Decoration

Decoration is the art of making a space more beautiful and more personal without changing its structure. Wall color, curtains, rugs, furniture, light fittings, artwork, plants and small objects are its raw materials. The goal is a coherent atmosphere that suits the taste and daily life of the people who use the room.

What sits behind good decoration

Most rooms that look right follow a few simple rules. The color palette stays limited, usually one main color, a couple of supporting tones and an accent. A mix of textures, such as wood, fabric, metal and stone side by side, keeps even a single-color room lively. Scale matters too: an oversized sofa in a small room or a tiny rug in a large living room throws the balance off. And good rooms leave some empty surfaces where the eye can rest.

Decoration choices are rarely made one at a time. They are usually put together on a moodboard, so you can see from the start how materials and colors sit next to each other.

Decoration in visualization

In a render, the decoration layer is often what makes an interior believable. An empty room stays cold however well it is lit; a cushion, an open book and a few plants make it feel lived in. Overdo the accessories, though, and they compete with the design itself. For style ideas, see interior design ideas and planning tips.