate guess even unspoken desires of clients, and knowledge gained at the International School of Design brings them to reality.
1. Avoid Complex Shapes

Waves, zigzags, half-circles – they were in the past. Choose clear geometry and strict lines: circle, square, rectangle.

2. Try to Keep Maximum Ceiling Height

Gypsum boxes in three rows only clutter space and add nothing new or beautiful to it.

3. Choose 3 Main Colors

If you want to create a monochromatic interior, three colors are enough. You can add one accent color. My advice: if you want a safe choice, it's gray (several shades) + white + black (minimum) + natural wood (two similar shades). If you want to add an accent color, yellow or turquoise look great in these combinations.

4. Don't Skimp on Items That Should Last Long

Here is a list of things you should not economize on: flooring, tiles, kitchen, plumbing. Everything else can always be repainted or changed.

5. Plan Storage Systems

Strive to hide everything as much as possible, which creates a feeling of cleanliness. Make your bet on built-in shelves, racks, and wardrobes. Leave open shelves for decor. Don’t forget to think about a place to store household chemicals, mops, buckets, and dirty laundry.

6. Try Combining Elements from Different Styles

This is helped by rule number 3. If you stick to three main colors, it will keep the overall harmony. For example, two chairs of different shapes but the same color. I remind you that there shouldn’t be many accent details. For example, in a Scandinavian-style living room, two classic accents are enough – a chandelier and a painting or mirror.

7. Don't Overdo the Finish

Remember that your main task is to create a harmonious box in which you can play with details and change the mood. Focus on painting. Think about a few accents: wallpaper, brick, wood, aged walls. An accent is a small element on a neutral background; don’t forget this. For example, the wall by the headboard in a bedroom or the TV wall in the living room. If the accent is vivid in color or texture, other walls should be neutral.

8. Plan Lighting Before Starting the Renovation

Create several levels of lighting: ceiling, wall sconces, floor standing lamps. You can also add some bottom lighting – it usually looks great on textured walls like brick. Please, forget about multi-colored LED backlighting! Use dimmers – they are very convenient. Think about pass-through switches, you’ll like turning off the lights while lying in bed. Don’t forget about outlets – more of them is never too much.

9. Don't Overcrowd the Interior

Always bet on clean space. A huge chandelier with low ceilings looks absurd, no matter how beautiful it is. Always leave large passages, at least one meter. Of course, each space is individual, but protect the ‘air’ in the interior.

10. Spend More Time on Preparation

Try making collages, it helps visualize how various details work together.

11. Use More Natural Materials

Wood, cotton, linen, stone – all of these create comfort and will look beautiful aging and last long.

12. Leave Decor Choice for the Last Moment

Curtains, cushions, paintings should be bought at the very last moment. When the overall picture is drawn, it will be clear what’s missing. Don’t be afraid to experiment with paintings. Bright pop-art elements or modern artworks give the space individuality.