The Basics of Good Design by Diana Bastone

Written by Diana Bastone | Design by Diana Bastone Designs | Photography by Stephani Buchman  

The art of interior design extends far beyond the surface of painted walls and trendy furniture. Good interior design is intentional; it enhances our lives with function, beauty, and emotion, and it’s all built on a foundation of the following principles.

Design by Diana Bastone Designs | Photography by Stephani Buchman

Function Comes First

A beautiful room will always fall short if it isn’t functional. Before diving into surface elements like color and furniture, dig deep and consider the purpose of each space. My best advice here is to get granular. Think beyond the basic purpose of a room, and focus on other factors that will influence the design. For example, who will use the space, and how often? What is their lifestyle? What is their personality? Does the space need to serve multiple functions? Should the space meet specific storage needs? And what does the traffic in and around the room look like? There’s much more to the design than meets the eye. Prioritizing function not only enhances usability but also lays a solid aesthetic foundation.

Embrace Neutral Tones

Neutral materials and finishes are the backbone of every timeless interior. They are versatile, allowing flexibility in styling and decorating. Homes that never go out of style often leverage a palette of whites, beiges, grays, and earthy hues, which are easily updatable and adaptable to changing trends and personal preferences—no costly replacements or renovations are required.

Design by Diana Bastone Designs | Photography by Stephani Buchman

Choose Quality Flooring

Flooring is one of the most important visual elements in a room, so it surprises me that it often takes a back seat to things like furniture and accessories. Flooring is an investment that sets the tone for the entire space, especially if it runs continuously throughout the level. There’s a good reason that neutral choices such as hardwood and stone tile have stood the test of time and trends! These options exude elegance and durability and have timeless appeal. When selecting flooring, consider the maintenance, wear and tear, and how it complements the broader aesthetic. Neutral flooring allows you to experiment in other ways with various styles and color schemes throughout the space.

Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of hardwood flooring, the durability of laminate or vinyl, the versatility of tile, or the comfort of carpet, we offer a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to complement your unique style. Need a little help deciding? Order flooring samples straight to your door and take the guesswork out of finding the perfect fit. Let us help you create a home you’ll love, one step at a time.

Design by Diana Bastone Designs | Photography by Stephani Buchman

Now Add Color

Hot off the praises of neutral colors and materials, I’ll be the first to admit that color is essential for adding personality and vibrancy to a space. Integrating color effectively requires a thoughtful approach to avoid overwhelming the senses. Here are some tips to help you incorporate color seamlessly:  

• Start small. Begin with small accents such as throw pillows, artwork, or decorative accessories. This allows you to introduce color without committing to large, permanent changes.  
• Create a color palette. Develop a cohesive palette that complements the neutral base. Choose a primary color and a couple of complementary shades to create harmony.  
• Use color to define spaces. In open-concept layouts, color can delineate different areas. For example, a bold accent wall can define a dining area within a larger living space.  
• Balance bold and subtle. Bold colors can be balanced with more subdued tones to prevent visual chaos. For instance, pair a vibrant sofa with neutral walls and flooring.  
• Create a mood. Different colors evoke different emotions. Warm colors like red and orange can evoke an energetic response, while cool colors like blue and green promote calmness.

Discover the secrets of impactful color usage in our blog by Aman Than on the Art and Science of Color to explore how color influences design, emotions, and perception.

Design by Diana Bastone Designs | Photography by Stephani Buchman

Trust the Math

Accurate measurements are so important, and not just to ensure your furniture fits through the door. Precision ensures that each element fits harmoniously within the space, factoring in other furnishings, traffic, and the all-important negative space, ensuring your design has “room to breathe.” Improper measurements can lead to overcrowding or underutilization of space, disrupting balance and functionality.  

Always double-check measurements before making purchases or installations. A professional designer and contractor will ensure this is done correctly, but this rule also applies to smaller elements such as furniture, rugs, curtains, and even artwork and accessories. Also, consider the scale and proportion of each piece in relation to the room and other furnishings. A large sofa in a small room can overwhelm the space, while tiny decor items can get lost in a vast area. Floor plans and layout tools can help to visualize the arrangement of furniture and decor, identifying potential issues and making necessary adjustments before implementation.

Let us take care of the measurements and planning, so you can feel confident and ready for the transformation ahead. Schedule your free estimate today and take the first step toward stunning, stress-free flooring that elevates your space and simplifies your life!

The Art of Compromise

In my work as a designer, I’m sometimes met with conflict in the form of existing and new furniture or opposing style preferences. That said, combining different aesthetics is a very deliberate design direction, with trending neo-vintage and maximalist designs that play with mixing contemporary and retro styles. Regardless of the reason, merging different design styles can create a unique and eclectic space. However, this requires a careful balance and some know-how.  

• Find a common ground such as a shared color palette, similar textures, or complementary shapes.  
• Choose a dominant style and incorporate elements from other styles as accents. This prevents the space from feeling overwhelming.  
• Pair vintage and modern pieces to add character and depth. For example, a contemporary sofa could pair with a vintage coffee table or antique mirror.  
• Neutral tones can serve as a unifying factor when merging different styles, providing a cohesive backdrop where diverse elements can coexist.  
• Layer textures and patterns to add visual interest and dimension.

Interior design involves a great deal of skill and practical training, along with experience and essential rules that should never be broken. But beyond all that, good design is a gut feeling. Quite simply, it has to feel like home.

Design by Diana Bastone Designs | Photography by Stephani Buchman

Get Inspired

Transforming your space should feel exciting, not overwhelming, and we’re here to help every step of the way. Our blog is packed with expert designer insights, tips, and inspiration to give you the confidence to bring your vision to life. Browse our curated selection of high-quality flooring online, and use our Room Visualizer tool to see exactly how your favorite designs will look in your home before making a decision. Ready to start designing your dream space? Contact us today!