Think about the last time you admired someone’s home. What was it about the space that caught your eye? Chances are it had a sense of flow, meaning all the elements created an attractive, balanced design. Here at Castle Painting and Remodeling in Atlanta, GA, we strive to capture this same cohesiveness in all our projects. Let these tips from our remodeling contractors inspire your next home improvement journey.

What Makes Interior Design Cohesive?

Beautiful interior design is fairly easy to spot—it is pleasing to look at and makes visitors feel at home in the space. However, it’s often hard to describe why the design is so attractive. We already explained that beauty stems from balance, but what exactly does that mean?  

Think of a home as a story. Every room is a different chapter with a protagonist and secondary characters. Here, the protagonist is the focal point of the room—whether it’s a headboard, a fireplace, or a chandelier. Secondary characters are the other furniture and accessories that decorate the space.

Like a well-written book, homes also need themes and motifs that bring the rooms together. These themes typically manifest as repeated elements. For example, our remodeling contractors often use a color, fabric, or texture multiple times throughout the property.

We also use a blend of complementary and contrasting features to add interest and depth. Putting streamlined furniture against an exposed brick wall, for instance, gives the entire room an industrial flair. Incorporating similar elements throughout the home then creates a cohesive space.

If you want to give your home a similar sense of flow, you’ll need to learn how to pair and repeat features. Below, our remodeling contractors break down the process.  

How to Create a Cohesive Design

Work From a Theme

Before remodeling, examine your home’s current features as well as envision how you want it to look after the remodel. Then, try to describe the property in a single word. Identifying your style creates a framework through which you can organize the rest of the project. For example, it will help you pick furniture that matches the desired feel for the space. It will also make it easier to communicate your expectations with our remodeling contractors.     

There are dozens of different design styles to choose from. Some of the most popular include:

• Traditional: This timeless style is inspired by 18th- and 19th-century European decor. It is characterized by elegant antiques, classic art pieces, and overall symmetry.
• Contemporary: Contemporary designs encompass a range of styles from the 20th century. It uses curved lines, minimal decor, and neutral colors to create a space that prioritizes function over form.  
• Rustic: If you like weathered textures and metallic furnishings, you probably identify with rustic designs. This style blends farmhouse and industrial elements, resulting in a sophisticated space.
• Coastal: Being in the south, many Atlanta homeowners give their property a beachy flair. The coastal style uses vibrant neutrals to create a bright and airy feel. It also uses natural materials and fabrics.
• Eclectic: If your home doesn’t fit into any of the above categories, it’s probably eclectic. This design style is an amalgamation of many times periods and trends. It uses bright colors, bold patterns, and contrasting decor to create a unique yet unified space.  

As long as the rooms are not conjoined, each space can have a slightly different style. Repeating design elements will ensure these themes still flow from room to room.

Develop a Color Scheme

Color is an organizational tool. Think about a calendar or a closet—color is used in both situations to group similar objects. In print and digital advertising, different hues tell viewers where to look first.

Color in the home is no different. Developing a paint scheme for individual rooms and choosing an overall color personality for the property both help visitors understand the relationship between each space. It can also draw the eye around the area, highlighting the features that are most important.      

Our experienced painters recommend that homeowners use no more than five distinct colors throughout the property. These hues should also be the same saturation—you don’t want to pair jewel-tone blue with pastel green, for example. These colors may clash and make the home feel disconnected. You can, however, use contrasting colors. Contrast, as mentioned previously, adds interest and depth. Just make sure the hues are within the same saturation family.

If you’re not sure what colors to choose, start by looking at your existing decor. Take note of any hues that already appear multiple times. Then, incorporate and expand upon these colors in the remodel.

It may also help to think about the psychological effects of different colors when choosing paint for each room. Blue, for example, has been shown to decrease stress, making it an ideal choice for the bedroom. Red and other warm colors, on the other hand, stimulate appetite. Try using them in dining or food preparation areas.    

Rethink the Floors

When it comes to cohesiveness, the material on the floor is just as important as the paint on the wall. Consistent flooring will make each room feel familiar and create a sense of flow as visitors move throughout the space.

According to our remodeling contractors, you don’t have to limit the home to just one material, though. That isn’t always practical. You wouldn’t want to use the carpet in the master bedroom in the attached bathroom.

Instead, use two or three materials—but make sure they complement each other. Start with color. For example, use a light tile in the bathrooms and laundry room, neutral carpet in the bedrooms, and pale-colored hardwood in the living room. Similarly, try a dark stone in the entryway and a deep-colored wood throughout.

In addition to the hue, it’s worth thinking about the functionality of each floor. If you’re a dog owner, for instance, we recommend picking materials that not only reflects your unique style but is also resistant to scratches and pet accidents such as tile and laminate. People with large families, on the other hand, should choose floors that can withstand heavy foot traffic such as stone and hardwood.    

While you want the home to feel balanced, you also don’t want each room to blur together. Create logical transitions between spaces with a variety of area rugs.

The traditional rule of thumb is to measure the open space and select a rug the next size up. This tactic will ensure you have room for furniture and any other decor that may sit on top of the accessory. Also, pick a shape that matches the open space on the floor, whether that’s rectangular, circular, or square. If you’re going for an eclectic look, as discussed previously, consider layering rugs to give each room a bold yet cozy feel.

Are you ready to make your home a more comfortable, cohesive space? Then, call Castle Painting and Remodeling at (404) 236-8948. Our remodeling contractors are experienced craftsmen with an eye for design and will help you bring a sense of flow to every room. Our esteemed painters will also develop a color scheme that enhances the property’s natural beauty. We have been in business for over 20 years and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every project. Visit our website to learn more about our comprehensive services. You can also like us on Facebook to view photos of our past work and find inspiration for your next remodel.