Interior design is the art and science of enhancing a space to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment for people. It involves a broad range of services, including conceptual development, space planning, site inspections, programming, research and communication with clients. Designers also develop construction documents and oversee other professional services, such as mechanical, electrical and plumbing.

Colors play a huge role in the mood of a space. Whether you’re decorating a home or professional property, it’s important to choose colors that reflect the ambiance you want. For example, blue is a calm color that relaxes the mind and slows down heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolism. It’s also known to evoke feelings of the sea or swimming pools.

Texture can be used to add depth, create balance and lend visual weight. It is an important aspect of any interior design scheme. Textures can come from a variety of sources, including soft furnishings and decor. They can also be found in hard materials such as stone, wood and metal.

Tactile texture is how an object or surface feels to the touch, while visual texture is how it looks. For example, a velvet sofa has a tactile texture while a metal bench has visual texture. While textures are often considered secondary to color and space, they can play an important role in a design. Think about it this way: how comfortable would you feel on a hard chair?

Lighting is a key element of interior design. It can dramatically impact a space’s look, feel, and functionality. Light influences a space’s appearance in many ways, including bending the illusion of size and adding or subtracting colors. It also helps to create a mood and set the tone for a room.

Professional designers use a variety of lighting types to achieve the right look for their clients. These include general, ambient, task, and accent lights. A good lighting plan combines these different forms to illuminate a room according to its function and style. It should also consider how the lighting will work in conjunction with other areas of interior design, such as color selections and furniture placement.

Furnishings are a crucial part of interior design. They define the style of a space and help create the ideal room. Furniture also makes a great focal point in a room, which helps define function and guides the flow of movement throughout a space. Arranging furniture pieces in a way that is consistent with its intended use is key.

Accessories are objects that can be placed in a room to add visual interest and style. They can include books, vases, lamps, and other decorative pieces. Accessories should be chosen with consideration for scale and proportion in order to ensure balance in a space. For example, a large sculpture piece may look awkward in a small room.

Another important consideration is color in home design accessories. Objects that are of the same color can appear to blend into their surroundings, while those that stand out will make an impact in a room. Home accessories can be mass produced or hand crafted by independent designers in studios, and should always fit with the overall style of the room they are intended to complement. Adding items that are unique and designed by hand can help to make an interior design space more memorable, and add a sense of prestige to the property.