Do rely on lamps to light your space, where possible.
They create the most flattering, romantic and mood enhancing light and are particularly key to a cosy vibe in the darkest days of winter.
With that in mind, don't use 3000 kelvin (or higher) bulbs
Much better to use 2700 Kelvin bulbs, which produce a warmer light quality, similar to the Halogen bulbs many of us grew up with. Dim to Warm LED bulbs are widely available and are a great way to add a candle-light quality to very low lighting.
Don't paint above your picture rail in a different colour to below it.
It makes ceilings feel lower and can feel quite dated.
Do line your lampshades
It is important to consider that unlined lampshades will drastically affect the colour of light they throw into your room. Unlined orange or red lampshades give Red Light District energy... which might not be what you’re looking for.
Don't underestimate the power of a lovely fireplace to anchor a room.
Well proportioned, tasteful fireplace surrounds are a thing of great beauty and worth investing in, if you can.
Do embrace the beauty of mirrors.
You don’t have to look into them constantly, but they add dimension, light and variety to a space in a way that pictures alone can’t.
Do have plenty of antiques and vintage.
These pieces can be really affordable, one of a kind and add personality and soul to a room.
Do think about where things are made (and how) before you buy them.
And pause to consider whether you could be supporting a local business, antiques dealer or craftsperson when decorating your home.
Don't forget to have adequate heating in your bathrooms.
There is something particularly depressing about a freezing cold loo.
Do buy vintage art that already has a nice (or nice enough) frame.
Often, framing can be more expensive than the piece itself, so it makes a huge difference to the total outlay if you already like the frame it comes in.
Do sweat the small stuff.
The difference between a good interior and a really special interior can often be found in the details, for example an interesting moulding detail on a wardrobe door, or a lovely trim on a pair of curtains. These small things can really add up and elevate your space.
Do use soft off-whites rather than stark whites when painting your ceiling.
They feel more considered, disappear more and can be chosen specifically to complement the wall colour.
Do think about your art collection early in a renovation process.
Lovely renovations can be compromised by a lack of consideration given to complementary art and where it will be placed. At the risk of sounding harsh, not all the random, cheap pieces you’ve been collecting since university need to have a place in your forever home. And if you’re having wall lights, make sure you don’t place them where you’d rather have something hanging on the wall.
Do carefully consider your curtains and blinds.
The default blind, for example, can be a rather structured Roman blind, but these are in general much less beautiful than softer, more elegantly draped styles. Having reference images of the effect you want to create is extremely helpful as window treatments are deceptively complicated and difficult to get right.. and they are expensive, so you want to get it right first try.
Don't forget to consider how the colours you decorate with flow from space to space.
For example, think about how your hallway and bedroom colours work together to ensure that the views from one room to another are pleasant rather than jarring.
