Whether you’re renovating a home in Dublin or furnishing a new build in the suburbs, understanding the fundamentals of interior design can help you create a home that’s both beautiful and practical. From living rooms to kitchen interior design, the right approach brings harmony between form and function. Interior design isn’t just about choosing the […]
Whether you’re renovating a home in Dublin or furnishing a new build in the suburbs, understanding the fundamentals of interior design can help you create a home that’s both beautiful and practical. From living rooms to kitchen interior design, the right approach brings harmony between form and function. Interior design isn’t just about choosing the right furniture or paint colour—it’s about achieving a cohesive flow that reflects your lifestyle.
At Kube Interiors, we believe every home tells a story, and that story begins with the foundational elements of good design. These seven principles form the building blocks of any well-designed space. Read on to discover how these basics can transform your home.
Space is the starting point for all interior design. It refers to the physical boundaries of a room—its width, length, and height—and includes both positive space (occupied by furniture or décor) and negative space (the empty areas around those objects).
In many Irish homes, especially urban ones where square footage is limited, space must be used efficiently. Open-plan living is a growing trend, with kitchens, dining areas, and living rooms blending into one. At Kube Interiors, we design furniture and layouts that maximise functionality without sacrificing aesthetics. For example, modular sofas, floating shelves, and multi-purpose cabinetry can all help create balance in tighter quarters.
In larger homes, particularly in suburban or rural parts of Ireland, space can be used more freely. Statement pieces and more generous layouts can help define zones within open areas, creating flow and structure.
Lines guide the eye and shape the structure of a room. There are three types of lines in interior design:
The key to good design is balancing these lines. A room dominated by horizontal lines may feel too static, while one overwhelmed by verticals might feel rigid. In Irish homes with lower ceilings, vertical lines can be used to create the illusion of height, while horizontal lines are often used to widen narrow rooms visually.
Lines are particularly important in kitchen interior design, where cabinetry, worktops, and splashbacks must not only serve a function but also create visual harmony.
Form, or shape, refers to the contours of furniture, architectural features, and décor. There are two main types of form:
Combining different forms adds depth and interest to a room. For example, a rectangular dining table paired with curved chairs can create a more inviting and less rigid atmosphere. In custom furniture solutions, such as fitted wardrobes or bespoke shelving, the form is tailored to fit the function while complementing the rest of the space.
Light is arguably the most transformative element in any interior. It not only affects the appearance of colours and textures but also shapes the mood and usability of a room.
In Ireland, where daylight hours can be limited in winter, good lighting is essential. That’s why Kube Interiors places a strong focus on both natural and artificial lighting solutions.
Large windows, reflective surfaces, and strategically placed mirrors can help maximise natural light in Irish homes. Meanwhile, layered artificial lighting ensures that your home feels warm and functional year-round.
Colour is powerful. It can energise, calm, enlarge, or define a room. When choosing colours, it’s important to consider both personal preference and the room’s function.
In Ireland, neutral palettes are often favoured for their timeless appeal and flexibility. However, there’s also a growing appreciation for bold accents—think deep navy kitchen units, forest green armchairs, or terracotta feature walls.
Colour trends in kitchen interior design often lean toward muted, earthy tones paired with soft metallics or matte finishes—perfect for creating a sophisticated yet approachable environment.
Texture adds dimension and tactility to a space. While colour and form appeal to the eye, texture invites touch. This becomes especially important in minimalist designs, where fewer visual elements are used.
At Kube Interiors, we incorporate texture through:
Textured finishes help bring warmth, especially during colder months. A plush wool throw, a leather accent chair, or even a matte-finished cabinet door can elevate the comfort and richness of a room.
Textures also serve practical purposes. For instance, non-gloss surfaces can help reduce glare in bright kitchens or sunlit rooms.
Patterns break monotony and inject personality into a space. Used correctly, they can help define zones, enhance décor themes, or simply spark joy.
Popular pattern types include:
At Kube Interiors, we help clients incorporate patterns in subtle yet effective ways—be it through upholstery, wallpaper, rugs, or decorative tiles. The trick is to balance busy patterns with simpler elements to avoid visual clutter.
A patterned rug in the living room, for example, can serve as a statement piece without overwhelming the space. In kitchens, a patterned backsplash can add character while maintaining the clean lines of cabinetry.
Even with a strong understanding of the seven principles, it’s easy to overlook small details that can impact the overall feel of a space. Here are some of the most common interior design mistakes homeowners in Ireland encounter—and how Kube Interiors helps avoid them.
Trying to fit too many items into a room can make it feel cramped and chaotic. This is especially common in smaller Dublin apartments or traditional terraced homes. Prioritise smart storage and multi-functional furniture to ensure your space remains open, breathable, and clutter-free.
Lighting is often an afterthought in home design. Relying on a single ceiling light can flatten a room and make it feel cold. Instead, Kube’s design consultants recommend layering ambient, task, and accent lighting to add dimension and mood. This approach is particularly important in Ireland, where daylight hours can vary dramatically across seasons.
A space should not only look beautiful—it should also work for your lifestyle. If you constantly find yourself walking around furniture or struggling to access storage, the layout isn’t working.
While it’s tempting to opt for trendy pieces, comfort should never be sacrificed. We source furniture and finishes that strike a perfect balance between style and practicality, making your home both inviting and livable.
Interior design in Ireland is shaped by more than just style preferences—it reflects our way of life, climate, and culture.
Irish homeowners are becoming increasingly eco-conscious. Choosing sustainable materials, energy-efficient lighting, and long-lasting furniture is a growing priority.
There’s a strong pull toward nature in Irish interiors—timber floors, stone accents, and woven textiles all bring warmth and authenticity. Our product range includes natural oak, walnut finishes, and soft furnishings that work beautifully with Ireland’s landscape and architecture.
Many Irish homes, especially period properties, feature traditional architecture—high ceilings, cornices, and fireplaces. The challenge is to modernise these spaces without losing their character.
With remote work and flexible living now more common, Irish homes are being reimagined to accommodate multiple uses. A living room may double as an office; a spare room might need to serve as both guest space and workout area.
At Kube Interiors, we don’t just sell furniture—we help design entire lifestyles. Every room we create, whether it’s a lounge in Limerick or a kitchen interior design project in Dublin, is guided by these seven design basics. Our team works closely with each client to understand their space, taste, and practical needs before crafting solutions that feel truly personal.
From bespoke cabinetry and built-in storage to curated lighting and textiles, every detail is considered. These fundamentals allow us to design rooms that are not only beautiful but liveable, suitable for real Irish homes and real Irish families.
Understanding and applying the basics of interior design can make all the difference in creating a home that feels right. These seven elements—space, line, form, light, colour, texture, and pattern—are universal, but how they’re used should reflect your lifestyle, home layout, and the Irish climate.
Whether you’re decorating a city apartment in Dublin, a family home in Cork, or a holiday retreat in Galway, Kube Interiors can help you bring it all together. Our showrooms across Ireland showcase how these principles come to life, and our expert team is here to help every step of the way.
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