Why Interior Design is Important for Your Apartment?

Remember the last time you entered someone else’s apartment. What did you feel? Relaxation or tension? A desire to stay or leave as soon as possible?

Here’s what’s interesting: you didn’t realize why exactly these emotions arose. The space simply either worked for you or against you. And this is no accident.

In recent years, our attitude towards home has changed dramatically. The global interior design services market was valued at $137.93 billion in 2024, with projected growth to $177.13 billion by 2029 (Mordor Intelligence). These aren’t just numbers—they represent millions of people who realized: their apartment is not just a place to sleep, but a space that literally shapes their lives.

Let me explain why interior design for an apartment is not a luxury for the elite, but a fundamental investment in your quality of life. And why mistakes in this matter cost more than they seem.

What “interior design” actually means (and why you’re probably thinking about it wrong)

Let’s immediately dispel a popular myth. When I ask people what interior design is, 9 out of 10 answer something like: “Well, it’s when you choose beautiful wallpaper and match furniture to it.”

If only it were that simple.

Interior design is the architectural and artistic design of interior space that simultaneously solves three tasks: functional (how you use the space), ergonomic (how convenient it is), and aesthetic (how it looks and feels). And here’s what’s critically important: these three aspects only work together.

Imagine: you saw a gorgeous kitchen on Instagram. Dark gray facades, marble countertop, minimalism. Beautiful? Absolutely. But if your family cooks three times a day, and this kitchen has only 40 cm of workspace and inconveniently placed outlets—it’s a failure. Because beauty without functionality is a picture, not a place to live.

The Value Pyramid: Four levels where interior design changes your life

Over 15 years of working with hundreds of clients, I developed a system I call the “Interior Design Value Pyramid.” It explains why some apartments become dream homes, while others become sources of constant irritation.

Level 1: Functional Foundation—what you can’t live without

This is the basic level where questions are answered: “Where to place outlets?”, “Where will ventilation run?”, “How to organize lighting?” Sounds boring? But this is where 80% of critical mistakes are made.

Here’s a real case from my practice. A young couple, 65 sq.m apartment, did the renovation themselves without a project. A month after moving in, they discovered: outlets in the kitchen are blocked by the refrigerator, the bedroom light switch is behind the door (you have to enter a dark room), and there’s insufficient ventilation in the bathroom—mold appeared. The redo cost 380,000 rubles. A design project would have cost 85,000 rubles.

What the functional level includes:

Space ergonomics: distances between objects, heights of work surfaces, width of passages
Engineering solutions: electrical (each outlet has its place), lighting (three types: basic, task, accent), ventilation, heating
Storage systems: on average, a family of three needs at least 15 sq.m of storage systems, but most apartments have only 6-8 sq.m

Australian designer Lynn Bradley emphasizes: “The surrounding space has a huge impact on how we behave and feel. An interior designer will solve the problem of space functionality, making your home more comfortable specifically for you” (Houzz, 2024).

Level 2: Economic—where design saves (or loses) your money

Here’s a paradox: people refuse a design project to “save money,” and then spend 2-3 times more correcting mistakes. I’ve seen this dozens of times.

Typical situation without a design project:

Initial budget: 1,200,000 rubles
Actually spent: 1,800,000 rubles (50% over)
Reason: redos, incorrectly purchased materials, changes in process, lack of a clear plan

With a professional design project:

Design project: 105,000 rubles
Renovation budget: 1,200,000 rubles
Actually spent: 1,250,000 rubles (3% deviation)
Time: 4 months (working according to a clear plan)
Redos: 0
Satisfaction with result: 9/10
Remaining problems: minimal (non-critical)

Final difference:

Savings: 445,000 rubles
Time savings: 2 months
Quality of life: significantly higher

And that’s not even counting long-term benefits: properly selected materials will last longer, thoughtful planning won’t require alterations in a few years, a professional interior will increase the apartment’s value when selling.

Level 3: Psychological—how interior affects your well-being, productivity, and relationships

Now we move to a level that most people underestimate, although this is where design has the strongest impact on quality of life.

In 2024, Japanese designer Hiroko Machida presented research results in neuroaesthetics conducted at the University of London. Conclusion: properly designed interiors relieve stress and even strengthen immunity. This is not a metaphor—it’s a measurable medical effect.

Color and psychology: Incorrectly chosen color schemes can increase cortisol (stress hormone) levels. Studies have shown that people living in apartments with aggressive color combinations more often complain of insomnia and irritability. Conversely, a harmonious palette (in 2024-2025, these are natural shades: beige, terracotta, muted green) creates an atmosphere of calm.

