Interior Design Tips 68 Experts Share their Best Advice
Posted on 23 January 2017
Decorating your home or redesigning an interior can be challenging when there are so many colour options and fantastic products out there to fill your room with. You can quickly get confused and end up with both expensive and time-consuming mistakes.
I have asked some of the best in the Interior design business to give me their take on what people tend to get wrong and more importantly on how you can plan to create a fantastic looking and functional space.
Whatever your budget or space the principles are always the same so this advice we have gathered below should prove valuable to everyone.
Planning Interior Design Tips
Holly Becker, Interior Writer at decor8blog.com
My #1 design tip is to figure out your personal style first and then decorate with your heart. Make sure you really “feel” what you are doing on an emotional level. Don’t follow trends or copy catalogs. When others go left, go right. Experiment, have fun, decorating is an art project that never really ends.
Try to learn the rules and then break them.
Maybe this is more than one tip, but there is not a single tip that I can give that will automatically work for you, it is you who must feel the chemistry between you and your items and in your environment, it is you with whom the love affair for home and design begins.
Cultivate it, stick with it, and most of all, have fun. Your home is the one spot in the world where you can do whatever you wish – so do what you want and enjoy the process.
Rowena Vaughan, Interior Designer at Rjvdesigns.co.uk
Don’t just do it – plan it. It is much cheaper to plan on paper than to make an expensive mistake because you didn’t check the measurements. I always tell my clients that it is better to take the time while planning and deciding than to change your mind while the work is being carried out. Costs always escalate if you do that. So plan, plan and plan again.
A good interior designer will walk you through the design on paper, making sure that all ideas and bases have been covered. Give you advice on the right kind of products to use that will best suit your budget and explain the necessary building works that will need to be undertaken.
Lori Taylor, Interior Writer at wildandgrizzly.com
"When designing your home, my number one rule is to find YOUR style. It's easy to get wrapped up in the pages of the latest interior mag, but ideally, you want to create a style that suits your tastes and has functionality.
Before starting any project, I always create a mood board of things that I find inspiring, products I like, interiors that have caught my eye.
Pinterest is a great place to start for inspiration, and you can create several mood boards quickly. Once I've created my board I look for common themes, colours and patterns then I can start my interior from there. "
Rani Engineer, Interiors Expert at La Maison Jolie
"My number one interior design tip is to seek inspiration from things you like. Since inspiration has no boundaries, seek so from nature, flora, fauna, art, food, clothes, colours, shoes, textiles, travel, family, friends and anything else that moves you.
Create a mood board to put together your ideas to find colours, styles, and themes that work for you. But above all remember to have fun when designing, decorating and styling."
Shaynna Blaze, Interior Designer at Shaynna Blaze
Always have a clear idea of ‘why’ you are changing the design of your house or your room. Is it for long term, to sell or just to give you a lift in the next few years? It is so important to look at the changes in a time line to make sure you don’t spend too much money. If it is a quick change or be a ‘slave to a trend’ that is for now, when you want this to last you more than 5 five years. Trends move in a flash so if you make your small decor items like cushions and vases in the trend colours and styles then you can always keep a long term interior ‘fresh.
Claire Donovan, Interior Writer at HeartHandmade
"My number one tip is, get yourself a notebook and pen, an iPad or some magazines for inspiration and sketch out some plan. Do a brain dump of all the ideas that you have, what type of furniture you might want to include in the room, measurements of all spaces and a floor plan of the space.
The floor plan and measurements will help you figure out how much space you have and when looking for furniture always check sizes before you purchase. "
Jess Warner, Interior Writer at TheOnlyGirlintheHouse.com
I never start any interiors project, in my own home or at work, without a clear vision of the desired outcome. To ensure I’m focused on the look and feel I’m hoping to accomplish, I always reap all that I can from Pinterest, interiors mags and Instagram – collating all my favourite images on a dedicated Pinterest board.
I take all the elements of the images I love, no matter how small, and curate them until I’ve got the look I’m after. So my number 1 tip when it comes to interior design is: When in doubt – Pinterest the hell out of it!
Elisabetta Rizzato, Interior Writer at Italianbark.com
My advice could be to start by considering carefully what you want to hold and the things you love, than start thinking of a coherent design and colour palette from that. I don't like wastefulness at all and love when in a makeover or a new design we can include something that has also a sentimental value from people living in the home.
