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Text: Ar. Gaurav Pathak, Founder and Principal Architect, Design 21, Gurugram

The right home design incorporates choosing the right furnishings and décor elements as per the family’s preference, regardless of their origin or style. Such pieces range from antique to contemporary, or even a conscious amalgamation of different styles and colour palettes can transform a space.

• Blend of different styles

Traditional and contemporary architecture or interior design styles contrast each other, yet a thoughtful fusion adds a transcending quality to the space. Choosing décor pieces that complement the style is crucial to achieving the desired aesthetic, which must resonate with the homeowner’s preference as well. For example, positioning a sleek décor component against a brightly-coloured wall balances the space according to the ambience.

• Experimenting with visual aesthetics

Colours, textures, patterns and materials play significant roles in styling a home as they impact a space’s mood and perception. Using different elements on walls and floors with a dynamic colour palette stimulates the human senses to bring about visual pleasure, while a muted colour palette adds sophistication and finesse.

• A balanced interconnection

Balancing all the décor elements lends a cohesive individuality to the home, which is possible through a single detail repeated at the corners. This can be through placing a series of similar components around the house, which includes a colour palette or furnishings. One must consider the principles of symmetry, repetition, patterns, balance, emphasis and proportion to create visually aesthetic forms. For example, patterned tiled flooring pleases the eye and symmetrically placed wall and ceiling décor balances the room.

• Illumination

Appropriate lighting determines a home’s overall feel and well-positioned lighting systems influence human sensory perception. Soft warm lighting brightens up spaces while adding a pleasant touch, which is possible with wall sconces, pendant lights, strip lights and lamps. Rooms must be equipped with general lighting fixtures for practical purposes, such as office lights, study lights and kitchen lights.

• Breathing Spaces

Free spaces must be planned to achieve an uncluttered space, allowing for a smooth circulation between elements. While too many elements tend to make a room suffocating, planning for breathing spaces makes it more expansive.