Lighting and mood: Poor lighting is not just an inconvenience. Lack of natural light is associated with increased risk of depression. Proper multi-level lighting (basic + task + accent) allows you to adjust the atmosphere depending on the time of day and activities. In the morning—bright cool light for vigor, in the evening—warm dimmed light for relaxation.

Space and relationships: There’s interesting statistics: in apartments with proper zoning, the level of conflicts in families is 35% lower (according to psychological studies of couples). Why? Because each family member has the opportunity to be alone when necessary. Open planning is beautiful in photos, but in reality often creates problems. Balance is needed: common spaces for interaction and personal zones for privacy.

French designer Élodie Ricard calls this the therapeutic role of interior: “Interior design can be therapy, it creates a sense of well-being in the home, where you can find yourself again and create a suitable space for comfortable well-being.”

Level 4: Existential—your apartment as a reflection of personality

This is the top of the pyramid. Here we’re talking not just about comfort or beauty, but about how your space reflects who you are and who you want to become.

In 2025, the main interior design trend became personalization. There’s no more room for faceless “magazine” interiors. People want spaces that tell their story.

What does this mean practically? Instead of copying a style from Instagram, a professional designer:

Studies your lifestyle: how you spend time at home, what hobbies you have, how often you receive guests
Identifies your aesthetic preferences (people often can’t clearly articulate them themselves)
Creates a space that is not just beautiful, but resonates specifically with you

This could be a vinyl record collection integrated into the living room design. Or a home library designed for your specific books. Or a kitchen where every tool is within arm’s reach because you’re someone who takes cooking seriously.

Seven costly mistakes made by 9 out of 10 people without a professional design project

Let’s talk about what usually goes wrong. I analyzed over 200 apartments where renovations were done without a designer and identified patterns.

Mistake 1: Outlets and switches “by eye”

This is the champion in frequency. Builders place outlets “where it’s convenient for them,” not based on actual furniture placement and appliances. Result: extension cords throughout the apartment, wires underfoot, inability to place furniture where you wanted.

Solution: In a design project, the location of each outlet and switch is indicated to the centimeter, based on furniture placement plans and space usage schemes.

Mistake 2: Insufficient or incorrect lighting

In a typical apartment: one chandelier in the center of the room and a couple of sconces. This is catastrophically insufficient. The modern standard is at least three types of lighting in each room.

According to the International School of Design, lighting deficiency is problem number one faced by people without design experience. The room seems dark, dull, cold. And adding proper lighting after renovation is difficult and expensive.

Mistake 3: Ignoring storage systems

“We’ll buy a wardrobe later”—a phrase that costs an average of 150,000 rubles in additional expenses. Because it turns out there’s nowhere to put the wardrobe, or the right size doesn’t exist, or you have to order built-in furniture to individual dimensions.

A modern family needs a huge amount of storage: clothes, shoes, household appliances, tools, sports equipment, children’s toys, seasonal items. All this needs to be planned in advance.

Mistake 4: Poorly planned ergonomics

Distance from the kitchen work area to the refrigerator—120 cm. Too much. Over a year, you walk an extra 50 kilometers just moving between the refrigerator and stove. Sounds funny? But it’s precisely such details that determine whether it will be convenient for you or you’ll experience irritation every day without understanding why.

Ergonomics is the science of how to create comfortable human-space interaction. Countertop height, cabinet depth, passage width—all this is calculated based on anthropometric data and usage scenarios.

Mistake 5: Following trends to the detriment of functionality

Open shelves in the kitchen—beautiful in photos. In reality—dust, grease from cooking, the need to constantly maintain perfect order. Low sofas in minimalist style look stylish, but getting up from them is uncomfortable, especially for elderly people.

Trends come and go. But you have to live in the apartment every day. A good designer will find a balance between relevance and practicality.

Mistake 6: Incorrect budget distribution

Typical picture: all money went to expensive finishes (marble, designer wallpaper), and nothing left for furniture. Or vice versa: bought a gorgeous sofa, and the walls and floor look shabby.

Correct ratio in renovation budget:

Finishes and materials: 40%
Furniture: 35%
Lighting and decor: 15%
Design project and author’s supervision: 10%

Mistake 7: Lack of stylistic unity

Living room in classical style, kitchen in loft style, bedroom in Scandinavian minimalism. Each room individually may look decent, but together it’s visual chaos. The apartment should read as a unified space, even if different accents are used in different rooms.

Design project vs. “I’ll do it myself”: cold calculation of economic efficiency

Let’s calculate using a real example. Apartment 70 sq.m, average renovation.

