Tips for interior design


65 secret interior design tips from the experts

65 secret interior design tips from the experts | loveproperty.com

65 secret interior design tips from the experts

Gallery View|

Expand View

Foolproof interior design ideas for a fabulous home

Carpetright

It's said there's a world of difference between a room designed by a professional interior designer and one done by a home decorator. From balancing colour schemes to hanging artwork, planning lighting and even positioning curtains, designers have a box of tricks that can turn an average scheme into a fabulous space. We've rounded up some of the trade's best-kept secrets to take your own décor to the next level. Shh – just keep it quiet...

Always order samples

Dunelm

It might sound obvious, but many home decorators overlook samples when overcome with excitement about transforming their interiors. From wallpaper and paint, to flooring and fabrics, you should always order a selection of samples before committing to any specific material. Place the samples together, look at their quality and visualise how all the elements will work together in the room. You could even get crafty and create a moodboard, full of all your favourite swatches.

Go back to basics

HGTV Fixer Upper

Interior design guru, Joanna Gaines, knows a thing or two about creating a gorgeous home. In her book Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave, she suggests starting with crisp white walls, since they "can actually provide a neutral and clean foundation to design around that other colors can’t, giving you more freedom to get creative with decor.” There are hundreds of whites, creams and greys to choose from, so all you need to do is decide which is right for you.

Forget symmetry

Matalan

Many homeowners believe that creating a perfectly symmetrical space will result in a flawless interior design scheme, but this isn't always the case. In fact, by sticking with a symmetrical design you could actually end up with a flat space that lacks warmth and personality. Instead, aim for balance. Hang your wall art off-centre, add texture to create cohesiveness and group mismatched pieces of furniture together for a playful twist. Asymmetrical elements will draw the eye and provide plenty of intrigue.

Add a pop of bright red

Interior designer Beata Heuman, author of Every Room Should Sing, revealed a simple trick she uses to add that extra something to her projects. Beata says that adding a pop of cherry red can finish a scheme even if it seems like it won’t fit with the rest of the décor. For a low-risk option, try adding a bright red lampshade, scatter cushion or picture frame and see if it brings the room to life. It’s a tip she has learnt from her mentor Nicky Haslam, the British designer whose clients have included Mick Jagger, Ringo Starr and Charles Saatchi.

Use curves and arches

Covet House

Curves, circles and arches are having their moment, adding a softness to interiors that looks both modern and classic. We love how this clever bedroom design turns a useful storage solution into a cool feature, with added tiny downlighters that make your display glow after dark. It also cleverly echoes the asymmetric curve of the headboard. Brilliant!

Introduce crown mouldings

Farrow & Ball

Crown mouldings, or cornicing, is a piece of decorative plaster that runs between the wall and the ceiling. Coming in all sorts of shapes and sizes, it is a common period feature of older houses but adding it into a bedroom or living room is a shortcut to achieving a refined, traditional style.

Paint the shutters

A well-dressed window can take a room from drab to fab in one fell swoop. The latest trend is to use colour to incorporate them fully into your decorating scheme. This design uses a two-tone effect, which makes even budget shutters look like they were made for this stylish bedroom.

Plan thoroughfares

One of the most common design mistakes that non-designers make – especially in open-plan spaces – is cramming too much furniture into an area without leaving enough room for people to walk around comfortably. The most frequently-used thoroughfares in your home should be at least 90cm wide – just enough for two people to pass each other. 

Nail the floor plan

Pexels

Speaking of leaving enough space, it’s also important to make sure there is room to move around in less busy areas of your home. For example, you should ideally leave about 45cm between sofas, chairs and coffee tables in your living room. This gives you plenty of space for sitting and moving around without having to stretch too far for your cup of coffee or shout across the room to have a conversation.

The power of three

Lights4Fun

Three is most definitely a magic number when it comes to design – as are odd numbers in general. Grouping odd numbers of items – be it cushions, vases, pictures or candles – forces the eye to move around the display, creating a level of visual interest that symmetrical, even-numbered arrangements simply can’t compete with.

