The One Home Decor Trick Interior Designers

 Don't Want You to Know

Have you ever walked into a beautifully decorated home and wondered how the owner achieved such a stunning look? You might think it has something to do with expensive furniture, designer accessories, or interior design flair. But what if I told you there is one simple tip that can revolutionize your living space, and it's something that many interior designers like to keep secret?

In this blog post, RAPHAE will delve into the world of home décor and reveal a secret that can give your home a new look. Whether you're a seasoned home decor enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of interior design, this trick will help you take your space to new heights.

Before we unveil the big secret, it's important to understand the concept of negative space. In design terms, negative space refers to the blank or unoccupied area of a composition. It is the space around and between objects, furniture, and decorative elements. Negative space is just as important as the objects themselves, and both create a harmonious and visually appealing environment.

Negative space plays a vital role in interior design for several reasons:

1. Creating balance and harmony
2. Allowing the eye to rest and appreciate the surrounding elements
3. Enhancing the visual impact of the main components
4. Helping create a sense of spaciousness and tranquility

Understanding and effectively utilizing negative space is the foundation of our secret sauce, which we will reveal in the next section.

A home decorating trick that interior designers often keep secret is the 70/30 rule. This simple but powerful rule states that 70% of a room should be filled with furniture, decorative, and functional items, while the remaining 30% should be reserved for negative space.

By following this principle, you can create a professional, sophisticated atmosphere in your home without the need for expensive furniture or intricate decorations—a few delicate pieces will do.

Evaluate Your Existing Space 

Before you begin implementing the 70/30 rule, take a close look at your current living space. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Does the room feel cluttered or cramped?
• Are there empty or unfinished areas?
• Do you have trouble focusing on specific elements in the room?
• Does the space feel balanced and harmonious?

Let's explore how to implement the 70/30 rule in different areas of your home:

In the living room, start by identifying the main focal points, such as the sofa, coffee table, or fireplace. These elements should occupy approximately 70% of the space. The remaining 30% can be left open to facilitate movement and create a sense of spaciousness.

• Arrange furniture of the right size to create conversation areas.
• Use rugs to define the interior space and create visual dimension.
• Leave some empty wall space to avoid clutter.
• Consider removing unnecessary side tables or streamlining decorations to emphasize key points.
• Recommended RAPHAE eye-catching decorations:

In the kitchen, appliances and cabinets usually take up a large portion of the space. Countertops and open shelving should be kept 30% clear to maintain a clean and functional look.

• Organize seldom-used appliances to reduce countertop space.
• Leave some open space on shelves for a more relaxed feel.
• Kitchens don't lend themselves to decorative displays; remove unnecessary decorations.
• Keep the center of the kitchen open and easy to move around.

In the dining room, the dining table and chairs will naturally take up most of the space. The point is to leave 30% of the space to create a sense of spaciousness and a comfortable place to move around.

• Choose the right size dining table for the room.
• Avoid crowding the space with too many chairs.
• If a buffet or sideboard makes the room feel crowded, consider removing it.
• Leave some empty wall space or use minimalist décor; Candle holders are perfect for enhancing the sense of ambience.

To make the most of the 70/30 rule and create impactful negative space, consider these tips:

• Declutter regularly: Remove items that don't serve a purpose or bring joy to your space.
• Use vertical space: Utilize wall-mounted shelves or tall bookcases to free up floor space.
• Choose multi-functional furniture: Opt for pieces that serve multiple purposes to reduce the number of items in a room.
• Create visual breaks: Use color blocking or different textures to create the illusion of negative space.
• Embrace minimalism: Focus on quality over quantity when selecting decor items.

Watch out for these common mistakes when enforcing the 70/30 rule:

• Overcrowding: One of the most common mistakes is trying to fill all available space. Remember, blank space is not wasted space—it is an important part of good design.
• Ignoring scale and proportion: Make sure that furniture and decorative items are proportionate to the size of the room. Furniture that is too large can quickly eat up 30% of negative space, while items that are too small can create an imbalance.
• Neglecting Vertical Space: When considering the 70/30 rule, don't forget about walls and ceilings. Allowing for blank vertical space helps the overall balance of the room.
• Being too rigid: While the 70/30 rule is a useful guideline, it is not a strict law. Use it as a starting point and make adjustments as necessary to suit your personal style and the uniqueness of your space.

The beauty of the 70/30 rule is its versatility. It can be applied to a wide range of design styles, from minimalism to maximalism. Let's explore how to adapt this principle to different aesthetics:

Minimalism 

In minimalist design, you can take the proportions even further, aiming for 60/40 or even 50/50. Focus on clean lines, neutral colors, and carefully selected pieces.

Traditional 

For traditional style, the ratio should be closer to 70/30. Use classic furniture and incorporate negative space with strategically placed rugs, artwork, and decorative pieces.

Eclectic

 In an eclectic design, the 70/30 ratio helps to prevent the space from feeling cluttered. Use negative space to create visual separation between different styles and patterns.

Modern

Contemporary design often naturally employs negative space. Utilize the 70/30 rule to highlight individual pieces and create a sense of openness.

Creating a sense of calm 

The 70/30 Rule is not only about aesthetics but also has psychological benefits. By incorporating plenty of negative space, you can create a sense of calm and order in your home. This will have a positive impact on your mental health and stress levels.

Increase Focus and Appreciation 

When you leave 30% of your space free, you can rest your eyes and focus on the remaining 70%. This will improve your appreciation of the carefully selected items in your home, creating a more enjoyable living experience.

Promotes creativity and flexibility 

Negative space provides room for creativity and imagination. It allows you to easily update decor or rearrange furniture without the space feeling overly cluttered.

The 70/30 rule is a simple yet powerful principle that can transform the look and feel of your home. By embracing negative space and being mindful of the balance between filled and blank areas, you can create a harmonious, visually appealing, and psychologically satisfying living environment.

Keep in mind that this rule is only a guideline, not a strict law. You are free to adjust it to suit your personal style and the uniqueness of your home. The key is to realize the role of negative space in interior design and consciously use it to enhance your living space.

When you apply the 70/30 rule in your home, you will find that it becomes second nature to you. With a keen eye for balance and proportion, you'll be able to create beautiful, designer-worthy spaces.

So the next time you're tempted to fill every corner of your home, remember the power of negative space. Embrace the 70/30 principle and transform your living space into a haven of balance, beauty, and serenity. That's the kind of good feeling RAPHAE wants to bring you.