We always say that remodeling is a job best left to the pros, but the all-important task of setting a vision for the project falls largely on the homeowner. The success of a remodel has a lot to do with how well you can picture your “after” and communicate what you want for your space. This is less about knowing the ins and outs of interior design (that’s our job, after all!) and more about understanding a few universal principles.

Local home remodeler DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Elizabethtown shares four basic design principles worth keeping in mind, straight from the interior designer’s rulebook.

1. Harmony

Interior design is about creating harmony, be it within an entire room or throughout the home. Each element should work together and complement one another to establish a unified theme. One of the best ways to achieve harmony is through the use of color. Varying shades of a single color brings a subtle vibe to an all-white or neutral space. For a more striking visual effect, however, you can mix colors that don’t necessarily go together.

2. Rhythm

The concept of rhythm in interior design is similar to that of music in the sense that it involves repetition, progression, transition and contrast of elements such as patterns, colors and textures. These mechanisms help impart a sense of movement to the living space, allowing your eyes to glide from one design element to the next.

3. Balance

Another key principle of interior design that every reputable home renovator will take into account is balance. It can be symmetrical, where one side of the room has the same look as the other and is largely common in traditional interior aesthetics. It can also be asymmetrical, where there’s no duplication but the balance can be seen when perceiving lines, colors, forms and textures of the same visual weight.

4. Details

As boring as they can be, details in interior design are just as important as the aforementioned interior design principles. To make them work in your living space, there should be a sense of scale and proportion. Both of these concepts go hand-in-hand because of their relation to size and shape. Proportion involves the ratio between two design elements, while scale involves the size of the object compared to another.

Let’s Start a Conversation!

Good news: your search for “contractor near me” ends with DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Elizabethtown! Whether you’re remodeling a spare room, finishing a basement, adding a home office or updating a kitchen, you can count on our team of experts to create a design that meets your unique needs. Call (717) 452-4942 or fill out our contact form to schedule a design center visit. Our service areas include Lancaster, Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, Manheim and other nearby areas.