17 Interior Design Secrets You Should Know

If you want your home to not just look great, but to look spectacular; to look like it has been expertly created by an interior designer, then you need to learn their secrets, right? Well, while they might not be so willing to give it all away, the are some interior design secrets that it has been possible to tease out over the years, so let’s take a look at some of the best ones right now.

1. Embrace the Eccentric: Quirky Shelving

Normal shelves? How passé! Opt for quirky shelving options that add a sculptural element to your room. Think honeycomb patterns, interlocking blocks, or undulating waves. These shelves aren’t just for books; they’re conversation starters.

2. Floor to Ceiling Curtains: Dramatic Much?

Yes, curtains that kiss the floor are a classic, but have you tried them brushing the ceiling? Mount your curtain rods close to the ceiling to give the illusion of taller windows and a grander room. It’s all about faking it till you make it!

3. Peek-a-Boo Furniture

Transparent furniture can add a modern twist to any room without looking too bulky. A glass coffee table or acrylic chairs can give your space a ‘less is more’ vibe while still showcasing your fabulous rug or flooring.

4. Throw in Some Throwbacks

Vintage is the new black. Scour thrift stores for that one-of-a-kind piece: a retro lamp, an antique chest, or a 70s coffee table. Each piece tells a story; your home should be the library.

5. Play with Patterns

Who said stripes and florals couldn’t be friends? Clash different patterns across cushions, bedding, or wall art. It’s like throwing a party where everyone’s invited and they all get along.

6. Handles – The Jewellery of Furniture

Don’t underestimate the power of funky handles on cabinets or drawers. Swap out boring handles for something bold and beautiful—think ceramic with intricate designs, polished gemstones, or even hand-painted artistry. Small touches, big impact!

7. Statement Ceilings: The Fifth Wall

Why should walls have all the fun? Paint your ceiling a bold colour or wallpaper it to add an element of surprise. A dark ceiling can make a large room feel cozier, while a bright pattern can add zest to a dull space.

8. Go Off-Kilter: Asymmetry is In

Forget perfectly balanced compositions. An asymmetrical layout can add visual interest and dynamism to your space. Try off-center art installations, mismatched side tables, or lamps of differing heights for a look that’s beautifully unbalanced.

9. Zone with Rugs

Use rugs to define different areas in an open-plan space. Mix textures and sizes to delineate zones without walls. It’s like drawing on the floor, but with textiles.

10. Secret Spaces

Got an under-stairs area or a quirky nook? Turn it into a secret spot for reading, a mini bar, or even a hideaway for your pets. These little retreats can add an element of fun and functionality to overlooked spaces.

11. Step Up Your Staircase Game

Why should staircases be purely functional? Paint each riser a different colour or use decals to add patterns or quotes. This turns your staircase into a visual journey, not just a path to the second floor.

12. Liven Up With Ladders

An old wooden ladder can be repurposed as a unique shelving unit. Lean it against the wall and add boards across the rungs for a rustic place to display books, plants, or even hang towels in a bathroom.

13. Dive Into DIY Upholstery

Give your old furniture a new lease on life with DIY upholstery. Choose bold fabrics that reflect your personality—whether it’s vibrant florals, sleek leather, or funky geometric patterns. Not only is this a cost-effective update, but it also ensures no one else has the same pieces as you.

14. Hang Hats, Not Just Art

Why keep all your stylish hats hidden away? Use them as wall decor! Arrange them in a visually appealing pattern on a wall for a practical yet chic display that’s easy to change up whenever you like.

15. Bring in the Outdoors

Incorporate elements typically seen outside into your indoor decor. This could mean installing a sliding barn door, using pebbles or wood slices as decor accents, or even creating an indoor vertical garden wall. Bringing outdoor elements inside helps blur the lines between nature and your living space, creating a serene and organic feel.

16. Maximalist Moments

Sometimes, more is indeed more. Create a maximalist corner with a collage of colourful art prints, photographs, and memorabilia. This can be an excellent display of your life journey or interests and serves as a personal gallery that sparks conversations and ignites memories.

17. Unexpected Wallpaper Uses

Wallpaper doesn’t just belong on walls. Use vibrant or textured wallpaper to line the backs of bookshelves, as drawer liners, or even to cover a ceiling panel. These unexpected pops of pattern can create layers of interest in your interiors.

Now you know some of the best secrets the interior designers use, you can put them into action in your own home and ensure you create a space that is truly wonderful, Great right?