The 70-30 split

Graham & Green

Here’s another handy trick for getting your proportions right and balancing different styles within the same space. A guaranteed way to give a room character is to decorate about 70% of it in a particular style then complete the remaining 30% in a completely different style. So you can spice up a largely traditional scheme with a smattering of contemporary items, or vice versa.

Make flooring cohesive

Pexels

Using the same flooring throughout different rooms or areas in your home is an easy way to make the space feel much bigger than it is. If you have large, open-plan rooms, use rugs to break up the continuity and divide the space according to use. This will create the impression of distinct sitting and dining areas that still pull together as part of the same, larger whole.

Balance your colour scheme

Want a failsafe way to proportion a three-colour scheme? Stick to 60% for your dominant colour, 30% for your secondary colour and 10% for your accent colour and you’ll find it hard to go wrong. To add a fourth colour into the mix, split the secondary colour or, at a push, the dominant colour, but never the accent. 

Upcycle drab furniture

Rust-Oleum / Make it Yours

Being able to transform old furniture is an interior decorator's secret weapon. Whether turning mass-produced flat-pack designs into one-off pieces or sprucing up junk-shop bargains into shabby-chic heirlooms, repainting furniture is a simple way to add colour and character in your home at rock bottom prices. Go for an all-in-one paint that doesn't need primer to cut down on prep time.

Colour block walls

Block painting walls with harmonious or contrasting colours can alter a room's sense of space and also give your scheme a fun twist. To get a crisp finish, always use masking or decorator's tape. Get an instant style fix wby marking out geometric shapes and fill in the blanks with a variety of colours that reflect your personality.  

Highlight a fireplace

The Otto House

Brightly painted fireplace surrounds have become an on-trend feature – we especially love this geometric design by The Otto House. What's more, you don't necessarily need a period property to achieve the look. A colourful fireplace surround can become a feature on its own as an original storage solution. Fill the centre with books or candles and use the top shelf to lean art and display houseplants. 

Create cosy nooks

Annie Sloan Fabrics / PullCast

Turning awkward or unused space into a beautiful nook is a well-worn trick of many interior designers. Whether it’s a window seat or a reading nook, bespoke carpentry creates a stylish solution that fits the space like a glove. Make it comfortable with cushions and side tables and extra marks if you can add in some secret storage space!

Add seasonal updates

Lights4fun

Paying attention to detail adds a professional finishing touch that creates interest and character.  An effective way to achieve this is by accessorising with endearing objects that echo the current season. This autumnal display with pumpkins and lanterns will make a warm welcome for guests entering an entryway and can be easily updated for the holidays.

Style bookshelves right

H&M Home

Learning the art of display makes the difference between practical storage and a beautiful feature. Here's how to make your bookshelves Instagram-worthy. Do not overcrowd the space, choose accessories in the same colour and group items together in odd numbers. Use books as objects and exhibit them both horizontally and vertically for interest. Aim for two-thirds books, one-third accessories and make sure to include either plants, foliage or flowers too.

Design around your line of sight

Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

The best height to hang or stand a TV is at eye level in the position you’ll be watching it from. So in your living room, you’ll want it at the same height as your head when you’re sitting down. In a kitchen, you might want to hang it at your eye line when you’re standing or sitting at a breakfast bar. The ideal TV viewing distance is about 1.5 times the diagonal span of your TV screen.

Add panelling to walls

Wooden wall panels aren't just for period properties. This decorative feature adds character and texture to contemporary homes too and is a growing trend. What's more, it may look expensive but budget versions made from wood alternatives like fibreboard and OSB are super cheap and, once mounted, can hide wall surfaces that have seen better days. Tongue and groove panels make rustic schemes warm and cosy while framed and mid-height styles suit traditional looks and create a refined finish. Paint the panels in bold or muted tones for up-to-date appeal. 

Let in natural light

Crate and Barrel

There is no substitute for natural light. It not only benefits our health and wellbeing but it also affects how colours appear. Always look at the light in your room before you decorate it. South-facing rooms benefit from the maximum amount of light whereas north-facing will be darker, therefore, paint colours can seem a completely different hue in one room to another.

