There’s nothing better than seeing a room come together! But what does it take to finish a design? What are the essential elements every room needs to feel complete?
Every room starts the same, a floor and walls. It’s what we put inside those walls that transform a space. I’m not gonna sit here and tell you that you need every little knick knack and fancy new gizmo on the market. Honestly, I’m a minimalist at heart (with a few horder tendencies). But I do believe that there are some essential elements that will complete your space and take it to the next level.
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Essential Elements: Lights
One of my favorite isles in the home improvement store is lighting. I LOVE looking at light fixtures and imagining the spaces they might find themselves in.
I had one of those moms who was very conscious about the lights being on in an empty room. And I can say without doubt, I did not inherit that trait. Actually, I’m usually running through the house flicking on lights shouting “WE ARE NOT NOCTURNAL!”
I LOVE lighting. And there are very few rooms you walk into that don’t have it. But it doesn’t have to be a silent element. What do I mean by that? I mean, let your lighting say something! Let it have character. Don’t make it invisible. Make lighting choices that influence and make an impact in your design.
While it may be essential for the functionality of your space, it can also be an opportunity for something amazing. Here are some of my favorite lighting options!
Essential Elements: Layers
If you haven’t already read, I’m a huge advocate for layers. In fact, I have a whole post dedicated to it, Interior Design Basics: Adding Layers. Rather than go on an elaborate tangent, I’ll let you head over there to get the whole vision. But to summarize, layers are definitely essential elements.
The most common elements used to create layers are textiles such as window treatments, pillows, blankets, and rugs. But you can also apply the layer principle to other elements like art work or shelf decor. Since we are talking essentials, I would limit it to textiles for now.
But what makes them essential? They help give your space the warm, cozy and inviting feel that most of us want in a room. They create depth and dimension in a design and often add softness or comfort to a space.
If you’re wanting to add those qualities to your space, here are some of my favorite layering pieces.
Essential Elements: Seats
I don’t know about you, but I like sitting. Especially when I’m at home in my comfy clothes and no plan for the day! But I have to be honest, I’ve seen some room designs (Pinterest addict) that just don’t say comfortable. There are limited seating options, and what’s there doesn’t seem like something I’d enjoy sitting in for any amount of time.
So make sure when you’re choosing the seating options for your space that it’s something you’ll be happy with in the long run.
If you enjoy spending time in your home, then seating is an essential element that shouldn’t be overlooked. We all have different needs when it comes to seating, as well as our own preferences. But here are some of my favorites to get you started.
Essential Elements: Surfaces
Another essential element for completing a space are surfaces. There are thousands of table options out there: coffee table, side table, end table, dining table.
But those aren’t the only surfaces available. You could also include shelving and desks here too. Basically anything that has a flat top and that you can set stuff on. Whether it’s for practical purposes or aesthetic, surfaces play a major role in a room design.
No matter what room you’re in, there will come a moment when you reach out with whatever is in your hand for a flat surface to set it on. And there is nothing more frustrating than circling franticly and pacing from room to room for a solution.
But storage and shelving are also valuable to your space. A good design incorporates these elements to give the room a clean, organized, and put together or styled appearance. Here are some of my favorite surface pieces.
Essential Elements: Final Touches
What are final touches? They’re the little personal touches you add to a design that make it yours. I’m not necessarily talking about those family heirlooms that have been passed down for generations. While those definitely count, it’s a little less sentimental than that. I’m talking about pieces that catch your eye and you fall in love with. The little details that add personality and charm to a space.
But why are those essential elements? Because the space you’re designing is meant for you! It helps communicate who you are, things you appreciate, and is your retreat when needed. So choose elements that create that space for you. Here are some pieces that catch my eye.
That’s it! Those are the essentials. Like I said, nothing too fancy or elaborate. Creating a finished space isn’t as hard as it might seem. You just have to make one decision at a time and then pull the whole look together.
Hopefully, this post has given you the confidence to start designing your next space. I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comments below!
Or you can tag me in some pictures on my social media pages: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter.
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