Layers in interior design create texture and some visual interest. They add fine details and points of interest that the eye is naturally drawn to. Without layers, home décor will literally and figuratively be one-dimensional.
Getting layers right, however, is a challenge. Do too little and the effect is going to be minimal. Do too much and you’ll have a home that’s busy, cluttered and way too disjointed for things to make sense.
Interior design professionals follow several rules to introduce layers in the most meaningful and impactful way. Trying these professional strategies will give you clean and cohesive results that add value to your home and make the most of each space.
Start with One Main Colour
Here’s the first step interior designers always follow when creating layers – start with one main colour as the base.
The easiest way to layer involves colour alone. Adding textures and patterns is a next-level project that you can take on when you feel a bit more confident in your decorating skills.
A base colour is usually a neutral one because it can work with many other shades. This rule, however, isn’t set in stone. Yes, you can have hot pink as your base colour. Yes, it will be more challenging and the range of combos will be limited. Still, the base colour doesn’t have to be plain or boring. It’s simply the one that gives you the foundation. You can have a simple base tone like grey or beige. The layers on top of it will be the ones that add the fun and excitement to the presentation.
Explore Pattern and Texture
Once you’ve nailed colour, you can start having fun.
Layering also involves different patterns and textures on top of each other. A shaggy pillow over a smooth and silk couch instantly creates some contrast. That’s because differences are noticeable. And you can use so many approaches to highlight such differences and enjoy the playful nature of decorating.
For patterns, you can create juxtapositions in several ways.
Small and big patterns give you an easy opportunity that will almost always look good.
If you’d like to explore something a bit more intricate, you can always create contrast through styles. Geometrics vs. florals is one example. In one instance, you have clean and crisp lines. In the other case, the pattern will involve lots of ornate curves.
Creating contrast through patterns involves an eye for detail and some strategic planning. There’s such a thing as going too far and doing too much. You want patterns that are different but that still look good together. To achieve the goal, you’ll need one unifying element. A similar colour or a texture will give you that unity.
Speaking of texture, it’s also a fun aspect of interior design to explore when planning layers. As a general rule of thumb you should mix textures that are soft and ones that are hard. They balance each other out, giving the room some warmth and elegance at the same time.
Stone floors, wooden furniture and velvet upholstery – here’s a quite visual example of hard and soft textures being mixed for interesting and cosy results. If a velvet sofa isn’t your thing, you can always go for a thick carpet that will add the element of softness to the otherwise harsh interior design.
The Importance of Flooring
Flooring plays a vital role in successful layering, which is why it deserves a separate section.
Just like colour, the floor can give you the foundation that you’re building the rest of the home décor upon. Luckily, there are dozens of flooring materials to explore and select for your interior design concept.
Wood or an imitation of it like laminate is always a safe and stylish choice. It work pretty much like a neutral and lots of layers can be added on top of that base – metal accessories, various types of furniture pieces, glass and mirror details, sculptural elements, etc.
Sometimes, the floor can be the star of the show. Colourful, graphic tiles will instantly turn into a focal point. You can even have them customised or personalised to fit your concept exactly. If you’re starting out with such a noticeable layer, keep the other choices simpler – they should be playing a supporting role.
Buying local isn’t just green – the choice also supports local businesses and helps grow the community.
The carbon footprint of furniture and home décor items brought from far away is ridiculous. Unless you’re a dedicated fan to a certain designer or a style, there’s really no need to splurge on such a wasteful choice.
Many local furniture makers, artisans and decorators have exceptional products for you to bring home. Not only are these locally-made and sustainable, such pieces also carry a degree of uniqueness you wouldn’t find in mass-manufactured items.
So, what are you waiting for? The time has come to invest in greener living. Spending some money on sustainability will yield an excellent return on investment and it will also be good for your health.
Contact Home Guide if you’re seeking an interior design company in Singapore that is also an experienced home renovation contractor that thoroughly understands green living. Our home renovation portfolio will give you a glimpse of the modern and sustainable projects we’ve worked on through the years.