Maybe an old poster, a vintage piece of furniture, accessories found from travels so basically the effort is to create a new and modern look that can mix old and new, and this combination makes the space even more attractive!
Maxine Brady, Interior Writer at welovehomeblog.com
Before making a big change in your home, like changing the wall colour or buying a new sofa. Alway test out your ideas in a mood board. I used to do this the okd fashioned way by tearing out oages from magazines and interior desing books.
Now you can easily create them online using web resources like Pinterest, Instagram, at mine, Houzz as well as from blogs (of course).
Gather your ideas together to get a coherent look using google slides or canva, or just a basic pdf - its so easy to do trust me. Then you can store in your smart phone. That way you have it on you at all times when shopping. That way you can refer back to it and get the perfect home style.
Stas Rozpario, Interior Expert at Interioridea.net
"For clients and aspiring interior designers who are just starting out, I would suggest first and foremost you need to have a General plan. Finishing and decoration - very expensive, no matter what your budget.
You just need to move gradually, according to the plan and understand how you are going to use each subject in a particular space. Designing a room is like putting together an outfit - take inspiration from upcoming trends on the catwalk."
Creating a desirable space is like putting together an outfit, you need good Hollywood Mirror - take inspiration from future trends on the catwalk."
Caro Davies, Interior Writer at thetwinkediaries.co.uk
Don’t decorate as soon as you’ve bought a new house. Live in it for a while first — see how the light changes and moves round before you spend any money. It’s much easier to make the right decision when you’ve lived in a space for a little while.
Isabel Escauriaza, Interior Blogger at Ebom.es
"When talking about Interior Design, my first tip is always to be natural, honest with your style, and mainly, with your necessities. Don't pretend to be whomever you are not, and never try to transform a space in whatever it is not.
I always say that we must be conscious of the space before we dress it: an apartment is not a farm, and a villa is not a loft. Once the soul of the area and its' identity is clear, then we can start playing with the styling, and their freedom is the key.
Once again, naturally and honestly, we can match and play as far as we want, always respecting the soul and function of the space".
Karen Clough, Interior Writer at wellguessthisisgrowingup.co.uk
My top interior design tip would be to focus around personality and function. Homes are where we de-stress at the end of the day.
They’re the safe space that we create for ourselves to do what we want – to relax, explore our interests and to recharge.
Whether you like lots of deep colour to help you wind down, or an abundance of light to boost productivity, make sure the interiors are not only suitable for the everyday but that they serve their purpose and make you happy.
Meredith Heron, Interior Designer at Meredithheron.com
Hire a designer. It may sound glib being that I am a designer but I think of it this way. I use a hair stylist to do my hair, a dentist to care for my teeth.
If I want my home to be functional and aesthetically pleasing, hiring a designer to oversee, conceptualize and implement is, of course, the right choice.
It is an investment in yourself, your family. Their job will be to push you beyond your comfort zone, see things in a new way or completely reimagine your home to better suit your needs.
Miranda Vedral, Interior Writer at Mirandavedral.com
My no1 design tip is to really think about the “look” or “feel” you want to create, BEFORE you create it! DO your research, via design books, Pinterest, Insta…whatever source necessary.
Create a mood board, which is then is the guide through which all design decisions you can make. Individual elements of the room/project may change (I regularly change my mind) but the primary focus will be there, on the mood board, so you don’t waver from the original “look” and “feel.”
There is so much choice out there now; it is essential to narrow down the options and focus on what you love and need.
Susie Earlam, Interior Writer at oldfashionedsusie.com
Know your measurements of things you need, like sofas or the width of space in an alcove for example. Use masking tape to plan out any new layouts on the floor so you can see how things will fit in the room.
We've just done this while buying a new corner sofa; it helps to get the proportions right for space.
Milena Diyarova, Interior Designer at ardesiadesign.co.uk
Our number 1 Interior Design Tip would be to understand the space and its potential, as well as priorities within the design. It is very important to decide whether you design for yourself or for rental purposes, as it will need to be approached a bit differently.
Also, it is good to remember not to overwhelm the space, as most of the time less is more. A lot of people are hoping to fit as much as possible into one room, including storage and various facilities, trying to make it as practical as possible, but at the end, it might not work at all. It is important always to remember your priorities.
Helen Parker,Creative Director at deVolkitchens.co.uk
"The best rooms appear as if common sense has taken over rather than design. Less is definitely more and even if your room is very small it's important to try and keep it uncluttered."
