Living with character – How to create an expressive interior

Anyone who wants a cozy home with individual character should definitely pay attention to harmonious furnishings. A living space with personality doesn't just happen; it requires attention and a keen eye for detail.

Basically, it's not much different than with a work of art: conscious decisions, creative ideas and the right balance lead to success.

Theoretical foundations of interior design: 7 basic principles

It's an invisible framework of design principles that supports every expressive interior. Even the finest individual pieces can get lost in a restless or disharmonious overall picture without this structural foundation. Beginners and laypeople, in particular, can easily get lost in this.

These are seven essential principles that serve as a methodological guideline for creating an optimized living space in the interior design industry. They were defined by experts and interior designers from KRANZ .

Design principle	Functional application	Psychological effect
Spatial planning	Balance between positive and negative space	Balance between abundance and freedom
Transport routes	Planning the flow of movement in the floor plan	Intuitive use and stress reduction
Line alignment	Use of horizontal, vertical and dynamic lines	Control of attention and spatial effect
Proportions	Scaling the furniture in relation to the room size	Avoidance of oppressive narrowness or emptiness
Lighting concept	Layering of task, accent, and mood lighting	Atmosphere, depth and functionality
Color scheme	Psychological color selection and contrast	Emotional control and spatial atmosphere
Texture & Pattern	Combination of haptic and visual surfaces	Sensual depth and individual expression

We would like to briefly introduce the key principles and provide a few suggestions on how you can quickly achieve visible results in your own living spaces.

01 The structure of spatial planning

A room derives its character from the relationship between positive space, occupied by furniture and objects, and negative space, the empty areas. An excess of positive space can impair well-being through visual and physical overload, while an excessive amount of negative space is often perceived as a cold vacuum.

The art of interior design understands how to use negative space as a design element, serving not as a deficiency but as a stage for the objects.”

Tall objects, such as floor-to-ceiling shelves or vertically structured wall designs, use height to influence room proportions and create an illusion of spaciousness. The vertical lines convey strength and freedom, while horizontal elements, such as sideboards or low seating arrangements, create stability and tranquility.

02 Color psychology: emotional influence and spatial correction

Colors are the most direct means of shaping the atmosphere of a room. They not only affect its appearance but also profound psychological and physiological responses. According to experts, color concepts are crucial because they determine the fundamental mood of a room and contribute significantly to the development of its character.

Color spectra and their influence

a stimulating effect . Red is a very expressive color; it can boost metabolism and improve blood circulation. However, red is used with caution in interior design, as excessive amounts can cause hyperactivity; as a bold accent, though, it is ideal for emphasizing specific areas.

In contrast, the color yellow supports creativity and concentration, which is why it is perfect for home offices or for making dark rooms appear friendly and sunny.

calming and restorative properties . While blue can visually expand spaces and create a soothing atmosphere, ideal for bedrooms, excessive amounts can create a sense of distance or coldness. Green, as the color of safety and relaxation for the eyes, is considered an all-rounder for living spaces.

Strategic use for visual manipulation

Color choice is a significant tool for architectural correction. Light colors are masters of light reflection and make small rooms appear larger, while dark colors, although creating a feeling of security, can also visually shrink a room. In a high-ceilinged room, a dark ceiling can make it feel cozier, while a light ceiling in a low-ceilinged room can create the illusion of greater height.

In current design practice, natural, "dusty" color tones increasingly in demand. Shades of green, earthy browns, and golden highlights create a foundation that harmoniously unites masculine and feminine aspects while maintaining a timeless elegance. A strategic use of complementary colors can intensify color perception and create striking visual effects.

03 Light as a sculptural element for space and mood

Light is the element that brings colors, lines, and textures to life. Professional lighting design is essential to emphasize the character of a room and to meet the needs of various usage scenarios.

The principle of light layers (layering)

To create depth and atmosphere, experts recommend combining three types of light:

• General lighting : It is responsible for general orientation and should ideally be dimmable to adapt to the time of day.
• Accent lighting : Dramatic focal points are created using light sources that specifically highlight works of art, architectural details, or special pieces of furniture.
• Task lighting : Light with high illuminance, intended for specific activities such as reading, cooking or working, and which does not cause glare.

Islands of light and the role of shadow

Rooms that are uniformly lit often appear monotonous and unwelcoming. By strategically using pools of light, you can create wonderful contrasts between bright areas and shadowed zones, giving the room a three-dimensional effect. Walls appear to recede visually with indirect light, such as that provided by LED strips behind furniture or in ceiling niches, creating a soft, inviting depth.

Color temperature also important: warm white light (below 3,300 K) creates a relaxed and cozy atmosphere, while neutral white or daylight-like light (above 5,300 K) promotes concentration. A well-thought-out mix of light sources at different heights – from pendant lights above the table to floor lamps – creates a dynamic and distinctive ambiance.

Practical tips for implementation

All theory seems gray at first. While an important prerequisite for a basic understanding, it only becomes truly tangible through concrete advice and recommendations.

Choose a specific interior design style

interior design styles , and in principle, it's certainly possible to combine several of them. However, in most cases, this practice is not recommended, as the overall impression can quickly become chaotic. It's much safer to commit to a specific interior design style, such as classic, minimalist, or Scandinavian.

