The Golden Rules of Design by SJ Interior Designs: Transform Your Space with Timeless Principles

Great design is never accidental—it’s the result of thoughtful choices, creative vision, and a deep understanding of how spaces influence the way we live. At SJ Interior Designs, we live by a set of "Golden Rules" that guide every project we undertake. These rules reflect our commitment to creating interiors that are not only beautiful but also functional, comfortable, and timeless.

In this blog, we’re sharing SJ Interior Designs’ Golden Rules of Design, offering you insights into the principles that shape our approach to creating exceptional spaces. Whether you’re designing a single room or your entire home, these rules will help you craft a space you’ll love for years to come.

1. Function Comes First

Before diving into aesthetics, it’s essential to consider how a space will be used. Functionality is the cornerstone of good design. A beautifully styled room is pointless if it doesn’t meet your practical needs.

At SJ Interior Designs, we start by understanding your lifestyle. Do you entertain frequently? Is storage a priority? Do you need a workspace that inspires productivity? By answering these questions, we create spaces that work for the way you live, without compromising on style.

Pro Tip: Invest in multi-functional furniture, such as ottomans with hidden storage or extendable dining tables, to make the most of your space.

2. Balance is Key

A well-designed space feels harmonious, and that comes down to balance. This doesn’t mean everything has to be symmetrical, but the visual weight of the room should feel evenly distributed.

SJ Interior Designs achieves balance by combining contrasting elements. For example, pairing a large sofa with a delicate side table or balancing bold colours with neutral tones creates a sense of equilibrium.

Pro Tip: Use the “rule of thirds” when arranging furniture or decor. Divide your space visually into three parts to avoid a monotonous layout.

3. Let Light Lead the Way

Lighting is one of the most transformative elements of interior design. It sets the mood, highlights key features, and even affects how colours and textures are perceived.

At SJ Interior Designs, we prioritise layered lighting. This involves combining ambient, task, and accent lighting to create depth and versatility. Natural light also plays a huge role; we design spaces to maximise sunlight during the day and incorporate dimmable fixtures for evening coziness.

Pro Tip: Choose light fixtures as statement pieces. A bold chandelier or sculptural lamp can act as both a functional element and a work of art.

4. Embrace Textures and Layers

A room comes to life when there’s a mix of textures and layers that add depth and interest. Whether it’s soft fabrics, sleek metals, natural woods, or glossy surfaces, textures help create a dynamic and engaging environment.

SJ Interior Designs is known for incorporating a variety of materials in unexpected ways. For example, we might pair a velvet sofa with a reclaimed wood coffee table or mix woven baskets with polished marble.

Pro Tip: Stick to a cohesive colour palette when layering textures to ensure the space feels unified rather than chaotic.

5. Personalisation is Everything

Your home should reflect your personality, experiences, and tastes. Cookie-cutter design may look good in a catalog, but it won’t feel like home. At SJ Interior Designs, we make personalisation a priority, weaving in elements that tell your story.

From incorporating heirloom pieces to showcasing your art collection or travel mementos, these personal touches bring warmth and authenticity to a space.

Pro Tip: Don’t shy away from mixing old and new. Vintage furniture or decor adds character and contrast to modern designs.

6. Stick to a Cohesive Colour Palette

Colour is one of the most powerful tools in design, and it sets the tone for your entire space. While bold colours can make a statement, it’s important to use them thoughtfully to avoid overwhelming the room.

SJ Interior Designs often uses a neutral base palette, adding pops of colour through accents like cushions, artwork, or rugs. This approach allows for flexibility—switching out accents can refresh the room without requiring a full makeover.

Pro Tip: Use the 60-30-10 rule for colour. Let 60% of the room be your dominant colour, 30% your secondary colour, and 10% an accent colour for balance.

7. Create a Focal Point

Every room needs a focal point—a feature that draws the eye and anchors the space. It could be a stunning piece of art, a statement piece of furniture, or an architectural detail like a fireplace.

At SJ Interior Designs, we build around focal points, ensuring they stand out without competing with other elements in the room.

Pro Tip: Once you’ve established a focal point, keep surrounding decor simple to avoid visual clutter.

8. Proportion and Scale Matter

One of the most common design mistakes is ignoring proportion and scale. Oversized furniture can make a small room feel cramped, while tiny decor pieces can get lost in a large space.

We carefully consider the size and placement of every element, from furniture to light fixtures, ensuring everything feels proportionate.

Pro Tip: Measure your space before buying furniture and map out the layout to ensure the pieces fit comfortably.

9. Pay Attention to Details

Design is in the details. Small touches—like the right hardware, trims, or even the way you fold a throw blanket—can elevate a space from ordinary to extraordinary.

At SJ Interior Designs, we obsess over the finer points, ensuring every element is carefully curated and flawlessly executed.

Pro Tip: Swap out standard hardware on cabinets or furniture for something unique to instantly upgrade the look.

10. Design for Longevity

Trends come and go, but timeless design endures. At SJ Interior Designs, we focus on creating spaces that feel fresh and current while standing the test of time. This means investing in quality materials, classic furniture silhouettes, and versatile layouts.

Pro Tip: When incorporating trends, use them in small, easily replaceable elements like cushions or accessories.

Why Choose SJ Interior Designs?

At SJ Interior Designs, these Golden Rules are more than just guidelines—they’re a philosophy. Our approach is rooted in understanding your needs and aspirations, then using these principles to create a home that reflects your personality, supports your lifestyle, and exudes timeless elegance.

By blending functionality with beauty, personalisation with timeless principles, and creativity with technical expertise, we craft spaces that you’ll love to live in every day.

Your Turn: Let’s Design Your Dream Space

Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refresh your current space, SJ Interior Designs is here to guide you every step of the way. By following these Golden Rules, we can help you create a home that is not only stylish but also uniquely yours.

Ready to transform your space? Contact SJ Interior Designs today to schedule a consultation, and let’s bring your vision to life with timeless elegance and impeccable style.