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Gabriella Palumbo, Interior Writer at Flat15.com
My number 1 interior design tip would be to have a clear vision of the design style that you are aiming for. I think it is so important to spend some time looking for interior inspiration and researching styles that work for you prior to designing a room.
This way you will have a very accurate idea of what your vision is throughout the process and that will also help prevent being side tracked with other design ideas.
Christine, Writer at Little House on the Corner
Our by far biggest design tip is to let your style develop over time. Collect as much inspiration as you can by keeping your eyes open when you’re out and about, by browsing magazines and searching Pinterest. You never know when inspiration might strike!
Don’t rush into making any big decisions, though. Take your time and don’t feel like you have to follow trends. By only purchasing items you love you’ll end up with a home that’s individual and truly reflects you and your personal style.
Jason Grant, Style Writer at Mrjasongrant.com
My biggest tip is take your time, theres not rush and no need to create a false sense of urgency, its good to complete a room or project but a room or home should always be constantly evolving, adding layers, editing adding and subtracting just as your life evolves so should your home to reflect it.
Collecting favorite items adding items from your travels, artworks for the walls and other personal touches and moments. Fill your home with things you love and express your journey
Hester van O, Handmade Interiors Writer
My number 1 design tip would be make mood boards. Gather all your ideas on a platform like Pinterest or in a scrapbook then sit down have a good look at what the main theme is and go from there.
Make all your purchases from paint to wallpaper to furniture fit within your mood board, and you would have a great looking room that has your personal touch.
Alison Gibb, Interior Writer at Her Indoors
Decide on a style and stick to it.
Jo Walker, Interior Writer at DesiretoInspire.net
Be true to yourself. Go with what you love not necessarily what's on trend at the moment. Your home should reflect your personality, how you want to relax or play. Having said that always buy quality and you won't regret it.
Simone Aïda Baur Interior Designer, Blogger & Founder of GlobalinspirationsDesign.com
In my experience as an interior designer, whether I work with clients on a one-on-one basis or in one of my workshops, I have noticed that most people like more than one style. They end up purchasing anything they like, without considering, whether it works with their current interiors and style. Mixing different styles can create an eclectic look, which however is one of the most difficult styles to achieve. Therefore in most, cases it simply ends up being messy and cluttered. This is why I always recommend to my clients to pick one dominant style and then add a few elements of one or maximum two other styles to the mix. This way your home will look far more cohesive and harmonious.
Alex Carberry, Writer at theinteriordiyer.com
I'd have to say my number one design tip would be to take your time when designing your home. Meaning, when you move into a new space, don't go to your closest home store and buy everything in one go.
Of course, there are a few things you'll have to buy right away when you move in ( bed, couch, dining set, etc.), but for everything else, take your time and consider each section of your home before you decide on a piece of furniture or colour scheme.
I think a home should be a collection of your favourite things and pieces you pick up over the years.
Lisa M Smith, Interior Writer at Decogirl.net
Make a plan. Beautiful interiors start with a carefully curated plan. Impulsive decorating leads to expensive mistakes. Interior design is not a hobby, its a vocation, it shouldn’t be a never ending process. A good plan helps the decision-making process; it forces one to think a few steps ahead as to how an item or idea can and will impact something else. A plan makes decorating easy, use it as a shopping list to avoid unnecessary purchases.
Interior Design Finishing Touches Tips
Benita Roberts, Interior Writer at ChasingQuantness
I try to get a feel for the space before I start making purchases and changing things up. I believe each home or space has its own personality that will be revealed if one is patient with their design.
Emma Kayne, Interior Writer at Emkayne.com
My number 1 interior design tip is that in every room there must be some element in black, be it picture frames, accessories, a fireplace grate, a light fitting or similar. A portion of black grounds the room, draws out other colours and accentuates them, and balances a scheme.
If black is too intense for someone, take the darkest tone available in a room to use as an accent such as graphite grey in a pale grey scheme. If you think of any successful interior design project, somewhere in there is a smattering of black.
Sophie Howard, Interior Designer at Sophiehowardinteriors.co.uk
As an Interior Designer, my number one tip would be to not having anything in your home or space that you do not love. This idea may seem slightly counter productive for an Interior Designer to say, however, it is my job to figure out what you love.
We live in a world where 'stuff' is extremely important, and unless it brings you joy it's not as important as you think!".
