Interior design tips – insider tricks from top designers
- 1/31
Use antiques to create an authentic feel
'Antiques add gravitas and depth to an interior, says Emma Sims-Hilditch. 'They embody a sense of history and heritage that help a home to tell a story. But where do these pieces fit into a modern home?'
'When considering a modern interior, sharp lines, smooth surfaces and open spaces spring to mind. While this is often the case, this doesn’t mean that everything in the home needs to be new. For instance, an antique commode can be converted into a smart vanity with a washbasin, bringing character to what might otherwise be a fairly stark bathroom. Additionally, reupholstering antique dining chairs or a sofa in a fresh or fun fabric is an excellent way to incorporate antiques into a contemporary space, balancing the old and the new.
'Whether it is family portraits, furniture or even board games that are steeped in family history, heirlooms can always be incorporated into a home. For instance, a dark wood grandfather clock passed down through the generations can work beautifully against the Cotswold stone of a converted barn, or against the fresh walls of a city townhouse that has been gutted and sensitively reconfigured.'
Sims Hilditch - 2/31
Paint on a pattern
Consider bedroom paint such as upcycling a piece of furniture with a decorative paint technique. This is not only good for the environment but gives you the opportunity to flex your creative muscles.
‘Painting is absolutely the best form of DIY – a coat of color not only transforms the look of your home, but it’s also wonderfully soothing to pick up a paintbrush,’ says Annie Sloan.
‘Whether it’s adding a stripe or two to your lampshades and vases, or updating an old chest of drawers, the simplest splashes of color and pattern can breathe fresh life into your home.’
Annie Sloan - 3/31
Go big in small spaces
The downstairs bathroom may be the smallest room of the house but this doesn’t mean it can’t take a punch of pattern. In fact, the powder room is the perfect space in which to go all out and clash your prints.
‘Pattern and color are integral to our design,’ says Lucy Barlow, creative director of Barlow & Barlow. ‘Mixing different patterns together always brings a room alive and creates a happy home! We love combining busy florals with simple stripes as they balance each other out whilst creating interest. Try playing around with contrasting materials, too, such as a vibrant wallpaper next to fun tiles. Smaller spaces such as a bathroom are the best places to start when it comes to pattern.’
Barlow & Barlow - 4/31
Wallpaper the whole room
Have courage in your decorating choices and cover all your walls in the same wallpaper rather than restricting it to just one. Go even further and match your window dressing in a slightly smaller print. It’s a case of go big or go home.
‘An easy way to introduce color to any room is to go bold with your walls,’ says Emma Deterding, creative director and founder, Kelling Designs. ‘Whether you opt for a beautiful, bright paint color, or choose a wallpaper in a vivid tone, you can really transform a room quickly and easily. The key is to choose something that you love and cover all the walls as opposed to just a feature wall.’
Kelling Designs - 5/31
Merge horizontal and vertical stripes
Create a visual effect with stripes of different scales on a horizontal and vertical. The stripes across the fireplace make this room seem wider, while those down the wardrobe give the impression of height. This precise use of pattern is functional yet decorative.
‘With the design of this nursery, we wanted to create a space that felt cheerful and engaging but could stand the test of time,’ says Andrew Griffiths of A New Day. ‘The yellow closet brings a bold hint of color against walls painted in a gentle stone. While its strong vertical lines juxtaposed with the thick gloss-painted horizontal stripes of the chimney add a playful touch.’
A New Day/ Photographer: Anna Stathaki - 6/31
Create an installation
Sometimes decorative details in unusual alcoves can create a wow factor – like this Milanese-inspired take on bathroom tiles. The modern 1970s aesthetic is a cool contrast within this period home.
‘Pattern can be a great way to introduce a real feature into a room but getting the balance right is important,’ says Pandora Taylor. ‘I fell in love with these unusual mosaic tiles, but I felt using them throughout the bathroom would be a bit overwhelming; instead I used them just in the shower. By using the pattern sparingly, it becomes an interesting surprise and a welcome break to the plain painted walls.’
Pandora Taylor - 7/31
Use print within shelves
Layer fabrics and wallpapers of different scales to create a lived-in homely aesthetic. Use a roll of wallpaper or offcuts as part of a bookshelf. Display with well-loved books and treasured belongings.
‘I love to use lots of different patterns within one room to build up a characterful space, but I always try to consider the balance, combining bolder patterns with more delicate prints so as not to overwhelm the space,’ says Lucy Cunningham. ‘Applying wallpaper to the back of shelves is a great way to add print and color for those that don’t feel confident enough to use it across a whole room.”
