C.LehmanHome's Top 5 Interior Design Principles
Interior Design: C.LehmanHome | Photography: Jessica Brydson Photography | Stylist: Rachel Forslund
There are a ton of interior design rules and guidelines out there, but the top 5 interior design principles that I try to incorporate into all my projects are:
Mix high and low priced items
Mix new and old pieces in a space
Mix materials for a visually interesting home
Incorporate plants throughout the home
Bring pieces into your home that you love
Principle 1: Mix High & Low Priced Items
Mixing high and low priced items is key to a layered, collected look in a home. You should splurge where it matters (things that will get a lot of use like sofas and chairs), but save in other areas like side tables and accessories.
Principle 2: Mix Old & New Pieces
Similar to mixing high and low priced items, you should also mix new and old pieces in a space. Mix in your favorite accessories and decor from places like Target, but also mix in some old, vintage thrift shop finds or family heirlooms. Incorporating family heirlooms with new pieces will give your home a collected look that’s unique and full of character.
Principle 3: Mix Materials for a Visually Interesting Home
Vary the materials you use and bring into your home. When you have all of the same material, it can make a space feel flat. To add interest, mix your natural materials like leather, rattan and wood and mix glass, different fabrics and different metals. This adds variation, interest and an organic way to add different colors.
Principle 4: Incorporate Plants Throughout the Home
I love to incorporate plants throughout a home, ideally real plants but if you don’t have a green thumb, even fake or faux plants will do. Plants are a great decor piece, add natural color and an organic element to every space. They can also add height in corners and other areas that need it. Bonus tip is that real plants may also help purify the air in your home.
Principle 5: Bring Pieces Into Your Home that You Love
Bring pieces into your home that you love. When you’re out shopping for your home, don’t buy things that you feel lukewarm about just because it’s on sale. Or don’t accept hand-me-downs or family pieces that you don’t really like just because you feel obligated to. And definitely don’t incorporate a design trend just because it feels on-trend. If you live by this rule, you’ll create a home that you love, that brings you joy every time you come home.
Here are some of my current favorite pieces in my home (that aren’t thrifted or family heirlooms):
Interested in putting these design principles to work in your home? Fill out an inquiry form and let's see how we can work together.
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