Rachael- Made from Scratch
"I have never been a huge fan of 'stuff for the sake of stuff," but a room can always be brought to life with your favourite books, candles and of course fresh flowers. These three simple objects are easily my favourite way to decorate any room.
And of course have a deep 'spring clean' every few months so that you know what you have, I find it so much easier to keep everything organised this way."
Fiona French, Interior Designer at Tallpoppies
"When thinking about what items to put in a room, and where to start with colours, patterns, etc., try to think of your space as getting dressed to go on a night out.
You may have a lot of new clothes in your wardrobe and lots of lovely accessories, but you wouldn’t necessarily wear your most fashion forward pieces all at the same time.
Interiors are very much like this. If you are thinking of the sofa being the star of the room, try to pick a plain background for it so that the sofa will be the star of the show.
In this way when people walk into a room, the room as a whole will look wow! Rather than confuse the eye with lots of things to look at all at once."
Becky Morris Knight, Interior Writer at Prettydandy.co.uk
My top tip for interior design is to invest in a piece of art. It doesn't have to be expensive - you can get really good artist's prints from as little as £20 at craft markets or online. Art is about expression and individuality and this will help you to create a unique space which really speaks to you and inspires you.
Plus, you can have a lot of fun looking for an artwork which suits your taste & style, and there are options to go more expensive if you have the means, or to start a collection if you fall in love with art!
Laura Beth Love, Interior Blogger at Dishfunctionaldesigns
My #1 Interior Design Tip is to surround yourself with things that make you happy. By surrounding yourself with things that have meaning to you, you create a space that is joyful as well as uniquely you.
Michele Alfano, Interior Writer at Moddesignguru.com
My #1 Interior design tip is to create a focal point that makes your space memorable. Your space should not only be a beautiful space, but should be a destination. A place where you want to go and experience.
Laura Thomas, Textiles Expert at LauraThomasLinens.com
Decorate with mirrors to reflect light and create a feeling of space. Think light, not vanity and how you can place a mirror to brighten a dull corner, hallway or room.
Look at the way the sun moves around the space and based on this hang or place a mirror in an area that can directly bounce light on a diagonal.
Or use a series of mirrors to decorate a wall as an artistic display and in turn reflect more light within a space.
Louise de Miranda, Interior Writer at 30smagazine.com
My number one decorating tip is to create a home with character. I believe your home should reflect your own personality and interests, and shouldn't look like a show room or model home. As soon as someone enters your home, it should be apparent who lives there. Just like you, a decor with character includes imperfections, something human and something distinctive.
Although it can be tempting to follow the trends, I advice to stick with your style, and instead only embrace trends that match your style while steering away from the others.
How to? Let's say you're a travel addict like myself. Try to express that in your home decor by e.g. blowing up a photo and printing it as wallpaper for an accent wall.
On one of your journeys, buy a local art piece that will transport you back to that holiday, instead of the purchase of a mass-produced art piece at your local furniture store. I draw inspiration from boutique hotels I stayed in during traveling and try to recreate the atmosphere by using the same style of my favourite hotels. The colours of your most beloved destination can be a starting point for the colour scheme of your home decor. Make it yours, and it'll never bore.
Becky Goddard-Hill, Interior Writer at abeautifulspace.co.uk
Know what you love and never just follow trends because they are a trend. Think about styles/colours/schemes that make you smile and let that be your lead
Claire Price, Interior Writer at Myhousecandy.com
My top tip when it comes to interior design is to have a bit of fun. It's a home, not a show house and the more it reflects your personality, the better it will feel. So relax and experiment. Try out new colours, have a play around with wallpapers and accessories, take risks and push the boundaries a little.
You don't have to follow trends to be stylish - in fact, it's way cooler to develop your unique style. You won't always get it right, but any mistakes you make will lead you towards a scheme you will love.
Some of my favourite looks at home have come about by accident. Sticking to the rules all the time can become a bit dull. Its always a good idea to throw in a few surprises!
Huib Maat, Wellbeing Expert at Pairfum.com
Our number 1 Interior Design tip is the following: multi-sensorial interior design !
We perceive the world around us through all of our senses, and it is our multi-sensorial impression that defines how we feel about a room, product or even service.
Most interior designers continue only to address the visual and tactile aspects but rarely discuss our other senses such as sound, gustative or scent. The multi-sensorial design already exists as an approach for more than a decade but rarely is it being practiced when designing our homes.
