Understanding Colour Basics & How to Combine Secondary and Primary Colours in Interior Design

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🎨 Understanding Colour Basics & How to Combine Secondary and Primary Colours in Interior Design Discover how to use primary ( red, blue, yellow ) and secondary colours ( orange, green, purple ) to create emotionally engaging, beautifully balanced spaces. Complete with room-by-room techniques and style guidance. Table of Contents Introduction: The Language of Colour Understanding Primary & Secondary Colours Combining Colours: Rules of Thumb Room-by-Room Design Examples The Emotional Impact of Colour Combos Designer Tips for Colour Success Practical Tools & Resources Conclusion & Downloadable Resources 1. Introduction: The Language of Colour Colour is much more than a visual tool—it’s an expression of mood, intention, and identity. In interior design, we use colour to convey calm, excitement, luxury, warmth, or focus. When used intentionally, colour can transform a space from functional to emotionally meaningful. At the heart of c...
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10 Best Interior Design Websites to Learn and Get Inspired in 2025

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Your Ultimate Guide to the 10 Best Interior Design Sites Online

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting New Slate Design!

Looking to transform your space or deepen your interior design knowledge? Whether you're decorating your first apartment or managing a full home renovation, having the right design resources at your fingertips can make all the difference. These 10 interior design websites aren’t just pretty—they’re packed with expert advice, trend reports, layout tips, and real-world inspiration to help you design smarter, not harder.

Dimmable floor lamp

Table of Contents

Website: www.architecturaldigest.com

Architectural Digest is the gold standard for luxury interior design and global architecture. With features on celebrity homes, award-winning projects, and trend predictions, this site is both aspirational and educational. It’s ideal for learning how top designers approach lighting, scale, materials, and flow.

Best For: Luxury interiors, celebrity homes, and global design inspiration
Why It's Great: AD features globally and professionally designed homes, industry news, trend reports, and stylish home tours that set the standard for upscale taste.

2. Houzz

Website: www.houzz.com

Houzz bridges the gap between design dreams and real-life renovations. You can explore design ideas by room or style, find pros in your area, and shop curated collections. Its visual-based platform helps you understand how layouts and materials work together.

Best For: Connecting with professionals, room ideas, and shopping
Why It's Great: A one-stop platform for design ideas, contractor hiring, and furniture buying. You can filter by room, style, and budget.

3. Apartment Therapy

Website: www.apartmenttherapy.com

Apartment Therapy focuses on small-space living, real home tours, and renter-friendly solutions. It’s an excellent educational resource for practical organization, cozy styling, and budget decor. Each article feels down-to-earth and achievable.

Best For: Small space living, renter-friendly tips, and DIYs
Why It's Great: Real homes, budget hacks, and design ideas for everyday people. Ideal if you're decorating an apartment or small home.

rn Flower Shape Ceiling Lamp for Modern Living Room

🛒 Shop the Apartment Therapy Look

4. Dezeen

Website: www.dezeen.com

Dezeen covers cutting-edge architecture and modern interior design from around the globe. Great for learning about sustainable materials, conceptual layouts, and emerging design technologies. Think of it as the modern designer’s classroom.

Best For: Modern architecture, minimalism, and product design
Why It's Great: Focuses on cutting-edge architecture and interior design. Great for forward-thinkers and lovers of innovative design.

5. The Spruce

Website: www.thespruce.com

The Spruce offers clear how-to guides, room styling tips, and curated product lists. It’s perfect for beginner and intermediate designers looking for structure in their process. Whether you're learning how to paint a room or choose the right rug size, it breaks things down beautifully.

Best For: Practical tips, decorating guides, and product reviews
Why It's Great: DIY tutorials, seasonal decor, and tons of inspiration for every budget and skill level.

🛋️ Inspired Finds: Designer-Approved Home Decor Picks

Love the post above? Here are Amazon favorites that reflect the timeless style and smart design choices from top designers:

6. Domino

Website: www.domino.com

Domino blends fashion-forward design with lifestyle content. It’s an ideal place to study eclectic combinations, color layering, and trendy decor. With shopping links and editorial storytelling, it teaches you how to infuse personality into every space.

Best For: Trendy interiors, shopping picks, and lifestyle

Why It's Great: It blends design with lifestyle, offering curated product selections, trend articles, and celebrity homes with a playful twist.

7. Design Milk

Website: www.design-milk.com

Design Milk is a haven for contemporary and minimalist design lovers. It highlights product innovation, interior trends, and designer spotlights. A great educational stop for understanding scale, negative space, and material selection.

Best For: Contemporary design and creative spaces

Why It's Great: Clean aesthetics and creative features on furniture, lighting, and emerging designers.

8. Studio McGee

Website: www.studiomcgee.com

Studio McGee showcases classic American design with a fresh, elevated style. Their blog and project gallery teach you how to layer neutrals, mix textures, and style shelves with balance. It’s like a masterclass in warm, curated interiors.

Best For: Timeless, elegant American interiors

Why It's Great: Offers both a beautiful design portfolio and an online shop. Loved for its signature clean, classic style with a modern twist.

🛒 Get the Studio McGee Look

9. Style by Emily Henderson

Website: stylebyemilyhenderson.com

This blog is full of real-life makeovers, styling guides, and honest decorating dilemmas. Emily shares both wins and challenges, making it highly educational for home stylists. Learn from room reveals, layout experiments, and even budget mistakes.

Best For: Styling tips, makeovers, and approachable design
Why It's Great: Blends education with inspiration—perfect for anyone learning how to style their own space.

10. Remodelista

Website: www.remodelista.com

Remodelista is a refined resource for minimalist, architectural interiors. Their design lessons lie in simplicity—showing how to use fewer, better items. Perfect for studying lighting, clean lines, and timeless palettes in detail.

Best For: Renovation tips, minimalist design, and timeless style
Why It's Great: A favorite for those looking for high-end renovation ideas with a refined, minimalist aesthetic.

Final Thoughts

Each of these websites brings something unique to the design table—whether it’s luxury inspiration, small-space tricks, or educational styling breakdowns. Bookmark a few, study their layouts, and apply their lessons to your own space. Design isn’t just about beauty—it’s about learning how spaces function, feel, and evolve with you.

🛍️ Ready to refresh your home?
Check out our favorite picks inspired by today’s top designers on our Amazon Design Finds page.

💬 Which site do you love most? Let me know in the comments!

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