Wallpaper the bathroom

Woodchip and magnolia

You don't necessarily need to stick to tiles in the bathroom. Wallpapering bathroom walls can make a beautiful style statement and it's a great place to use bold pattern and colour you might not use elsewhere. Large prints look especially striking in small spaces so feature wallpaper can transform cloakrooms and downstairs toilets, too. Look for specialist bathroom wallpaper that is wash and splash-resistant.

Accent with black

John Lewis

There is a misconception that black makes things look closed in and dreary but this isn't the whole story. Interior designers use it as an accent because it can actually enlarge the feeling of space by placing the darkest tone on an area you want to 'push back'. The key is to use the bold shade sparingly to ground a room and tie the scheme together. Against a pale backdrop and used in repetition, the overall contrast adds a striking punch and looks undoubtedly chic.

Dress the bed

George Home

A bedroom should reflect your personality and as the bed takes up so much physical and visual space it certainly needs attention. So, what better way to make an impact than with versatile bed linen that can easily be changed whenever the mood takes your fancy. Look for good quality bed linen in colours and patterns that complement the surroundings and then layer like a pro with propped pillows, a throw blanket and decorative cushions for a hotel-chic vibe.

Layer tonal shades

Norsu Interiors

Using multiple shades of the same colour immediately makes a room look polished and pulled together, and it's a trick that you can't get wrong. Layer the same colour or vary hues, adding texture and pattern into the mix. Start with a failsafe array of sofa cushions and then move onto larger items and structural parts of a room, for instance, painting a piece of furniture the same colour as the wall behind.

Invest in designer pieces

Chaplins Furniture

Designer furniture only gets better with age, so it's well worth investing. Iconic pieces with dramatic shapes make a great focal point in any room. A Fritz Hansen chair, Ercol sideboard or Arco Flos floor lamp will always attract attention and will never go out of fashion. 

Fall in love with stools

Versatile stools are an interior decorator's secret weapon. This little piece of furniture can be slotted into any design to add functionality. Tuck or stack them at the side of a room when not in use and then bring them out for extra seating when needed. Give them multifunctional purpose, for instance, a lidded stool makes an excellent side table and storage piece in one.

Play around with scale

HK Living

Going supersized gives you instant interior design brownie points. Not only does upscaling a key accessory or piece of furniture make a striking style statement but it also creates a comfortable, cosy atmosphere in a room. Lamps and pendant lights offer the perfect way to play with scale, as they can create a big impact without taking up too much space.

Warm with wood

If a room lacks warmth and character, there's no better antidote than wood. While timber accessories and furniture are an easy way to lift a scheme and add texture, a 3D wall can really work wonders in a space without a focal point. It doesn't have to cost the earth either – this chic beach house-inspired design can be achieved with narrow strips of reclaimed wood. For something more rustic, sand down the surface before installing.

Swatch your paint

Air Images/Shutterstock

Before you commit to a wall colour, it's important to paint a swatch and observe how the shade looks in different light conditions. For a mess-free method, paint swatches on A3 pieces of paper and move them around the room throughout the day, observing how they look in different corners of the space.

Measure dining room dimensions

Dining tables often get squeezed in as an afterthought, but it’s worth thinking carefully about how much space you need to avoid bumping elbows while you eat. The ideal dining table height is 74cm, with 45cm of legroom and 75cm of space between the table and the wall so you can get up and sit down comfortably. Each place setting should be about 65cm wide.

Let floors do the talking

Carpetright

Just like ceilings, floors are often left as an afterthought in decorating schemes but a statement floor can create striking results that will add wow-factor to the room. The key is to incorporate balance, for instance,  if the floor is busy pattern make sure the rest of the room is pared back and neutral. Look for furniture pieces with a small footprint and lift what you can off the floor. 