This ensures a harmonious impression, which also benefits well-being. Only those with an excellent sense of interior design should consider combining different styles.

Popular stylistic trends: Eclecticism and Maximalism

Eclecticism and curated maximalism , these styles embrace an abundance of colors, forms, and personal stories.

Eclecticism: Masters of stylistic breaks with artistry

The term eclecticism describes the approach of combining elements from different eras, cultures, and disciplines into a new whole. A room with character, for example, might combine modern designer furniture with antique heirlooms or industrial accents. To avoid a haphazard look, a unifying element—such as a common material or a consistent color palette—is important.

The eclectic style is a wonderful way to express one's creativity without restrictions and to design the home like an evolving work of art.

Maximalism and storytelling

Maximalism, as the aesthetic opposite of minimalism, lives by the principle "more is more ." However, it is not about indiscriminate accumulation, but rather a conscious, often organized abundance. Objects that tell a personal story are the focus – be they travel souvenirs, flea market finds, or works of art that create an emotional connection.

This style relies on "dopamine decor ," which promotes well-being through vibrant colors and harmonious arrangements. A maximalist room is a vivid portrait of its owner's personality, where patterns meet textures and every detail contributes to the overall narrative of the inhabitant.

Choose high-quality furniture

The importance of furniture is beyond question. On the one hand, it's functional and contributes to greater comfort; on the other hand, it lends a welcoming atmosphere to the home. For good reason, the chosen furniture should be of the highest possible quality.

If we opt for inferior pieces, both functionality and design suffer. However, inferior doesn't automatically mean that furniture with signs of wear is worse. For example, elaborately designed furniture in the shabby chic style worn at first glance. However, these are high-quality pieces that create a special atmosphere with their nostalgic charm.

Ensure sufficient light

The effect of light should never be neglected in interior design (see the theoretical section above). Well-lit rooms are simply essential for a healthy circadian rhythm. We don't have to limit ourselves to artificial light sources. While artificial light is perfectly legitimate and in many cases indispensable for creating a specific atmosphere – especially in the bedroom – only natural light truly and sustainably supports well-being.

For this reason, large windows and sheer curtains are recommended. Furthermore, the furniture must be positioned correctly to allow light to enter the room unimpeded.

Use decoration strategically

Rooms without decoration appear boring. Therefore, decoration is an essential element, even in minimalist interior design styles. What ultimately works depends entirely on the desired effect. Hand-painted oil paintings, for example, are only an option if the rest of the room is sufficiently understated.

If we're dealing with a very modern ambiance, other furnishings such as graphic prints are much more suitable. Of course, personal taste also plays a role. Ultimately, it's about feeling good. Therefore, the atmosphere must primarily reflect our preferences.

Bringing spaces to life

What's often forgotten is that rooms only truly come alive when they're actually used. Therefore, product design should be as practical as possible for everyday life. Furthermore, subtle accessories, beautiful plants, and similar decorative elements can add life to a space. The more vibrant a room feels, the more it develops a compelling atmosphere. Guests notice this too, which is why they immediately feel more comfortable.

Integration of art and cultural heritage

The strongest individualization factors for a room are works of art and heirlooms. With them, you create a depth of space that is hardly possible with exclusively new furniture.”

Art in focus

Large-format artworks have the power not only to decorate a room but also to define it and serve as a central design element. The most important criterion when selecting a piece is that you feel an emotional connection to it. Height is crucial: ideally, pictures should be hung at eye level to interact harmoniously with the rest of the design.

Presenting different art styles side by side, such as an abstract work next to a classical sculpture, creates tension and demonstrates refined taste. The effect is also significantly influenced by the framing; a baroque frame can lend a contemporary print a completely new, eccentric touch.

The significance of heirlooms and unique items

Heirlooms lend a home history and authenticity. A pleasing contrast is created by combining antiques with new pieces, such as an antique Biedermeier cabinet in an otherwise minimalist setting; this provides a welcome break from the monotony.

Interior designers like Stefanie Thatenhorst emphasize how essential fabrics and materials are for connecting these different stylistic elements. Handmade items such as ceramics or textiles, as well as vintage treasures, give the room a tactile quality and a unique character.

Typical mistakes and professional tips for more character

To create an inviting and expressive interior, it is necessary to overcome some classic "interior design myths".

Avoiding randomness

A home without character is the most serious mistake; it shouldn't look like a replica of an exhibition piece and show no trace of its inhabitants. Experts recommend having the courage to express your own personality. Following a single design too rigidly and without taking risks often creates a sterile atmosphere.

Scales and layout

A common problem is lining up all the furniture along the walls, which makes spacious rooms appear unstructured and boring. A sofa positioned away from the wall, or a freestanding shelf used as a room divider, instantly creates more depth and movement in the room. Choosing a small rug is also a common mistake; a large rug large enough to accommodate the front legs of the seating furniture ties the pieces together into a cohesive whole.

The power of odd numbers

A simple but effective trick used by decorating professionals is to use odd numbers. Three, five, or seven objects in an arrangement appear more harmonious and natural to the human eye than even pairings.

A more vibrant and interesting overall picture is created by experimenting with different heights and shapes.