Your DIY Interior Design Guide (with a Helping Hand from France & Son)

Designing your space on your own can be both thrilling and budget-friendly. Whether you’re dreaming of a chic urban loft or a cozy family retreat, transforming your home into a stylish haven is all about careful planning and a touch of creativity. And hey—if you’d rather skip the DIY deep dive, we at France & Son are more than happy to refer you to a trusted design professional. Even better, send us photos of your space, and we can offer personalized suggestions to help you nail that perfect look!

1. Assess Your Space and Needs

Start by getting to know your canvas. Measure your room(s) carefully—walls, windows, doors, and ceiling heights are all important details. Consider the room’s purpose, whether it’s for lounging, dining, or working, and note any fixed features like outlets or radiators that could influence your layout. Finally, set a realistic budget for furniture, decor, and any small tweaks or renovations you’re planning.

2. Define Your Style

This is your chance to dream big. Spend some time gathering inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, or those design magazines you love. Save images of rooms, color schemes, and textures that speak to you. Whether you’re leaning toward a modern, bohemian, Scandinavian, or an eclectic mix, pin down a style that resonates with your personality. Creating a mood board—even a digital one using tools like Canva or a physical collage—can really help solidify your vision.

3. Plan the Layout

Put pen to paper or use an online tool like Floorplanner or RoomSketcher to draft a floor plan. Think about the flow of the room: arrange your furniture to create a comfortable space that feels open and inviting. Identify any natural focal points—a fireplace, large window, or that statement piece you adore—and plan your layout around it. This early planning stage sets the foundation for a functional and stylish space.

4. Choose a Color Scheme

Colors tie your vision together. Begin with a base color—neutral tones like white, beige, or gray work wonderfully as a foundation. Then, add accent hues that reflect your personality: perhaps a vibrant blue or a soft terracotta. A popular approach is the 60-30-10 rule, where 60% of the room is your base, 30% your secondary color, and 10% the accent. Don’t forget to test paint swatches in natural and artificial light to see how they truly perform in your space.

Final Thoughts

DIY interior design is a rewarding adventure where every decision helps shape a space that truly reflects who you are. However, if you’d prefer a professional’s touch—or just a little extra guidance along the way—remember that we at France & Son are here to help. We’re happy to refer you to a design professional if DIY isn’t your cup of tea, and if you share photos of your space with us, we’ll gladly offer personalized suggestions to elevate your design game.

Ready to take the plunge? Whether you’re meticulously planning every detail or simply looking for a hint of inspiration, we hope this step-by-step guide helps you create the home you’ve always dreamed of. Happy designing!