Scenario A: Without design project

Budget: 1,500,000 rubles
Actual costs: 2,100,000 rubles (40% overspend)
Time: 6 months (constant delays due to changes)
Redos: 3 major (wrong tiles, outlet relocation, door replacement)
Satisfaction with result: 6/10
Remaining problems: insufficient lighting, inconvenient kitchen layout, lack of storage

Scenario B: With professional design project

Design project: 105,000 rubles
Renovation budget: 1,500,000 rubles
Actual costs: 1,550,000 rubles (3% deviation)
Time: 4 months (working according to clear plan)
Redos: 0
Satisfaction with result: 9/10
Remaining problems: minimal (non-critical)

Total difference:

Savings: 445,000 rubles
Time savings: 2 months
Quality of life: significantly higher

And that’s not even counting long-term advantages: properly selected materials will last longer, thoughtful planning won’t require alterations in a few years, a professional interior will increase the apartment’s value when selling.

Biophilic design and other 2025 trends: what really matters for your apartment

The interior design industry is developing rapidly. What was relevant five years ago looks outdated today. Let’s look at key trends for 2024-2025 that aren’t just pretty pictures, but real improvements to quality of life.

Biophilic design—not a trend, but a necessity

In conditions of urbanization, the modern city dweller experiences an acute deficit of contact with nature. Biophilic design solves this problem by integrating natural elements into the interior.

This doesn’t mean just putting a couple of potted plants. The biophilic approach includes:

Maximizing natural light
Using natural materials (wood, stone, natural fabrics)
Live plants or vertical gardens
Natural color palette
Organic forms in furniture and decor

Research shows: people living in spaces with biophilic design demonstrate lower stress levels, sleep better, and are more productive.

Soft minimalism—comfort without clutter

Cold, strict minimalism is becoming a thing of the past. It’s being replaced by “soft minimalism”—a concept that maintains free space but adds warmth, texture, and coziness.

Key elements:

Natural shades instead of sterile white
Textured fabrics and materials
Soft, multi-level lighting
Comfortable furniture with smooth forms
Minimum items, but each quality and functional

Multifunctionality and transformability

After the pandemic, the apartment became not only a place for sleep and rest, but also an office, gym, children’s study space. This requires flexible spatial solutions.

2025 trend—adaptive interiors:

Modular furniture that can be rearranged
Sliding partitions for changing layout
Multifunctional zones (guest room = office = gym)
Built-in storage systems that free up space

Personalization—your story in the interior

Faceless “magazine” interiors are losing relevance. Instead—spaces with character that reflect the owner’s personality.

How this is expressed:

Using family heirlooms and antiques
Collections integrated into design
Unique items from local craftsmen
Eclectic combinations where each element has a story

According to the New York Design Center, over 90% of designers predict the growth of eclecticism and maximalism (within reasonable limits) as opposed to years of minimalism dominance.

Small apartment vs. spacious: does the importance of design change?

Interesting question: for which housing is interior design most important? Most think for large houses. Actually—the opposite.

The smaller the apartment, the more critical every square meter, every decision. In a spacious house, you can afford mistakes—there’s room for corrections, compromises. In a 40 sq.m apartment, every planning mistake is felt painfully.

In a small apartment, a design project is critically necessary for:

Visual space expansion—proper colors, mirrors, lighting can create a feeling of an apartment 20-30% larger than actual area

Maximizing storage systems—in a 35 sq.m studio, you can place as many things as in an incorrectly planned 60 sq.m two-bedroom

Multifunctional solutions—sofa-bed, folding table, transforming furniture require careful selection and planning

Zoning without partitions—dividing a studio into bedroom, living room, office, and kitchen while maintaining a sense of space—this is art

A professional designer can turn a 45-meter studio into a functional two-room apartment where a family with a child can live comfortably. Without proper planning, the same 45 meters will turn into a cramped dormitory room.

When you can do without a designer (spoiler: there are fewer such cases than it seems)

Let’s be honest: not every apartment and not always needs a full design project. Let’s define cases when you can manage on your own, and when a professional is necessary.

You can try on your own if:

You’re doing cosmetic repairs (wallpaper replacement, wall painting) without replanning
You have education or experience in architecture/design
The apartment already has good layout and you only need to update finishes
Budget is minimal (up to 300,000 rubles for the entire apartment)
You’re ready to spend 3-4 months on self-education and are ready for mistakes

A designer is necessary if:

Replanning or wall demolition is planned
Need to work with complex room geometry
The apartment is small (less than 50 sq.m)—every meter is critical here
You’re doing a major renovation from scratch
People with special needs will live in the apartment (elderly, children, people with disabilities)
You want to integrate a “Smart Home” system and complex equipment
Renovation is being done “for decades”—no right to error

Third option—compromise: order a basic design project (layout, electrical scheme, main solutions), and think through finishing details and decor yourself. This is cheaper than a full project but protects against critical mistakes.

