To ace the art of interior design it is very important to understand the concept of the art of layering. The layering of interior spaces is exactly how it is done in fashion. By putting together different sizes of clothing it instantly makes the outfit sassy, similarly treating the 7 layers in interior space does the magic instantly!
An empty room is a blank canvas for an interior designer. Decorating it with the right strokes and bright colours helps in creating a ravishing interior. Any space can be decorated efficiently if all the layers are taken care of. But before we dive into the details of this art of layering there are a few other concepts that should be kept in mind to make the right choices.
- Colour – Colour psychology is a very essential element in the design. Applying proper combinations of colour can completely transform the aesthetics of your space. Studying the characteristics of various colours helps in choosing the right shades. For that extra spice, add a pop of bright colour. Always use opposite colours on the colour wheel to get the best result.
- Pattern – It’s very necessary to mix and match the right patterns. Broadly, patterns can be divided into small, medium, and large prints. Use smaller designs for spaces that are tiny. And try to juxtapose small and big patterns together it forms a charming composition.
- Materials – Deciding the right materials can completely transform the look of your space. For the right balance, use natural materials and metals in the right proportion. Using just one material makes the space look bland. So it is very important to introduce various materials.
- Texture – Imagine entering a living room with stone flooring, exposed brick walls and jute furniture. Feels uncomfortable right? Mixing materials with soft and rough textures adds a dimension to space.
- Size matters – For making space look well-decorated, combine different sizes of objects to make a beautiful exhibit. Try to group the decor items in odd numbers with different proportions forms the magical triangle of aesthetics. Using extremely small or large pieces makes the place look overwhelming.
Coming on to the 7 layers of the art of layering that rule the design world, it is beneficial to keep every layer in mind while organizing the space.
Layer 1: Architectural Elements
The first step of Art of Layering while dealing with a new space is to understand its architectural details. The study of position and direction of openings is important to extenuate the features of the room. A good design is one that enhances its architectural elements and extends them to the interior components. These components are referred to as the shell of the room. This includes treating the 4 walls and ceiling as well. Deciding wallpaper can be a bit tricky because it will occupy the most area in your room so you don’t want to do it wrong. Hence, prepare a mood board for the room and work on that theme. Make sure to include the ceiling as part of your space and extend the design, an empty ceiling can ruin the look of the entire room. Designing crowning moulds, fireplace, and another built-in-furniture all comes under this layer.
Layer 2: Flooring
Flooring is one of the key features to be designed. A little experiment with flooring type can change the appearance of the space. With a myriad of options available with floor tiles, experimenting with it can look really trendy and interesting. These days mosaic tiles are making a comeback which gives a complete bohemian vibe to space. With a lot of wooden flooring options, it definitely gives a rustic look. You can customize the floor tiles and design according to your interior space. After arranging two different tiles in various patterns can get a unique design on your floor which will totally be a show stealer of your house.
Layer 3: Upholstered Furniture
The core furniture items come under the category of upholstered goods like the sofa, coffee table, etc. It is the major skeleton of the room hence it is very important to pay attention to details. Try to opt for comfortable sofas in neutral colours as they complement other colours in the room. Analyze the usage of the sofa for your family and then decide the style and size of the sofa. To get attention nowadays a lot of people use bright poppy sofas to grab their attention. Make proper decisions while investing in the furniture as they are expensive. Buying classic pieces is always a good idea! If you have a pet, make sure you chose the right material for upholstery. With kids, avoid light coloured fabric and invest in a piece that can be cleaned easily. Armchairs could also be used to highlight a corner space. Cheerful printed upholstery can be used to get lively vibes.
Layer 4: Accent fabrics
Accent fabrics include upholstered goods, curtains, pillow cover, ottomans, and so on. These are the flexible elements that add character to space. They’re easy to switch and change during seasonal changes. For safe design strategies, use neutral colours for bigger elements while smaller fabrics could be experimented with to add a wow factor. Various curtain arrangements can be used for window designs. Arranging a couple of ottomans around your living room to add extra seating. A combination of different styles and sizes of cushions adds quirk to the lounge area. Contrasting coloured and textured fabric can make the space interesting.
Layer 5: Casegoods
Upholstered goods are categorized under case goods like a bookshelf, armories, etc. This can mostly be customized according to the needs of the consumer. The purpose of casegoods is to provide storage solutions along with being aesthetic. These are the working horses of the space. Be thoughtful while deciding the furniture and chose the piece with drawers and other cabinet structures to serve the purpose. To keep any household organized it is very important to have appropriate storage solutions. Make sure the finish of the cases matches the rest of the furniture.
Layer 6: Wall art and Accessories
Wall arts include mirrors, artistic paintings, murals, etc. The decor pieces add beauty to the place. It is the small accessories that bring the space together. Small decor items fill up the spaces and help define the style of the room. A bunch of collectibles if decorated properly in varying heights beautifies the corner. You can also personalize and keep handmade decor items to add emotional value. Preferably a group of three accessories can include a flower pot, candlestand, and a few books.
Layer 7: Lighting and Plants
The last things to consider in Art of Layering are light fixtures. Make sure you provide sufficient lights according to the area of the room. Consider the various types of light while installing like a spotlight, task light, and ambient lights. To add an extra edge, add contemporary designed lights. Plants add colour, freshness, and life to any space. Invest in nice planters or DIY one yourself to add your essence. Try to put potters in each room preferably in odd numbers to maintain uniformity including the washroom. Study your preferences and analyze your care-taking skills and buy plants accordingly. If you’re someone less responsible try investing in succulents for the start. Hanging plants can be used to decorate the windows as well. If you are a plant lover, keep the interior minimal and add a giant tree to attract attention.
Any space can be decorated effectively by following these golden rules. So, the next time when you have a new interior project apply these tips and see the result yourself!