Lucy Cunningham - 8/31
Be consistent with styles
Keep your room cohesive by selecting designs that have a similar narrative when mixing patterns. If you are going for strong graphic patterns, such as geometrics and checks, then make sure your florals have the same clean simplified spirit.
‘Making a home feel comfortable is always a priority when designing a space, as is creating something that feels unique,’ says Kitesgrove’s senior interior designer, Katie Lion. ‘Incorporating a mix of pattern, print and texture creates a space that feels layered and nuanced, allowing key pieces and features of the room to come to the foreground. This can be particularly effective when curating different areas within one large open-plan living space.
Kitesgrove - 9/31
Make dining intimate
An upholstered banquette across two walls not only provides ample seating as part of the dining room but it also creates a sense of intimacy around the table. The strong red checkered design here mirrors the bold stripe of the back of the upholstered chairs.
‘When creating a dining area within an open plan space, I always find it helpful to ensure that the furniture feels anchored. Banquette seating is a great way to maximize seating, as well as zoning a space,’ says Isabella Worsley.
Isabella Worsley - 10/31
Source upscaled furniture
Brand new furniture is wonderful, of course, but decorating with antiques will create an atmosphere that new pieces just can't. And the beauty of working with older furniture is that you can easily create an eclectic mix that is united, perhaps, by just a finish, a paint color or a handle style.
‘We often source and collaborate with Studio27, One Brick Lane and The Restoration in London,’ says Caz Myers. ‘All three specialise in upscaling mid-century pieces to add warmth, color and individuality while respecting the design and watching the budget.’
Caz Myers - 11/31
Add layers to create comfort
Layering in a room is hugely important for adding both comfort and extra color and pattern.
‘A simple trick is a cloth-covered table – be it a console, center or side table,’ says Nicole Salvesen of Salvesen Graham. ‘This can be a traditional treatment with a generous bullion fringe around the bottom or more modern, with a pleated or graphic fabric. A long cover is also really useful for hiding things behind.'
Salvesen Graham - 12/31
Hide away utilities
‘In an open-plan kitchen and living area, hide away as many utilities as possible,’ says Martin Brudnizki. ‘I have a wall of built-in cupboards and behind the doors are the fridge freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer and all the cleaning products. I’ve decorated the fronts with framed botanical prints, which add a sweet focal point to the small kitchen space.'
Martin Brudnizki | James McDonald - 13/31
Dress windows to let in light
Light-filled rooms are so much more refreshing to spend time in than dark ones, but using window treatments ensures they still look well dressed.
‘Be canny with window treatments. It’s not always necessary to have hefty lined and interlined fabrics – a simple unlined blind can be very effective and much less expensive,’ says Emily Todhunter.
Future / Anna Stathaki - 14/31
Replace kitchen wall cupboards with a pantry
‘Being creative with storage can make a room feel larger and let the finishes come to life,’ says Philippa Thorp. ‘Carve out a small walk-in pantry or laundry room: this creates a task-driven area and keeps the kitchen walls free of cupboards. An unexpected benefit is it’s less expensive too.'
Kitchen Architecture - 15/31
Be bold with color – selectively
Mix colors with confidence using the color wheel and consider including a confident accent shade.
‘A bold color choice can really elevate a scheme, especially in a small guest room. Focus it on one area – a headboard or a bedcover – to pack a statement punch,’ says Tiffany Duggan of Studio Duggan.
Future - 16/31
Swap out accessories to reflect the season
‘Small changes can have instant impact. Follow the seasons: add cushions and throws and layer rugs as winter takes hold; in summer, hang vibrant silk and crisp linen at the windows,’ says Tricia Guild of Designers Guild.
Designers Guild - 17/31
Buy one statement piece
‘A mix of high-street and statement pieces can be particularly effective to get the most out of your budget – just make sure the investment item is truly a one-off,’ says Beata Heuman.
'Edition94 in South Kensington, London, is a treasure trove of vintage furniture and handcrafted homeware. Its founder, India Whalley, has a great eye for individual designs, which she sources from hidden corners around the world. I love the vintage side tables that she hand lacquers in bold colors – each piece is unique and can be made in whatever color you like.'
Beata Heuman - 18/31
Make art part of your interior design scheme
At planning stage, choose art to put into your design scheme – it may even be that a piece of art can inspire a room's new look.
