Level Up Your Home with These Basics of Interior Design

Design your home with intention and make every choice count. Don’t feel constraint by rigid rules, but rather focus on the basics of interior design. Create a space that feels like you. Hang art that speaks to you, layer fabrics and textures to create depth, and embrace colors you love. Mix and match patterns and shapes to keep things fresh, then carry a few favorites from room to room for balance. Choose details that make you smile and don’t hold back. In this blog, our team at Meg & Co shares four basics of interior design that help you take ownership of your space and have fun doing it.

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1. Display Large Art for Impact

Large art makes a bold statement in any room and elevates the space. It can be a piece you picked up while traveling, a gift you’ve received, or even something thrifted. An oil painting you reframed or a large-scale piece you purchased will add instant character and set the tone. It can echo the colors you already use in your space or introduce something completely different and unexpected for a striking contrast. Remember, lines belong in the key basics of interior design, and hanging large art creates strong visual lines that guide the eye and bring structure to your room. The key is to look for a larger piece that resonates with you.

We have noticed that most people prioritize placing art in gathering spaces like staircases or dining rooms, where it’s highly visible. However, we love dressing up a bedroom or even a bathroom—spaces where you can enjoy art in a more personal, intimate way and define the space. Large art doesn’t just decorate a wall; it tells a story, brings a mood, and leads with personality. Since you don’t shop for art every day, give yourself permission to splurge on something special, or set aside time to explore antique shops and local galleries where hidden gems are waiting.

2. Layer Textures and Fabrics

Textures are an integral part and one of the key basics of interior design. If you want to level up a room and make your home feel more refined, remember that color alone won’t get you there. Real depth comes from layering textures and fabrics. Think of the contrast between ceiling beams, cotton-linen striped dining chairs, terracotta pots shaped from different clays, and a handwoven wool rug. Each piece brings its own texture, and together they create balance and visual interest. The beauty lies in the mix—carefully crafted elements that complement one another, adding depth without competing for attention.

In the living room, a marble fireplace anchors the room and instantly becomes the statement piece. It grounds the entire space with contrast. On one side, Kincaid Harrington chairs bring a classic plaid fabric paired with a rich wood finish. Across from them, Francis floral chairs in a linen-viscose blend introduce bold pattern and soft texture. Together, these pieces show how mixing fabrics and finishes creates harmony without sameness. The result? Our room feels layered, inviting, and elevated.

3. Embrace Color

The best place to start with color is simple: choose the shades you genuinely love. You’re the one living in your home, so the colors you pick should be ones you enjoy seeing every day. A common mistake is defaulting to gray or beige out of indecision, which can leave a space feeling flat. Our advice to lean instead into color with confidence.

In this bathroom, rich fall tones on the paneled walls and the Duleek wallpaper, featuring a woodland scene of swans, stags, and songbirds, create a moody, dramatic backdrop. Paired with gold plumbing fixtures and a round mirror, it’s a bathroom you’ll remember.

Don’t be afraid to use color strategically—whether to create a focal point, highlight details, or shape the mood of a room. Color has the power to bring calm and serenity, or on the other hand, add energy and excitement. If you’re not ready to commit and feel hesitant about making a permanent color decision—even with paint—you can channel color through accessories like pillows, rugs, and art. This approach keeps you flexible and allows you to refresh your look each season. To maintain a cohesive feel, stick to the same palette and carry it from room to room.

4. Style Your Surfaces

Styling your surfaces — coffee tables, console tables, and nightstands—is an easy way to showcase your personality and elevate everyday spaces. Think intentionally: layer candles, books, vases, and decorative objects with interesting shapes to create groupings that feel visually appealing.

Always keep height and scale in mind, since they add balance and flow to the arrangement. Best of all, these pieces can be rotated seasonally, keeping your home fresh and ever-evolving.

Leveling up your home doesn’t happen by accident—it comes from the choices you make with intention. Displaying large art, layering textures and fabrics, embracing color, and styling surfaces are four powerful ways to create a space that feels elevated and uniquely yours.

At Meg & Co, we believe great design begins with thoughtful decisions and a clear vision. If you’re ready to create a home that feels personal and welcoming, we’d love to walk alongside you in the process. Together, we can bring your vision to life.