Call on complementary colours

The colour wheel is an interior design essential. It can help you to plan your colour pairings or guide you out of a design rut when you’re struggling for inspiration. Use it to help you come up with complementary schemes (using colours from opposite sides of the wheel), analogous schemes (using colours next to each other on the wheel) or bolder schemes such as split complementary or triadic, which use three colours.

Obey the golden ratio

Sara Tramp via Emily Henderson Design

The golden ratio is a proportion often seen in nature and has served artists well for centuries. Interior designers can put it to good use too and create schemes that feel effortlessly harmonious. It works by dividing spaces into approximately two-thirds for one section and one third for the remainder. In this scheme by Sara Tramp featured on designer Emily Henderson's website, the bed and bedside table take up roughly two-thirds of the arrangement, while the shelving unit takes up around a third, creating a sense of balance without feeling too formal.

Repeat home accessories

Pexels

Repeating shapes throughout a scheme is a subtle way to help the human brain read a space as a harmonious whole. Here, for example, a selection of rectangles – in the pictures, sofa and scatter cushions – echo one another, as do the pair of round mirrors, round coffee table and vase. The central ampersand purposefully disrupts the repetition so the scheme doesn’t become too predictable. 

Orchestrate indoor lighting

Good lighting is often the last thing most people think about when coming up with a new design scheme, but it really should be the first. You need to carefully plan where every single light, switch and socket will go before turning to decorating, making sure you include a good mix of overhead lighting, task lighting, mood lighting and accent lighting. Using the right colour and brightness of light bulb for the right tasks will also help your room look and perform its best.

Embrace dark colours

Crown Paints

What’s the best way to make the most of a dark room? The instinctive answer might be to paint it bright white to reflect as much light as possible. But this can give a dingy room an off-putting, grey-ish tone that feels needlessly gloomy. Instead, embrace the dark side and paint your walls in deep, rich hues to create an irresistibly cosy scheme that draws you in. Lighten the mood with a few bright accents and make sure you include plenty of layered lighting. 

Take design tips from nature

You don’t have to spend hours scouring through pretty pictures of interiors to find your dream scheme. Look around and you’ll start to see inspiration everywhere – from the soothing texture of pebbles on a beach to petrol shimmering in a forecourt puddle. Take photos and use them to help you create a concept board to inform your design. This coastal-themed room draws on the beach, from the lobster-pot light fitting to the whitewashed wood walls.

Create an outdoor room

Planning an alfresco dining room for outdoor entertaining? Treat your exterior space as you would a living room scheme and factor in rugs, lighting, comfortable seating and areas to pop drinks. Paint fences in sunny colours, display artwork (you can buy prints specifically for outdoors, to survive the elements) and hanging plants. Lastly, use an outdoor rug to ground the scheme.

Be punchy with pattern

Prestigious

Combining different patterns in the same room can be tricky, but a good tip is to use varying patterns in similar colours, or the same pattern but in varying scales. For example, try small florals mixed with big blowsy blooms, or go for bold geo shapes in different colourways as shown here.

Take floor tiles onto walls

The Baked Tile Company

Who says you can't use the same patterned tiles on both walls and floors? Carry them up from the floor to the ceiling for a standout design with maximum impact.

Use your whole room

Don't feel you have to line your furniture up along the walls... If you have a big living room, bringing sofas and armchairs into the centre of the space will create a cosy and much more sociable seating space. This works particularly well in open-plan spaces and you can always place a console at the back of your seating so you're not looking at a big expanse of sofa. If your room is too small for a central sofa, keep it against the wall and arrange a few armchairs at angles (facing towards the sofa) to get the designer look.

Don’t be scared of negative space

Carpetright

As tempting as it is, fight the urge to fill every wall and shelf, otherwise you’re in danger of your room scheme feeling cluttered. Instead, leave a few areas free to gain some much-needed breathing room and a better sense of space. Painting a door and its frame the same colour as your walls is a good trick, as it helps the woodwork to blend in, giving the illusion of a larger blank area.