Psychology of color, light, and form: how interior programs your behavior

Let’s delve into an aspect that is rarely discussed but is of great importance. Your apartment is not a passive background of your life—it actively influences your behavior, mood, and even decisions.

Color as a neurochemical factor

Colors affect our nervous system at a biological level. This is not esoterics—it’s neurobiology.

Blue and green: Lower heart rate, calm the nervous system. Ideal for bedroom, relaxation area. But excess cool tones can cause feelings of isolation.

Red and orange: Stimulate appetite (which is why they’re often used in restaurants), increase energy. Good for dining area, but in the bedroom can disturb sleep.

Yellow: Activates cognitive functions, increases concentration. Excellent for work area. But aggressive bright yellow can cause anxiety.

Beige, terracotta, muted green (2024-2025 trend): Create a sense of security, stability, connection with nature. Universal for any zones.

It’s important to understand: we’re talking not about pure colors, but about complex shades and their combinations. A professional designer works with color palettes where each shade complements others, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

Light as a regulator of circadian rhythms

Lighting affects the production of melatonin—a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Incorrect lighting can literally disrupt your biological clock.

Morning: Bright cool light (5000-6000K) helps wake up, suppresses melatonin, activates the body.

Day: Neutral light (4000-5000K) for work zones, maintains concentration.

Evening: Warm dimmed light (2700-3000K) prepares for rest, stimulates melatonin production.

In a properly designed apartment, you can regulate lighting depending on the time of day and activities. This is not a luxury—it’s a tool for managing your well-being.

Forms and their psychological impact

Sharp corners, harsh lines create a sense of tension (subconsciously perceived as potential danger). Smooth forms, rounded lines calm.

The 2025 trend for organic forms in furniture is not just aesthetics. It’s a return to biologically comfortable forms for humans, which in nature mean safety.

Eco-friendliness and sustainable development: design with care for the planet (and your health)

Another aspect that is becoming increasingly important: interior eco-friendliness. And this concerns not only saving the planet (although that’s important too), but also your health.

Many finishing materials emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause headaches, allergies, asthma. Cheap furniture made of chipboard emits formaldehyde. Poor-quality paints—toxic fumes.

Signs of eco-friendly design:

Use of natural materials (solid wood, stone, ceramics, natural textiles)
Paints and varnishes with low VOC content
Furniture with environmental safety certificates
Good ventilation (supply and exhaust system)
Energy-efficient lighting (LED)

A professional designer in 2025 must consider environmental aspects. Lynn Bradley from Australia emphasizes: “Designers must take ecologically rational design very seriously. We influence clients by offering more eco-friendly materials and construction approaches.”

Moreover, the trend toward local production (local craftsmen, materials from your region) not only reduces the carbon footprint of transportation but also supports the local economy.

Five questions you should ask yourself before starting renovation

Before making a decision about a design project, answer these questions:

How long do you plan to live in this apartment? If less than 3 years—perhaps cosmetic repairs are enough. If it’s a home for decades—a design project is mandatory.
What is your lifestyle? Work at home or in office? Love entertaining guests or prefer solitude? Do you have hobbies that require space? Layout depends on this.
Who lives in the apartment? A family with children requires completely different solutions than a single person or elderly couple. Children need safe materials, easily washable surfaces, play space. Elderly need convenient ergonomics, no thresholds, good lighting.
What is your budget? Realistic budget is determined as follows: cost per square meter of quality renovation × area + 20% unforeseen expenses. In Moscow, average renovation—from 40,000 rubles/sq.m, good—from 70,000 rubles/sq.m.
Are you ready for compromises? In design there are always compromises: beauty vs. practicality, trends vs. durability, desires vs. budget. It’s important to prioritize.

Frequently asked questions about interior design for apartments

How much does an apartment design project cost in 2025?

Prices vary depending on region, designer experience, and project configuration. On average in Russia:

Basic project (layout + technical documentation): from 1200 to 2000 rubles/sq.m
Full project with visualization: from 2500 to 5000 rubles/sq.m
Premium project by famous designer: from 7000 rubles/sq.m

For a 70 sq.m apartment, a full design project will cost 175,000-350,000 rubles. Sounds expensive? Remember the calculation above: savings on avoiding mistakes usually exceeds the project cost 3-5 times.

How long does it take to develop a design project?

Typical timeframes:

One-room apartment: 3-4 weeks
Two-three room: 1.5-2 months
Four rooms and more: 2-3 months

This is provided the client promptly gives feedback and approves stages. If you delay decisions, timeframes increase.