Here is an example: the hallway is the first room where you welcome guests, and yet who many designers place as much emphasis on the fragrance of hallway or what sounds they can hear? Did you recently read an article in an Interior Design article about how a room was scented to match the décor of the living room?
Our suggestion: approach the interior design process through your senses!
Lilla Goatcher, Lifestyle & Interior Writer at Lilaloves.com
Storage is key
With the price of property being very high, especially in the south, we pay a premium for space. For first time buyers the size of the properties we can afford are often minimal, so space optimisation is essential.
Firstly make sure that you get rid of unnecessary items. A lot of people recommend using the Marie Kondo method, which essentially makes you ask whether each and every item you own ‘sparks joy,' if it doesn’t then say goodbye.
After that, maximizing storage needs to become your ultimate skill, make sure you have beds with storage, these can be used to store bedding towels and seasonal clothing.
Invest in bespoke built in wardrobes so that all your clothes, shoes and accessories will be hidden away. Take into consideration what you own, and how you can utilize your closet space. You’d be surprised how adding a few drawers, and additional rails can make the world of difference.
This concept can be taken to the kitchen, add a pullout larder to a small space to add extra space, and also consider getting a pan sorters for cupboards.
Paola Tartaglino, Interior Writer at Wemakeapair.com
I suggest to create your own style and never get bored, by mixing and matching.
Start from few and minimal furniture in neutral colours, that will act as a excellent background: in the living room, for example, a big sofa, a white or light wood table, some shelves.
Then add some more element here and there, like nice pastel chairs, a carpet, a big floor lamp and many plants. Possibly consider putting wallpaper on a single wall.
Take your time and build your space little by little, buy a few decorations at a time and always remember: “less is more” (in this case: quality is better than quantity).
Mix new industrial items to handmade and natural material, objects found at vintage markets to souvenirs from your travels: in this way your home is going to represent yourself and make you happy correctly.
Hannah Russell, Interior Expert at Layerhome.com
Look out for pieces that speak to you on a personal level. It might simply be the colours in a painting or the shape of a chair leg—price or provenance have no bearing if you love something.
Our homes are our decorative autobiography, so only buy the pieces that you connect with. And it doesn’t necessarily have to be "current" or in keeping with a trend. As fashion designer Pearl Lowe said to us during a recent interview: "Only buy pieces that you can't live without—live empty until you find the right thing."
Cassie Fairy, Interior Writer at Cassiefairy.com
Edit your belongings. If you fill a room with all your possessions it can start to feel cluttered and untidy, and can detract from the aesthetic you've created. Store away the things that don't suit the theme and use what's left to add a touch of personality to the room.
Jessica Zoob, Artist at Jessicazoob.com
If you intend to use art in your scheme make that your starting point. Go with your heart and chose items which make you smile!
Michelle Cortizo, Interior Writer at Decortizo
I suppose the best tip I can give is to only live with the things you use and love. Edit heavily the things that serve no real purpose or meaning in your life. Layer in textures and colors that bring you joy and try to incorporating them in a harmonious way. Hopefully, the result will be of a collected aesthetic that embraces your personal story.
Kate Riley, Interior Blogger at Centsationalgirl.com
"Invest in beautiful lighting (lamps, sconces, chandeliers) since it's the jewelry in the room."
Jacquin Milhouse, Interior designer at InteriorsbyJacquin.co.uk
Want to create a well-designed home that reflects your unique perosnality? The key is the addition of artwork, specifically artwork that you truly love. I recommend hanging at least 1 work of art in every room.
Bringing in the right art selection can transform your space, and it's a great way to show your personal style. Just remember to consider the dimensions of your artwork to ensure that your walls will have a balanced appearance once hung. If you featured artwork is too small for the wall, it will not look as great in your space.
Oversized artwork could be the perfect solution or perhaps hanging a series of 3 smaller works of art. Most importantly, don't shy away from bright colors in your artwork. A colorful work of art can transform a dull space into a well-designed space!
Interior Blogger at Homegirl London
If you fall in love with an interior trend, just remember that the look you love now might seem really out dated next year. Rather than investing in a new sofa in this season’s hot colour try sprucing up your old settee with a few cushions instead. It’s best to buy directional home accessories and decorative objects which you can use to perk up a room and make it feel more current. When you’ve moved on to the next hot trend, either sell your old pieces on eBay or donate them to your favourite charity shop.
