Design an interior like a pro
Designing an interior is more than just picking furniture and colors—it’s about creating a space that reflects your personality, meets your needs, and feels harmonious. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing a room, these steps will help you design an interior you’ll love for years to come.
Below mentioned steps is our way of working when running a project for clients. It’s a well thought out proces which guides you (or clients) step by step through the interior design process. So, let’s design an interior like a pro!
1. Create a moodboard: find your interior style
Start by collecting images that inspire you. Use platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, or even magazines. Look for spaces that make you feel at home, whether it’s a cozy Scandinavian living room, a bold maximalist bedroom, or a sleek modern kitchen. Also look for shapes, materials or colours that inspire you.
We made some moodboards in different styles yet to inspire you. Have a look at our Pinterest page.
🔑 Key tip: Look for the common thread in your images. Do you gravitate toward warm woods, cool metals, or soft textiles? This will help you distill your unique style.
2. Develop a color and material plan
Once you’ve identified your style, create a color palette and material plan. Pull colors from your moodboard and decide on a mix of textures—think wood, stone, metal, and fabric.
Pro tip: Stick to a cohesive palette. If you love bold colors, use them as accents. If you prefer neutrals, add depth with different textures. A very inspirational account for color palettes is this account on Pinterest.
3. Plan the layout
Before buying anything, sketch a layout. Consider the flow of the space, where natural light comes in, and how you’ll use each area. Especially pay attention to the logistic of your space. For example, which routes do you use most frequently? Like from the kitchen to the dining table or from the hall to the living space. Place larger furniture pieces first, then fill in with smaller items.
Remember: Functionality matters. Ensure there’s enough space to move around and that each piece serves a purpose. Furniture requires a minimum space to work around. For example, to move a dining chair backwards when leaving the table or distance between a sofa and a tv. There are books about this subject (for the Dutch readers: De Menselijke Maat prof. ir. A.J.H. Haak) or check this post.
4. Design a lighting plan
Lighting can make or break a space. Often forgotten, but it’s a major part of an interior design. And also the hardes part we think. At first, to discover what type of lightning is needed and where. Then, to find the right illumination for your space.
When making a lightning plan, plan these three types of lighting:
- Functional light (e.g., task lighting for reading or cooking)
- Atmospheric light (e.g., warm lamps or dimmable fixtures)
- Accent light (e.g., spotlights for artwork or plants)
Tip: Layer your lighting to create depth and ambiance.
5. Bring it all together
Now, translate your moodboard, color plan, and layout into reality. Choose furniture, fabrics, and decor that align with your vision. Think about tailormade woodwork, integrated cabinets and the right decoration.
🔑 Most important rule: Stick to the plan. If a piece doesn’t fit your moodboard or color scheme, don’t buy it—no matter how tempting.
✨ Our bonus tips for a unique interior
- Mix sources: Don’t buy everything from one store. Hunt for unique pieces at flea markets, vintage shops, or online marketplaces. This adds character and makes your space feel curated.
- Reuse what you have: Before buying new, see if you can repurpose or refresh existing furniture with paint, new hardware, or reupholstering.
- Trust your instinct: Trends come and go, but your personal style is timeless. If you love something, go for it—even if it’s not “on-trend.”
Final thought
Designing an interior is a journey. Take your time, enjoy the process, and create a space that truly feels like you. We hope these tips helped you how to design an interior like a pro.