5 Ways to create a visual impact with Interior Design.

[AD] I'm quite open when it comes to sharing the my life online, however one thing you may not know about me is that I'm a qualified Interior Designer. For as long as I could remember I wanted to pursue a career in Interiors. I began my journey when choosing appropriate GCSE's back when I was fourteen. I continued down the Interior Design career path through College & University, even working freelance for a little while afterwards.

'Life' happened and unfortunately I haven't ended up continuing my career within Interior Design, however that certainly hasn't halted my passion for it. Especially in my own home.

I love being able to design something specifically for me and my family. I'm able to use everything I've learnt over the last fifteen years (eek) to create a visually impactful spaces. I've been able to transform our house into a home: Creating a space that fits our lifestyle perfectly.

With that in mind I've put together 5 ways to create a visual impact within Interior Design.

1. Choose colours wisely.

For many of us choosing a colour scheme is probably the first port of call when it comes to transforming an Interior space. But do we all do it correctly? It can actually be much harder than you think.

Lighter colours can make an Interior space appear larger whereas darker shades will do the opposite. Darker tones will bring the space in giving the illusion of a cosier more modest space. Lighter colours should be considered for smaller spaces such as box bedrooms or utility rooms. Darker tones are more advantageous in larger rooms although I understand the 'modern aesthetic' is to paint vast Interior spaces in a lighter, brighter tone. My personal opinion is that this can make the space appear stark and somewhat bland. I think it's much wiser to consider adding a pop of colour within a feature wall in a larger space. This brings a little more personality to a space & will definitely create a visual impact with Interior Design.

2. Utilise lighting to create a visual impact.

Lighting can be somewhat difficult to contend with, especially if your home has low ceilings or a pitched roof. It's useful to understand that our eyes will subconsciously be directed in the way of the light. Most bulbs are typically directed to throw light up to the ceiling or down towards the floor. With that in mind you need to make the decision as to whether you want the space to have the illusion of a higher ceiling or a cosier feeling.

To create a visual impact with Interior Design it's useful to have a few different options of each. Downlighting, which is more commonly used in table lamps and floor lamps work brilliantly to showcase particular features of your Interior space. They're excellent for directing the eye to exactly where it's needed to be.

3. Organisation is key.

Organisation and storage is something that can easily be forgotten when transforming an Interior space. We often get too wrapped up in the 'fancy-schmancy' of a space that we let slip from out memories the practicalities of how the space should work.

I've found particularly in new build properties that storage options can be far and few between. It's handy to know different way's you can create excellent storage solutions whilst also creating a visual impact within an Interior space. This could be simply by organising your cupboards with clear acrylic storage boxes, cleverly adorned with text so you know what goes where. This can be done simply and affordably, click here for free fonts you can use to pop on your storage boxes. Or to create a visual impact on a much larger scale, vintage suitcases or antique trunks could be used to not only keep your home tidy, but to elevate your space& give it character.

4. Scale & proportion.

The furniture you place in an Interior space plays a rather large role in how the finished room will look. The key is to make sure you get the scale and proportions right.

Those with smaller Interior spaces should consider not only smaller pieces of furniture, but thinner pieces too. I love a chunky oak table as much as the next person, but in reality you need a rather large space for it to fit comfortably. If you have a smaller space it might be worth using more curved furniture to give the illusion of added space. Equally if you're wanting to make your Interior space feel more homely & cosy, grounded furniture is brilliant.

5. Use different textures to create a visual impact.

I love bringing different textures into an Interior space & fully believe when it comes to this type of styling 'more is more'. I don't feel you could every have enough different textures within a space. In my personal opinion adding texture is the easiest way to transform your house into a home. There's a certain level of cosiness which comes with adding texture and it's an attribute I've made sure to bring to my home.

Rugs are the simplest texture creators and the easiest way to bring a bit of warmth to your home. Thick, fluffy rugs can be great although thinking practically a woven or knitted rug can be just as impressive. You could also layer different textures using throws and cushions or pairing venetian blinds with longline linen curtains.

The possibilities really are endless when it comes to using texture to create a visual impact with Interior Design. Just remember, 'more is more'.

Alongside quirky homeware ideas, I've used these five pointers to create an Interior space both me and my family love. I love that I'm able to use what I've learned to create a visual impact with Interior Design.

What do you think is the easiest way to create a visual impact with Interior Design?