Interior design is rooted in a set of basic but pertinent principles. For most of us, home interior design projects begin with a mood board that we piece together by pinning the best home décor ideas online and by bookmarking the enviable homes we see in design magazines.

Whether you are considering a DIY makeover for a part of your home interiors or working towards a complete construction overhaul with the help of professionals, get familiar with the basic principles of interior design before embarking on your dream project.

1. Balance

The hallmark of a well-designed room is the visual balance between all the elements that make up the room – from colours, lines and forms to furniture, lighting and décor. A properly balanced room exudes a sense of quiet confidence and calm in home interior design.

· Symmetrical or formal balance

Symmetrical or formal balance is the first and most frequently used approach to balance in interior design. To achieve symmetrical balance, a space is evenly divided into two sides that mirror each other. It’s important to remember that in modern interior design, too much symmetry in a room can overwhelm the space, feel rigid or even boring.

· Asymmetrical balance

Asymmetrical balance is a modern approach in interior design that offers more flexibility while decorating a room. Instead of relying on mirroring or using identical objects, the key is to create a balance between the visual weight of objects that are similar in size, shape and dimensions.

· Radial balance

Radial balance is a complex approach and it isn’t easy pull off, especially in smaller spaces. One focal element, such as a circular dining table or chandelier is at the heart of radial design and all the other objects are centred around it.

2.Focal point

Each room should have a focal point: an interesting or beautiful piece—such as a piece of art, a fireplace, or a nice couch—that draws viewers’ attention. Take care not to go overboard here: if you have too many focal points in a living space, it will start to feel overpowering and unfocused.

3.Remember to think about lighting.

A well-designed room can be spoiled by improper lighting, so make sure to factor lighting into your budget. Windows (for natural light), floor lamps, overhead lights, accent lighting, and white- or light-colored walls and furniture are all great ways to open up a dark or small space.

4.Make good use of accent pieces.

Some interior designers focus on the “big” pieces in a room—things like couches, rugs, dressers, and tables—and forget about the small things. Accent pieces are a great way to make a room feel more personalized and more visually interesting, so keep an eye out for things like bowls, books, and other decorations you can use to jazz up shelves and coffee tables.

5.Give your furniture room to breathe.

When you get a new piece of furniture, it’s a natural inclination to push it up against the wall—but this can make a room feel stiff and flat. Instead, keep your furniture at least a few inches away from the walls to give your room an airier feeling.