How To Think Like An Interior Designer

From arranging flowers picked on childhood strolls to orchestrating Nashville's design scene, my design journey blossomed early and flourished relentlessly.

I spent my youth searching for a creative outlet to dive into. As I grew older, my creative impulses led to many impromptu late-night redesign of my bedroom, much to the dismay of my parents. Today, I'm known as Haley Beckham-Shetty, the Interior Designer and Founder of Bex Interiors, also serving as the Director of Operations at Nashville Design Week, shaping the future of the city's design landscape.

I specialize in residential interior design, with a desire to bring my clients' homes to life. My mission is to curate spaces that not only reflect my Mississippi roots, but also resonate with warmth, traditional architectural details, and the lush textures of my upbringing. The problem I see for most of my clients is a familiar one: the challenge of translating personal style preferences into a cohesive and satisfying design. I often see individuals making impulse purchases that don't quite work for them or their space, falling quickly into the trap of mass-produced trends that lack personality.

My solution is simple, yet highly effective—approach your space with intentionality and think like a designer. I believe in creating a full plan of execution for your space, allowing room for playfulness, surprises, and elements that make the design uniquely yours. Thinking like a designer not only saves money in the long run, but it also reduces visual clutter.

When it comes to thinking like a designer, I must emphasize the importance of the Principles of Design. These principles provide a set of guidelines that give meaning to your design, ensuring it goes beyond aesthetics. Let’s walk through these principles together and consider how they might influence and enhance your own space. 

Emphasis

Emphasis is about creating a standout focal point in a room. When your space is a blank canvas, turn to art for impact. I love using oversized art to pack a visual punch and set the tone for the space. 

Balance and Alignment

A great place to practice visual balance is through styling a shelf. If you place a large vase on one side, counter it with elements on the other—such as a stack of books with candlesticks. Consider your preference for symmetry or asymmetry to personalize the look. The goal is a curated shelf that harmonizes with your style and enhances the overall space.

Contrast

Add excitement by mixing opposites—soft with hard, big with small. Try to blend contrasting materials for a unique touch. Picture a cozy space with plush furniture paired with a heavy stone accent table to create a dynamic sense of space.

Repetition

Introduce cohesion by echoing materials and motifs throughout the room, creating a sense of unity and purpose. If your furniture has brass hardware, sprinkle brass elsewhere, like a box on the bookshelf and a tray on the coffee table. 

Proportion

Create harmony in sizing. Think area rugs that define zones without overpowering furniture—an essential balance. Picture a perfectly proportioned rug anchoring your living space, defining zones without overshadowing the furniture arrangement.

Movement

As you enter a room, consider the journey—do you want guests to glance at the sofa's back and halt, or would you rather welcome them into a room with a clear path of travel, inviting their gaze to wander? Encourage a seamless exploration of the eye, from the window treatments, around the conversation circle, down to the rugs. Avoid harsh blocks that restrict and close off, opting for an open, inviting flow.

White Space

White space, the absence of added elements in a room, is a crucial aspect of design, alongside positive space. In consultations, I help clients identify their preference—whether they lean toward cozy spaces filled with furniture dominating positive space, or prefer a minimal, scaled-back aesthetic that values negative space.

Hopefully understanding these principles will help you see the impact of textures and style on daily experiences, helping you craft a home that embodies warmth, tradition, and intentional design. A space that brings joy, comfort, and a sense of belonging. 

Design your space with Haley by visiting www.bexinterior.design.