Don’t be afraid to make structural changes
Move that wall if it’s in the wrong place. Lose a bedroom and gain a dressing room. Make space for a dedicated playroom and always, always build in storage wherever you can. Optimising your layout for how you live is crucial to a comfortable home.
Don’t listen to too many outside opinions
I think people are too often swayed by other people’s opinions of their design choices. It gives them design paralysis. There is plenty of tasteful bland in the world, it’s your home, go for your heart’s desire.
Do ignore the colour wheel
We’ve never looked at one.
Do consider the light bulb
Whatever lighting you buy, it’s actually the bulb that makes all the difference. Never use more than 2800k for a warm and cosy interior. Daylight bulbs should be banned for residential use. No dark-coloured lampshades either. Make sure any lights at eye height don’t have exposed bulbs – you’ll be dazzled in the wrong way.
Don’t cut corners when planning
It might not be the most exciting part of a design project, but it is the most important. Time spent planning will always pay you back three-fold in the end. Don’t rush that first phase.
Do think about your entrances, hallways and lobbies
Entrance halls and lobbies are the first impression of your home. Ensure that these aren’t just a space to pass through or that they just get cluttered up with coats and shoes. Build in storage where possible, put in some great lighting and make it fun with artwork or a great rug.
Do consider picking up furniture at auctions
Quality is key. If budget is a factor, try auctions where you can often pick up wonderful unique pieces for the price of something from the high street. Don’t go for style over substance, it ages badly.
Don’t forget that colours change through the day
It’s amazing how much colours change depending on the aspect of the room. Always test in the space and see how it changes throughout the day and evening before lifting any brushes. And always go for colours you love. As long as you love, it that’s all that matters.
Do make your house feel lived in
Get a dog (or a cat depending on who you’re asking). Turn off the overhead light, put on some lamps.
Don’t shy away from bold wallcoverings
A wallcovering truly elevates a space and adds such a different atmosphere to a room. Just remember when it is used on all walls (as it always should be) that it never looks as bold as it does as a sample, so be brave!
Do think practically about your kitchen
Getting your kitchen layout right is everything. We spend a great deal of time with clients to ensure every dish, cup and condiment is in the perfect place for them. Be realistic about whether you want to have things out on display (and the associated cleaning that goes with this) or if you’d rather have everything put away. If you are getting stools for a kitchen counter, try to go for ones with a back so you can sit comfortably rather than balancing on them for hours.
Do invest in quality hardware
You will come into contact with these every day so you want to make sure they are tactile and nice quality. The finish doesn’t have to match the metals in the rest of the room either!
Don’t forget to ask for help
At least with bathrooms and kitchens, which are tricky and technical spaces to design. An interior designer can help bring clarity and cohesion to your vision, not to mention invaluable practical advice and organisation. If you want to take your home to the next level, a designer will listen to your ideas and develop them in ways you could never have imagined.