When you move into a new house, don’t rush to purchase a whole host of furniture or home accessories. It’s best to proceed slowly and get a good feel of the space. I often find that people over buy and therefore end up with too much furniture which can make a room feel cramped and busy. Do you really need a coffee table and a set of side tables in your living room? No you don’t, unless you live in a mansion that is. If you make considered purchases you can go for the minimal approach which will save you cash and give you room to maneuver … literally!
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Claire Price, Interior Writer at Myhousecandy.com
My top interior design tip is to mix it up. Avoid being too matchy-matchy with accessories and buy what you love instead of sticking rigidly to a particular design trend. That way you'll add personality to your home and it won't easily get trapped in a time warp. I love to see a vintage sideboard dressed with a modern lamp for example.
It's important to remember you are creating a home, not staging a room set, so have a bit of fun with your interior! If you are wary of pattern and colour keep the base neutral and experiment with accent cushions, throws and art work. Layering adds warmth and depth but also allows you to update a room quickly and cost effectively. It's great to change your look with the seasons, ensuring that fresh and vibrant ambience that makes a house a home.
Dimche Mitevski, Interior Writer at Creativeresidence.com
The best and most important tip that i can give to the readers. Is to let the daylight to enter in your home. This will make your home positive and pleasant place for living. If you don't have conditions for placing more windows in the home. You can achieve the positive filing with different types of lamps, chandeliers and hidden lamps. The interior design need to be bright especially for the family homes."
Furniture Tips
Sherry Roberts, Interior Writer at the Longeststay.com
“ Quality over quantity! Try to buy furniture that is going to last you a lifetime, not just a season. Don’t be worried about changing styles, just ensure that you buy a piece with a timeless, clean-lined silhouette and then reflect changing trends in your accessories and soft furnishings. Alternatively, if you are looking to purchase a more avant-garde piece, then be sure to do your research on designer brands and look at it as a potential investment that could be very valuable down the line."
Sian McPherson, Interior Writer at Estliving.com
Don’t be a slave to trends and be sure to buy once and buy well. Save for that piece you really love and don’t settle for less. Be patient and wait - your home should not be finished in a day. Good design will last a lifetime and will bear the hallmarks of your life’s story so don’t worry about being too precious about pieces. Character and soul is priceless.
Jenna Crotty, Homeware Writer at Homewarehuntress.com
Living in a small space has taught me that less is more. When it comes to furniture, it's better to have fewer, larger pieces, rather than many smaller ones. Our mobile home came with two small sofas. We replaced them with one, larger, L-shaped sofa that wraps up against the corner of the room. It has completely transformed the space.
Guido J. van den Elshout, at Chairblog.eu
There are many many beautiful designed chairs out there, however, only few that sit well.
I would always choose a chair that sits well in a chair that looks nice......
My fave chair is the Sawbench from Hans Wegner.
Texture Interior Design Tips
Lindsey Durrant, Bespoke Interiors at Burlanes.com
‘Light colours create space. Choose your work surface in a kitchen carefully, maximise your space and if you choose wood remember it needs looking after! ‘ - Lindsey Durrant, burlanes head designer.
Johan Hazenbroek, Interior Designer at Label1114
My number 1 interior design tip is to have courage while decorating your home! Courage is all about making choices on your own.
Don't think about what people would think of your interior, do what feels best for you. Dare to change your interior
to the image in your head. Maybe you should try that color you like most in your living room. Courage brought me an
interior that reflects my personality and it's the best advice I give. Be brave!
Chrissy Halton, Interior Writer at Organisemyhouse.com
My number 1 interior design tip would be to always pick the paint colour of a room last when choosing a colour scheme. It is always easier to match a colour to a fabric/piece of art/cushion etc... than to find things to match a paint colour. If you work with the thing with the most pattern and colour first then everything else will be much much easier to choose. Doing it this way around will save you time, energy and money.
Becky Freeman, Interior Writer at Spiritedpuddlejumper.com
"When it comes to decorating and home interiors, the biggest lesson I've learned is to be bold, whether it's with colour or furniture! It might seem scary, but anything I've really 'gone for' (for example, our new bright blue living room) has worked and I haven't regretted it.
You can jazz it up with inexpensive plants and accessories that you can change after a while, and doing this can make your space personal. Go with your gut instinct and don't always follow the crowd. What's the worst that could happen?!"
