Creating an Interior Design Styling Scheme - Interior Designer Tips

As an interior design professional, one of the most exciting parts of my work is developing an interior design styling scheme. Even after years in the industry, I still love the process of layering colours, materials, and textures to create an atmosphere that feels fresh, balanced, and uniquely tailored to each client.

I’m often asked, “How do you come up with a scheme for a project?” The truth is, while each project is different, I always begin with a few key steps to ensure a thoughtful, cohesive outcome.

Step 1: Start With Inspiration

Every scheme begins with one inspirational piece that sets the tone for the space. It could be:

• A beautiful piece of fabric

• A striking work of art

• A unique finish, like a mosaic tile for a fireplace surround

This piece becomes the anchor, guiding the rest of the selections.

Pro tip:

Collect large samples wherever possible. It’s a small investment but makes a big difference in seeing how colours, textures, and patterns truly work together.

Step 2: Collect Your Materials

Next, gather all of your samples—new and existing. This might include:

• Fabrics and finishes

• Rug swatches

• Flooring and stain samples

• Paint colours

• Metal finishes

Step 3: Review and Edit you Interior Design Styling Scheme

Lay everything out on a table or the floor without distractions around. Be mindful of scale:

• Show more of the larger pieces (like sofa fabrics or flooring).

• Show less of the smaller accents (like cushion fabrics or trim).

This gives you a truer sense of how the final space will feel. Step back and ask yourself:

• Does the scheme feel balanced between light and dark?

• Is there enough texture to keep similar colours interesting?

• If you’re mixing patterns, are they varied enough in size and design to avoid feeling busy?

Step 4: Adjust Until It Feels Right

If something feels off, don’t hesitate to edit. Swap pieces in and out until the overall balance and flow feels right. Sometimes it’s a process of elimination, and that’s perfectly normal.

Final Thoughts

Designing a scheme is part intuition and part process. By starting with an inspiring anchor piece, gathering and reviewing samples thoughtfully, and allowing yourself to edit, you’ll create a look that feels layered, harmonious, and uniquely yours.

I hope these tips help you with your next project—whether you’re refreshing a single room or pulling together a full-home design scheme.

Thanks for reading!

Lenore 🤍