Can changes be made to the project during renovation?

Possible, but undesirable. Each change entails a chain of consequences. Moved a doorway—need to adjust electrical scheme, possibly heating system. Changed kitchen layout—will have to change furniture order.

That’s why it’s important to carefully think through and approve the project before starting renovation work. A good designer conducts several rounds of coordination to make sure: you exactly understand how the result will look.

Is author’s supervision by the designer needed during renovation?

Strongly recommended. Even the most detailed project can be incorrectly interpreted by builders. Designer on site:

Controls compliance of work with project
Promptly resolves arising questions
Adjusts minor details if necessary
Accepts work at each stage

Author’s supervision cost is usually 10-15% of design project cost but saves a lot of nerves and money on redos.

What to do if budget is limited but want a design project?

Several strategies:

Phased implementation: Make a full project but implement it in several stages. First—critically important zones (kitchen, bathroom), then the rest.
Basic project: Order only layout and technical part, think through finishes yourself.
Online designers: Work cheaper as there’s no site visit. But require more independence from client.
Young designers: Beginning specialists work cheaper, but quality may be lower. Look at portfolio.

Main thing: don’t refuse the project completely. Better a minimal project than none at all.

How to choose a designer you can trust with your apartment?

Checklist for selection:

Portfolio: Look at completed projects (not just pretty pictures, but photos after renovation)
Reviews from real clients: Preferably personally communicate with someone from past customers
Education and experience: Minimum 3-5 years of practice
Personal compatibility: You should understand each other, designer should listen to your wishes, not impose their vision
Price transparency: Clear contract with all stages and costs indicated
Willingness to answer questions: Good designer patiently explains each decision

Don’t hesitate to ask to meet with several designers before choosing. It’s like choosing a doctor—not only qualifications are important, but also personal chemistry.

What interior styles will be relevant in coming years?

Trends change, but some styles are timeless:

Never out of fashion:

Modern classics (neoclassicism)
Scandinavian style (evolves, but foundation remains)
Minimalism (in new, softer interpretation)

Relevant in 2024-2025:

Biophilic design
Soft minimalism
Japanese style (wabi-sabi)
Eclecticism with elements from different eras
Eco-style with emphasis on natural materials

Losing relevance:

Pure loft
Glamorous style with abundance of glitter
Monochrome black-and-white interiors
Bouclé (after peak popularity comes decline)

But most importantly: choose a style that resonates with you, not what’s currently trending. Fashion passes, but you have to live in the apartment.

Your next step: from understanding to action

We’ve gone from functional foundations to existential questions. Now you understand: interior design for an apartment is not about choosing curtain colors. It’s about your quality of life, your health, your psychological well-being, and your finances.

What to do next depends on your situation:

If you’re just planning renovation:

Determine budget (realistic, with 20% reserve)
Analyze your lifestyle and needs
Meet with 2-3 designers, look at portfolios
Don’t try to save on the project—it’s penny-wise economy

If renovation is already underway without a project:

Stop work (seriously, it’s cheaper than continuing without a plan)
Order at least basic designer consultation
Adjust work plan

If you live in a finished apartment but dissatisfied:

Identify specific problems (functional, aesthetic, psychological)
Some things can be fixed without renovation: rearrangement, new lighting, textiles, decor
For serious changes, will need a designer and new renovation

Main thing—remember:

Your apartment is not just a place where you spend the night. It’s a space that either energizes you or depletes you. That either supports your goals and lifestyle or contradicts them. That either reflects your personality or imposes someone else’s.

Interior design shouldn’t be viewed as a luxury. It’s a basic investment in your life infrastructure. Like quality food, good sleep, or regular physical exercise. You don’t economize on this—you invest in your well-being.

And finally: the ideal apartment is not one that looks like a magazine cover. The ideal apartment is one you want to return to. Where you feel good. Where every detail works for you. Where you can be yourself.

This is exactly what professional interior design creates. Not a beautiful picture, but a space for life. Your life.

Key takeaways:

Interior design works on four levels: functional (convenience), economic (saving money), psychological (well-being), and existential (self-expression)
80% of critical mistakes are made at the planning stage—that’s why a design project saves 3-5 times its cost
For small apartments, professional design is even more important than for spacious ones—every meter is critical
Proper interior affects your health: from circadian rhythms to stress levels—this is scientifically measurable
The interior design market is growing 5.13% annually ($137.93 billion in 2024), indicating recognition of its value worldwide
2024-2025 trends (biophilic design, soft minimalism, personalization) are not just beautiful—they improve quality of life