The Secrets Behind Great Design: What are the 7 elements of Interior Design and how do you apply them?

You know that feeling when you walk into a space and it just feels right? That’s no accident. Behind every calm, cohesive, beautifully functional room lies a mix of intuition and design theory.

At Orli Interiors, a boutique interior design studio in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, we use the timeless principles and elements of design to shape homes that feel effortless, elevated, and uniquely you.

Let’s take a look at how these concepts guide our process and how they show up in real homes we design across Avalon, Manly, and beyond.

The Elements of Interior Design: The Building Blocks of Every Room

1. Space
We begin with space; the three-dimensional canvas of your home. That includes positive space (your furniture and fixtures) and negative space (the breathing room around them). In well-designed homes, both are intentionally balanced. For example, leaving negative space around a sculptural armchair allows it to stand out while keeping the room open and airy – a key consideration in modern home design.

2. Line
Lines guide the eye and shape the energy of a room.

• Vertical lines (like fluted wall panelling or tall windows) lend height and a sense of formality.
  
• Horizontal lines (seen in long sideboards or floating shelves) feel grounded and calm – perfect for a relaxed coastal vibe.
  
• Diagonal lines add movement and interest, but must be used thoughtfully to avoid visual chaos.
  

3. Shape (Form)
We play with a mix of geometric structure and organic softness. A rectangular dining table grounds the space, while a rounded mirror or curved banquette introduces fluidity. This interplay adds balance and dimension to any space.

4. Colour
Colour is emotional. In our Northern Beaches projects, we often draw from nature: sea greens, coastal blues, warm sands. We use colour to influence mood, define zones, and create flow between rooms, it is one of the most powerful tools in any interior designer’s arsenal.

5. Texture
Layering textures creates depth and warmth. We combine matte ceramics, timber, rattan, linen, and metal finishes to make each room feel tactile and inviting. Texture is especially important in neutral schemes where contrast comes from materiality rather than colour.

6. Light
Both natural and artificial light shape how a room is experienced. From pendant lighting over a dining table to wall sconces for mood, we use light to enhance form and function. We also design to maximise daylight which is essential in Australian coastal interiors.

7. Pattern
Used sparingly or boldly, patterns give character. We might introduce it through a herringbone floor, tiled splashback, or layered soft furnishings, all contributing to rhythm and personality in a space.

The Principles of Interior Design: How We Make It All Work Together

1. Balance
Balance creates visual harmony. We might use symmetry with matching armchairs or create contrast with an asymmetrical arrangement of artwork and lighting. The goal is always to avoid visual overload while keeping the design dynamic.

2. Rhythm
Repetition of colour, material or shape throughout the home builds cohesion. Using the same warm timber tone in your kitchen joinery, floating shelves, and occasional tables helps tie open-plan spaces together seamlessly.

3. Emphasis
Every room benefits from a focal point – a fireplace, a sculptural pendant, or a custom joinery moment. This is what draws the eye and anchors the space.

4. Proportion & Scale
Choosing furniture and decor that fits the space properly is non-negotiable. An oversized sectional sofa or a too-small rug can throw everything off. We make sure every item, from artwork to side tables, is scaled to suit the room it lives in.

5. Harmony
This is where everything comes together. Harmony is the feeling of unity across spaces and is achieved through consistent materials, thoughtful transitions, and aligned design language. In one of our coastal home projects in Sydney, we used oak flooring, warm white walls, soft linens, curvilinear forms and brushed brass accents across living, bedroom, and alfresco zones, ensuring a calm, cohesive experience from one room to the next.

Designing for Zoning & Outdoor Living

In open-plan homes, zoning is essential. We often use rugs to define living areas, pendants to mark dining zones, and shifts in ceiling detail to gently divide functions without walls.

Rugs, in particular, are powerful layout tools. We follow the two-thirds rule as a minimum – rugs should sit under all major furniture pieces, either fully or with at least the front legs on and space to spare at the edges. This grounds the room and helps it feel larger, not smaller.

We also treat outdoor living areas with the same design intent as interiors, layering furniture, lighting, and styling pieces so your alfresco space feels like a natural extension of the home, not an afterthought.

Let’s look at these design principles in practice

1. Case Study: A Serene Bedroom Retreat Using Design Principles & Elements

At Orli Interiors, we believe a bedroom should be more than just a place to sleep – it’s a sanctuary. In this Northern Beaches project, we transformed a standard 3x4m room into a restful retreat through deliberate use of the elements and principles of design.

Design Elements in Action

• Space: Negative space was maximised with clear 1m pathways around a queen bed, enhancing flow and visual calm. The absence of a rug allows the timber floor to breathe, reinforcing spaciousness.
  
• Line: Vertical v-groove panelling behind the bed visually elongates the room, while echoed lines in throws and decor create cohesion.
  
• Shape: Rectilinear forms in furniture and art establish order, offset by circular and organic shapes (e.g., a domed lamp, African stool) for contrast.
  
• Colour: A layered monochrome palette (warm whites and matte black) is enriched with rust, ochre and forest green accents, creating an inviting autumnal warmth.
  
• Texture: From linen bedding to jute wall hangings, tactile variety was key to making this space feel soft and nurturing.
  
• Light: Natural light floods in from large windows, complemented by layered artificial lighting to adapt from morning rituals to bedtime wind-down.
  
• Pattern: Subtle repeats (e.g., striped throws, tufted wall art) build a quiet rhythm that feels curated, not chaotic.

2. Case Study: A Calm and Contemporary Bathroom Built on Design Fundamentals

Bathrooms often serve multiple functions, from practical morning prep to peaceful night-time unwinding. This Dee Why ensuite is a masterclass in using design elements to elevate function with elegance.

Design Elements in Action

• Space: A compact layout feels generous thanks to a large walk-in shower and wall-mounted double vanity that frees up visual space.
  
• Line: Vertical ribbing on vanity drawers draws the eye upward, while soft curved lines in mirrors, vanity and basins add visual grace.
  
• Shape: Pill shapes unify the design – from the marble feature tiles and towel rails to mirrors – offering a cohesive aesthetic.
  
• Colour: A muted palette of soft greys, crisp whites, and blue-grey accents fosters calm. Brushed gold adds a warm, luxe counterpoint.
  
• Texture: Matte finishes on tiles and joinery keep the visual noise down, while a ribbed drawer profile adds tactile intrigue.

• Light: A layered scheme with overhead downlights, wall sconces, backlit mirrors and a sensor under-vanity glow, supports mood and function.

• Pattern: The pill mosaic tiles behind the vanity offer delicate repetition that’s both soothing and sculptural.

Why It All Matters

You don’t need to memorise every principle of design to have a beautiful home – that’s our job. But understanding what’s behind the choices helps clients make decisions with more confidence, and appreciate the design process even more.

At Orli Interiors, we blend creativity, theory, and lifestyle insight to create homes that don’t just look good – they feel like you.

Thinking about your own home transformation?
Let’s chat. We’d love to bring these principles to life in your space. Drop us a line here