On the Pooky blog we’ve explored in detail each of the ‘seven elements of interior design’: space, colour, texture, line, form, pattern and lighting.
In this post, we’re bringing them all together – and explaining how you can learn to combine them to create beautiful, harmonious spaces…
1) Space
Understanding space – and how to use it imaginatively to dictate how people perceive it and move within it – is the foundation of all interior design. A well-designed space balances positive space (where furniture is placed ) with negative space (the areas between items) to enable good functionality and create a sense of flow. From open-plan layouts that foster connectivity to cosy nooks that offer retreat and privacy, space planning is where every design begins.
For lots of tips and ideas, read our post on space in interior design.
2) Colour
Colour is probably the easiest to understand of the seven elements: it has such obvious power to influence mood and set the tone for a room – and everyone has their favourite colours and colour combinations, and a general preference for neutrals or bold hues.
A carefully chosen palette can make a space feel calm, vibrant, warm or expansive. Bold, dramatic blues and greens can create a sense of luxury and depth, while lighter tones such as soft pastels or neutrals can make a room feel open and serene. The key is to use colour intentionally, considering factors like natural light, the room’s purpose, and how the shades interact with one another. Explore the endless possibilities in our post on colour in interior design.
Image: @theinterioreditor
3) Texture
Texture is where the visual sense meets the tactile – in interior design, it is how something ‘feels to the eye’. It adds interest and substance to a design scheme: texture can lift, deepen, enhance and even surprise us. Rough textures like exposed brick or natural wood evoke warmth and rustic charm, while smooth textures such as polished stone or glass add a modern, sleek touch. Layering different textures—from soft textiles like cushions and rugs to contrasting materials like metal and leather—creates a tactile experience that draws people into the space.
Texture is the secret ingredient that makes a space feel dynamic, impressive or warm and lived-in. Discover how to do it in our guide to texture in interior design.
4) Line
Line might seem like the simplest element of interior design: but the more you think about it, the more interesting it gets. Lines guide the eye and shape the mood of a space. Horizontal lines, found in furniture like tables or shelving, create a sense of stability and restfulness. Vertical lines, such as tall windows or floor-to-ceiling curtains, add a feeling of height and grandeur. Meanwhile, diagonal or curved lines introduce energy and movement, making spaces feel dynamic.
Once you start noticing and thinking in terms of line – whether you’re working with clean, minimalist lines or incorporating gorgeous arty curves – it becomes a fascinating method for approaching a room’s design. For more inspiration, check out our closer look at line in interior design.
Image: @londonbuildersanddecorators
5) Form
Form is about the shapes that fill your space—from furniture to decor. It encompasses both geometric forms, which are structured and angular, and organic forms, which are free-flowing and natural. Combining these forms in a thoughtful way can add both visual interest and harmony to a room. For instance, pairing a round coffee table with a rectangular sofa softens the angularity of the room. Similarly, incorporating sculptural or asymmetrical decor pieces can add excitement, and a touch of the unexpected. Learn more about the principles of form – and how to balance them – in our post on form in interior design.
6) Pattern
Whether through wallpapers, textiles, or rugs, patterns introduce personality and even storytelling to a room. Geometric patterns lend a modern and structured feel – they can provide a sense of visual ‘rhythm’ – while floral or abstract designs can bring softness or a hint of the natural world. Layering patterns, such as pairing a striped rug with a patterned cushion in complementary colours, can create a rich, layered look.
Patterns work best when they enhance rather than overwhelm the other elements of the room. Find lots of practical tips in our article on pattern in interior design.
7) Lighting
Last but by no means least is our specialist subject, lighting. Like no other element, light is capable of transforming the ambiance and functionality of a space. It sets the mood and highlights the design’s key features. Ambient lighting provides overall illumination, task lighting enhances functionality, and accent lighting adds drama and focus. From the warm glow of table lamps to the bold statement of chandeliers, each light source contributes to the room’s personality. Layering these types of lighting ensures the space feels balanced and adaptable to different needs. Read up on the basics in our guide to lighting as one of the seven elements of interior design.
Image: @michellelyonsinteriors
Bringing it all together: How to design an interior with the seven elements in mind
The magic – and joy – of really thoughtful interior design lies in combining the seven elements in a way that reflects both your unique style and the practical purpose of the space. It’s like a form of alchemy: a beautiful, inviting room emerges from the harmonious interplay of space, colour, texture, line, form, pattern and lighting.
Here are five practical tips to help you integrate these elements cohesively:
1) Start with observation
Become someone who looks at every space with an interested and critical eye. Instagram, magazines, Pooky’s interiors blog… inspiration is everywhere, ready to be devoured. And let’s not forget the real world – cafés, hotels, boutiques, galleries – every space has a story to tell. When you see one you love, think carefully about why it works, in the context of the seven elements. What are the colour and texture combinations? How do the horizontal and vertical lines enhance the space?
And when it comes to your own space, take the time to study it. Notice how natural light enters the room, the existing textures, and the flow of movement. As explained in our guide How to Develop an Eye for Interior Design, learning to observe is the first step to refining your design intuition.
2) Experiment boldly
Don’t be afraid to try something new. Whether it’s introducing an eye-popping pattern or replacing overhead spotlights with lots of lovely layered lamps, pushing your boundaries can lead to exciting discoveries. Test small changes and build on what works. What’s the worst that can happen?
3) Look for balance
A room feels cohesive when no single element overwhelms the others. If you’ve chosen a striking pattern, balance it with subtle textures and muted colours. Similarly, strong vertical lines can be softened with organic shapes and rounded forms. Whenever you introduce a yin, think about the counterbalancing yang.
4) Refine over time
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you don’t have to achieve perfection in one go. Great design can evolve. As you integrate new elements, step back and reassess the space. Little adjustments – as simple as shifting a bit of furniture or changing a lampshade – can make a big impact.
5) Trust your instincts
Although there are deep truths and principles underlying good design, it is ultimately a personal thing. Rules provide a solid foundation, but you should always trust your instincts to create spaces that feel right for you.
There’s no contradiction: the more you think about the seven elements of interior design, and the more you consciously engage with spaces, the more your intuition and your confidence in your own instincts will grow.
Happy designing!
Image: @always_sunday_boltholes
Pooky make beautiful lights for beautiful spaces. Browse our full range of lamps, shades, mirrors and more here.
See also:
How to develop an eye for interior design
The Seven Elements of Interior Design: Space
The Seven Elements of Interior Design: Texture
The Seven Elements of Interior Design: Line
The Seven Elements of Interior Design: Colour
The Seven Elements of Interior Design: Form
The Seven Elements of Interior Design: Pattern
The Seven Elements of Interior Design: Lighting
Image top: @barbaracortesi_interiors
