Design Experts Reveal Strategies to Avoid Making Rooms Mundane: Here Are Their Top 5 Ideas
In the world of interior design, creating an interesting and non-boring space is key. Design experts suggest layering contrasting textures and tones to add depth and visual intrigue, while disrupting harmony "just enough" to keep the eye engaged and the space dynamic.
Monica Santayana, co-founder of MONIOMI Design, advocates for mixing patterns unexpectedly, placing something bold in a quiet room, or exaggerating proportion to make a design intriguing. Genevieve Bennett, head of design at Liberty Interiors, encourages experimenting with unexpected color or pattern pairings and incorporating the pattern sprinkling trend.
Textured wall finishes like Roman clay, plaster reliefs, or limewash can add subtle personality and character to a space, instead of just paint or wallpaper. In open-plan homes, creating well-defined zones using furniture arrangements, rugs, archways, or partial walls can introduce visual separation and privacy without closing off spaces completely.
Warm, natural materials and earth tones such as cream, mushroom, terracotta, and deep moss green bring warmth and sophistication to your spaces. Layering multiple patterns, textiles, colors, and decor pieces thoughtfully can add a cozy, collected feel and avoid flatness or minimalism that may come off as boring.
Incorporating small, unexpected design details, like walnut or marble accents in hidden spots, can elevate the experience and make the space feel personalized and special. Art, according to Manuela Hamilford, creative director and founder of Hamilford Design, sets the tone for a space and invites emotion and conversation.
Examples of captivating design include the corner banquette seating area with a red and white striped ceiling, creating a cozy, non-boring space. Bold prints are a great way to inject fun into an interior setting, as suggested by Genevieve Bennett.
Raili Clasen, founder and creative director at Raili CA Design, suggests transforming a space with a playful arched doorway idea or contrasting wallpaper on room dividers. Ronald Alvarez, co-founder of MONIOMI Design, agrees with using contrast and values a 'curated collision of ideas' to create energy in a space.
Before starting a new project, it's important to avoid outdated interior design rules. The key is to create thoughtful contrasts and moments of discovery, with a balance of cohesiveness and playful disruption, so that every space feels alive, purposeful, and uniquely yours.
- Monica Santayana advises mixing patterns unexpectedly, like placing something bold in a quiet room or exaggerating proportion to make a design intriguing.
- Genevieve Bennett encourages experimenting with unexpected color or pattern pairings and incorporating the pattern sprinkling trend.
- Textured wall finishes like Roman clay, plaster reliefs, or limewash can add subtle personality and character to a space.
- In open-plan homes, creating well-defined zones using furniture arrangements, rugs, archways, or partial walls can introduce visual separation and privacy.
- Warm, natural materials and earth tones bring warmth and sophistication to your living room, kitchen, or bathroom.
- Art sets the tone for a space and invites emotion and conversation, according to Manuela Hamilford.
- Bold prints can inject fun into an interior setting, as suggested by Genevieve Bennett, and examples include a cozy, non-boring corner banquette seating area with a red and white striped ceiling.
- Design experts like Raili Clasen suggest transforming a space with a playful arched doorway idea or contrasting wallpaper on room dividers, and Ronald Alvarez values a 'curated collision of ideas' to create energy in a space.
