Decorating Principles
Cohesion
Cohesion in design refers to the sense that all elements in a space work together as a unified whole—that the room was designed with intention rather than assembled randomly. Cohesive rooms demonstrate clear direction through repeated colors, consistent style, and thoughtful relationships between elements, creating spaces that feel complete and considered.
Achieving cohesion doesn't mean everything must match; rather, elements should relate to each other through some common thread—color, material, era, or style. The key is establishing clear guidelines and allowing variations within that framework. A cohesive room might feature furniture from different periods united by a consistent color palette, or varied textures connected by a single style sensibility.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Elements relate to each other
- ✓Clear design direction
- ✓Repeated connecting elements
- ✓Feels intentional, not random
- ✓Allows variety within framework
- ✓Creates sense of completeness
Types & Variations
Color cohesion (repeated palette)
Style cohesion (consistent aesthetic)
Material cohesion (repeated textures)
Period cohesion (same era)
Conceptual cohesion (thematic connection)
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Identify 2-3 connecting threads (colors, materials, shapes) and repeat them throughout. Echo major colors in at least three places. Ensure no element appears without connection to others. Edit ruthlessly—remove items that don't relate.
💡 Pro Tip
The easiest path to cohesion is a defined color palette: one dominant neutral, one secondary color, one accent. Apply this formula to any style, and rooms will feel cohesive regardless of mixed furniture periods or varied textures.