Anna Lysik, Interior Writer at Dontcrampmystyle.co.uk
When it comes to designing a space, one the most important factors are colour and lighting. First find out a colour scheme and then work with natural light to evoke these colours.
It’s very important to see the behaviour of certain colours in different light environments, so install your lighting first to see the shadowing and how different room colour respond to artificial light as well as natural.
Rachael Jess, Interior Blogger at Racheljess.com
My top tip would be to familiarise yourself with the colour wheel when choosing colours to decorate a room.
Scott Purcell, Interior Expert at Manofmany.com
My biggest tip for interior design is to keep things simple. If you have no idea about colour, stick to classic monochromes - whites, greys and blacks. You can also try to experiment with textures instead of colours through a combination of glass, rugs, cushions, wood etc. Also, lighting can work wonders when adding a certain ambience to a room. Think about including a nice lamp instead of an incandescent bulb.
Nigel Higgins, Interior Blogger at Diydaddyblog.com
The one thing that a lot people don't do when it comes to decorating is the right amount of preparation. To achieve the perfect look and finish preparing all the surfaces is vital. It's very time consuming, but will always be worth it so that the overall look of the re-decorating will have a professional look. This will also last longer before the room needs redecorating again.
It's also important to carefully choose your colours, in particular for the areas that receive less daylight. For these areas I'd recommend that you use colours that reflect light. Using mirrors is also a fantastic way of reflecting light and making a room feel bigger.
Ronique Gibson, Interiors Expert at Stagetecture.com
Color is powerful and doesn’t have to be expensive. A can of paint, some colorful throw pillows or a gorgeous blend of neutral colors in a room with a darker hued accent wall is all you need to make a room more welcoming.
Many homeowners think they have to have large design budgets and redo their entire room from ceiling to floor to create a different aesthetic in their room. Instead, stand in the room and ask yourself “what is this room missing to add more “me” to space?” Family photos, mementos from your last vacation, or even a colorful couch you scored from a garage sale last weekend can bring color to your abode!
Helga de Waal, Interior Designer at Inspireandcreate.nl
My number one Interior Design Tip is to use neutral colours for the walls, floor and furniture as a base. Decorate the room with pillows and plaids and use objects that really shine out like a coffee table, pouf or a little cabinet.
To give a room a new look buy a plant or change the art on the wall. By changing the decor, you can create a different atmosphere and style.
Emily Henderson, Interior Designer at StylebyEmilyHenderson.com
You can mix however many styles you want, mid-century-country-hollywood-regency-industrial-traditional – ALL OF THEM together as long as you have a consistent color palette peppered evenly throughout the space. This is the number one problem I see – not telling a cohesive color story through furniture and accessories. Choose a few colors that you’ve always loved, add some neutrals, throw in some accent colors, and then shop and style ONLY within those colors.
Becky Evans, Interior Writer at The Spirited Puddle Jumper
Bedroom Interior Design Tips
Mairi Wilks, Product Designer at Mairi Helena
Take time to consider your paint choices as the colour of the walls will dramatically alter the mood and tone of the room.Try out a few ideas in the form of a mood board and experimenting with different colour combinations. For example, you could go bold and go for a strong blue for a calm and collected feel. Blue in the bedroom is considered to be relaxing, and so perfect for creating a dramatic but at the same time very cool atmosphere. Mix blues with a white palette for details and add in colourful accessories and vibrant patterns to create a room with style and sophistication.
Dean Keyworth, at Armstrong Keyworth Interior Design
I think the key think about bedrooms is lighting - after all most of the time you spend there is a night. You need a good mix of task lighting (bedside lamps or wall lights for reading or browsing) and general illumination, particularly in or around the wardrobes so you can see your clothes on a dark winter morning. The other key aspect is colour, depending on your personal preference, choosing pale and soothing neutrals for a restful night or a more vibrant palette for a dramatic boudoir feelingWow what an excellent response we have received and HUGE thanks to all the interior design experts that contributed to this massive post.
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2 comments
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As an interior design writer (www.afancyhome.com) I can say I whole heartedly agree with the majority of these ideas. While it’s great to research and seek inspiration from magazines, editorials and publishers, people get so swept up in following trends and being “cool” or “fashionable”. When ultimately, you’re the one that has to live in the house and appreciate the décor.
It’s YOUR home, let it represent YOU!