Design Guide

Fundamental Design Principles

Master these core concepts to create harmonious, functional, and visually appealing spaces.

Balance

Create visual equilibrium through symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial arrangements of elements to establish harmony and stability in your space.

Rhythm

Establish visual flow through repetition, progression, or transition of design elements to create movement and guide the eye through the space.

Harmony

Create a cohesive look by ensuring all elements work together through shared colors, materials, or design themes for a unified aesthetic.

Emphasis

Establish focal points to draw attention and create visual interest, using contrast, placement, or unique elements to highlight key areas.

Proportion & Scale

Ensure elements relate appropriately to each other and the space itself, creating comfortable relationships between objects and their surroundings.

Contrast

Create visual interest by juxtaposing different elements—light vs. dark, rough vs. smooth, large vs. small—to highlight differences and create dynamism.

Design Style Guides

Explore popular design aesthetics and discover which style resonates with your personal taste and lifestyle.

Modern

Clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and emphasis on function define this timeless style.

Neutral color palettes
Geometric forms
Natural materials
Open floor plans

Traditional

Classic elegance with rich details, symmetry, and comfortable furnishings.

Warm, rich colors
Ornate details
Wood furnishings
Layered textiles

Minimalist

"Less is more" philosophy focusing on essentials, clean spaces, and intentional design.

Monochromatic palette
Simple forms
Quality over quantity
Abundant natural light

Industrial

Raw, unfinished aesthetic celebrating building materials and structural elements.

Exposed materials
Neutral & metallic tones
Utilitarian objects
Open, loft-like spaces

Bohemian

Eclectic, colorful, and layered style with global influences and personal expression.

Rich, vibrant colors
Pattern mixing
Natural elements
Vintage & handmade items

Scandinavian

Simple, functional design with emphasis on light, nature, and cozy comfort.

Light, airy colors
Natural materials
Functional furniture
Textural interest

Color Palette Guide

Discover how color influences mood and perception, and learn to create harmonious color schemes for any space.

Deep Navy

Sophisticated and calming, perfect for creating intimate, refined spaces.

Warm White

Creates bright, airy spaces that feel clean yet inviting and comfortable.

Warm Gold

Adds luxury and warmth, perfect for accents and metallic finishes.

Sage Green

Creates a calming, natural atmosphere that connects indoors with outdoors.

Warm Taupe

Versatile neutral that adds warmth without overwhelming a space.

Terracotta

Earthly tone that adds warmth and character, inspired by natural clay.

Deep Teal

Rich, dramatic color that adds depth and sophistication to any room.

Cool Gray

Modern neutral that creates a clean, sophisticated backdrop for any style.

Color Psychology Tips

• Blue promotes calm and productivity - ideal for offices and bedrooms
• Yellow stimulates creativity and optimism - perfect for kitchens and creative spaces
• Green creates balance and renewal - excellent for living areas and bathrooms
• Red increases energy and appetite - use sparingly in dining rooms or entryways
• Neutrals provide flexibility and timeless appeal - great foundation for any space

Material Selection Guide

Understand the characteristics, benefits, and best uses of various materials to make informed design decisions.

Natural Stone

Timeless, durable materials like marble, granite, and limestone that add luxury and character to any space.

Hardwood

Warm, natural flooring option that ages beautifully and adds value to your home.

Concrete

Modern, industrial material that's versatile, durable, and perfect for contemporary spaces.

Textiles

From linen to velvet, fabrics add texture, comfort, and personality to your interiors.

Metals

Brass, chrome, and black steel add refinement, contrast, and visual interest to designs.

Glass

Creates openness, reflects light, and adds a modern touch to partitions, doors, and surfaces.

Lighting Design Guide

Master the art of illumination to enhance mood, functionality, and the overall aesthetic of your space.

Ambient Lighting

General illumination that provides overall light to a space, creating a comfortable level of brightness without glare.

Task Lighting

Focused light for specific activities like reading, cooking, or working, providing illumination where it's needed most.

Accent Lighting

Decorative lighting that highlights architectural features, artwork, or specific areas to create visual interest.

Lighting Pro Tips

• Layer different types of lighting (ambient, task, accent) for a balanced, flexible scheme
• Use dimmers to adjust light levels according to time of day and activity
• Consider color temperature: warm (2700K-3000K) for cozy spaces, cool (3500K-5000K) for task areas
• Place light sources at different heights to create depth and dimension
• Use mirrors to reflect and amplify natural and artificial light

Professional Design Tips

Insider knowledge from our design team to help you avoid common mistakes and create spaces that truly work.

01

Start With a Focal Point

Every room needs an anchor—whether it's a fireplace, artwork, or statement furniture piece. Build your design around this focal point.

02

Consider Scale & Proportion

Ensure furniture fits the room properly. Oversized pieces can overwhelm a space, while undersized items can make it feel empty.

03

Create Visual Flow

Use repeating colors, materials, or patterns throughout your home to create cohesion from room to room.

04

Mix Textures

Combine different materials—smooth, rough, soft, hard—to add depth and interest to your design.

05

Invest in Quality Basics

Splurge on key pieces like sofas and beds, then save on accessories that can be easily updated over time.

06

Edit Ruthlessly

Less is often more. Remove items that don't serve a purpose or bring you joy to create a more intentional space.

Additional Resources

Tools, references, and further reading to continue your design education journey.

Design Books

Curated reading list of essential design books covering principles, styles, and techniques.

View List

Design Tools

Digital tools and apps to help you visualize, plan, and execute your design projects.

Explore Tools

Supplier Directory

Trusted sources for furniture, materials, and accessories recommended by our design team.

View Directory