‘For well-priced art, we turn to British Art Portfolio,’ says Emma Deterding. ‘It’s run by two women who scour the country for work by young and established artists. They have an unbelievable selection of paintings and sculpture.'
Miss Alice Designs - 19/31
Put accessories high on your list
‘Focus on accessories. For instance, dress a bedroom with inexpensive plain fabrics but add a colorful bedspread and some tasseled cushions. They’re so adaptable and will instantly create a strong look,’ says Penny Morrison.
Penny Morrison - 20/31
Find aged finishes to add character
‘Aged brass as a finish is big news in the world of interiors, but you don’t need to buy new fittings. We work with craftsmen and artisans, including Masterfix Solutions, who transform the surface appearance of existing light fittings to an exquisite finish,’ says Roselind Wilson.
Maxwell Attenborough - 21/31
Be clever with upholstery
‘Be clever when upholstering a sofa,’ says Nina Campbell. ‘If you find a fabric that you love but can’t afford, don’t go for a cheap alternative. Instead choose a plain for the sofa then use the fabric you adore on a single chair or a cushion. Having a sofa made up is expensive and if you think your fabric is second best, you’ll only regret it.'
Paul Raeside - 22/31
Reimagine what you already have
‘Reimagine the items you own,’ recommends Nicola Harding. ‘A tired piece of furniture can be transformed by being moved or used differently. Look at the colors next to it and embrace contrast.'
Malcolm Menzies - 23/31
Boost plain fabrics for a luxe look
‘At an expansive window, maximise your budget without compromising on style by bordering less expensive, good-quality linen curtains with a more expensive, elaborately patterned fabric,’ says Lucy Barlow.
James Hare / Curtains in Sloane Silk, Oyster Shell with Burford Braid trimming in Ink - 24/31
Look for one-offs and unusual collaborations
‘We trawl flea markets and look to the high street for hidden gems, and keep an eye out for interesting collaborations,’ says Sophie Coller of Kitesgrove.
Mary Wadsworth / Future - 25/31
Shop globally to get the best
‘When shopping for projects, consider buying internationally rather than limiting yourself to your own market. The US is great for furniture, while the Netherlands has for amazing tapware and Germany is wonderful for appliances,’ says Irene Gunter of Gunter & Co.
Future - 26/31
Put lighting in cabinetry
'Try fixed wall lights mounted on cabinetry or bookcases,’ says Emma Sims-Hilditch of Sims Hilditch. ‘Pretty decorative lampshades are a great way to create subtle yet pleasant atmosphere. Ensure lighting is decorative rather than task for the cabinetry in bedrooms and sitting rooms, where you might want to avoid harsh light.'
Sims-Hilditch - 27/31
Give craft a role in your interior design
Featuring craftwork in your scheme, whether embroidery, framed textiles or artefacts is a wonderful way to add character.
'We love to create one of a kind pieces which make a room completely individual, from hand-painted murals to embellished cushions and headboards,' says Kit Kemp.
Firmdale Hotels / Kit Kemp - 28/31
Consider the room's temperature
'Generally, cooler colors are more relaxing, while warmer colors excite,’ says Matthew Williamson. ‘Think about the kind of space you want to create and how you'll use it.
'Do you want your living room to feel like a serene enclave or as electric as the city that surrounds it? Do you want your bedroom to feel romantic or to channel the charm of an English country home? Working out the function of a space will inspire the color combinations you might like.’
Matthew Williamson - 29/31
Use trimmings to add detailing
'Use trims to tie a scheme together – they’re perfect for adding an extra punch of color,’ says Katharine Pooley. ‘Pick out a hue from artwork or other accessories in the room. You can also use them to enhance existing items such as headboards or lampshades. Trims can be added to make them more interesting and give them a new lease of life.'
Kelling Designs - 30/31
Create a moodboard to build your scheme
'It’s a good idea to create a long-standing mood board,’ says Peter Sheehan of The London Resolution. ‘A good architectural or interior designer will be able to look beyond the obvious and analyze what it is you like about those images.' With practice, you can do this, too.
Future - 31/31
Create a unique look with art
'Artwork is an incredibly personal addition to an interior, and as such we recommend selecting a piece that speaks to you,' says Emma Sims-Hilditch.
'There are plenty of one-of-a-kind, beautiful pieces to choose from at antique dealerships and markets. Once you have found the piece for you, consider how it might be used to determine other design decisions, such as forming a palette based on the key colors used. If your chosen artwork is looking a little tired, it is possible to have it expertly restored, making it a striking and vibrant addition to a modern home.'
Sims Hilditch