Decor

How to Design a Cohesive Room

These simple guidelines will help you create an appealing design scheme for any room

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Credit: Vera Summers

You’ll want to consider fabrics, wall colours, furniture, shapes and finishes when creating a room’s design scheme

Redesigning a room can sometimes feel overwhelming. Follow these simple guidelines to help you get started, and create your perfect space.



Credit: Vera Summers

Create a Mood Board

A mood board is a collection of inspirational images that set the tone for your design direction.Start by pulling together everything you like onto a pinboard, or create a digital board on Pinterest, and then pare it down to the style and mood you want to achieve – romantic and relaxing, cheerful and contemporary, or perhaps an eclectic mix.



Credit: Vera Summers

Select Fabric

Fabric plays a big role in creating the right style in a space, and should be one of the first things you consider. If your large pieces are solids, it’s easier to mix in complementing fabrics through cushions and drapery. Mix patterns and sizes in the same colour family for a dynamic yet cohesive look.



Credit: Vera Summers

Match Wall Colours

Use your fabric to help you choose a paint colour. Colour match a few colours from your fabric, but test them on your walls first – the subtleties of a colour are often not visible in small samples. Always look at your fabric and paint swatches in the room you are designing to see exactly how the colour will look in that particular lighting.



Credit: Vera Summers

Choose Furniture

You don’t have to buy a matching set of furniture when purchasing new items; spaces tend to look better with a collection of different pieces. Choose furniture in similar colours and tones that reinforce your style, and your space will look harmonious yet interesting.



Credit: Vera Summers

Strike a Balance

Cohesion is very important in creating a pulled-together space. Make sure each colour, finish and shape is repeated at least twice to visually link the room’s elements together.