Go large with oversized wall art

Rob Mills Architects / Architizer

When it comes to art, it’s very much a case of the bigger the better. You can fake it to some extent by clustering smaller pictures into a gallery wall, but nothing compares to an oversized artwork that grabs your attention the moment you step into a room, as this scheme by Rob Mills Architects shows. Double up and place two complementary pieces next to (instead of over) a fireplace for maximum impact. If oversized art is outside of your budget, trying offsetting a smaller piece above a sideboard or sofa – hanging it centrally will make it look lost. 

Create standout details

Crown Paints

Whether it’s painting squares (or circles) on a wall, as shown here, creating a detailed mural or going for a freestyle pattern of monochrome dashes, there are so many ways to use paint to create an innovative look on a budget. Think outside the box and carry your painted effect around corners and onto door frames for added interest. 

Create a home bespoke to you

Audenza

The pioneering Victorian interior designer William Morris once said, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful”. It’s a maxim that all designers – amateur and professional – can still benefit from today. If there's something you love, whether it's a piece of furniture, an artwork or collection, think about how best to work your scheme around it. It's pieces like these that create an individual and cherished interior.

Map out a gallery wall

Norsu Interiors

A staple in the interior design repertoire, the gallery wall is an exercise in creativity and balance – but not even the experts get it right the first time. To achieve that Instagram-worthy display, map out your design beforehand. Cut out cardboard templates of each frame you want to hang and arrange them across the wall with Blu Tac until you find a combination that works, then simply swap for the real thing!

Get your rug right

Rug Society

Rugs are the ultimate way to draw an interior design scheme together, but go too small and the rug will look lost and your scheme will fall flat. Ideally, a rug should be big enough that some or all of your furniture’s feet can sit on it – using a tiny rug under a coffee table will only make a room feel poky. In a dining area, you should be able to sit at the dining table with all four of your chair’s feet on the rug. Consider using them in different ways, too – whether it's a few rugs overlapping each other or even hung in place of wallhangings.

Run riot with a stair runner

Dash & Albert Europe

Entrance looking a little lacklustre? Interior designers know that even the most hardworking hallway decor needn't scrimp on style. Want to make a narrow hallway or staircase look wider? Rather than covering it all in carpet, fit a runner leaving about 8cm of bare floor on either side. The runner divides up the space, drawing the eye into the distance and tricking it into thinking the area is wider than it is.

Opt for non-toxic paint

Earthborn

When choosing paint, it’s easy to put colour first and forget other factors, such as how the paint might affect the environment or your health. Consider buying paints made from natural materials that contain no (or very low quantities of) harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They may be a bit pricier, but they’re a worthwhile investment, especially for a children’s room or when decorating a nursery.

Layer soft textures

The French Bedroom Company

Texture is key to creating a successful design scheme, especially if you’re working with a neutral colour palette. To keep a room interesting, incorporate different tactile materials throughout the space, from soft woollen throws to silky cushions, rough brick walls to glossy mirrored finishes.

Celebrate the ceiling

Claire Esparros for Homepolish Design Crystal Sinclair

Ceilings don’t tend to get a lot of love on the whole. Boring old white with perhaps a bit of colour on the cornicing is usually about as exciting as it gets. But creating a statement ceiling by painting, papering or even adding a mural as designer Crystal Sinclair has done here can give a room an instant lift. Painting a ceiling in a dark colour can make a space feel warm and cosy, while metallic paints or faux tin tiles give it a more Art Deco look. 

Start with a sofa

Sofology

Trying to design a successful open-plan living space? When you're working with a blank canvas, it can be difficult to decide where to start. Rather than getting bogged down with accessories in your living room, start with the sofa. Usually the largest piece of furniture in the room, it's easiest to plan your layout around this key feature. When it comes to positioning, consider the light, thoroughfares and any views you might want to utilise. This also works for other rooms, whether it's the bed in a bedroom or a dining table in an entertaining area.

Add atmosphere with mood lighting

Delightfull

Mood lighting can instantly create the right atmosphere. Dimmer switches give you the power to use the same bulb as either general lighting or mood lighting, so installing them in every room will instantly boost the versatility of your lighting scheme. If you’re using LED lighting, make sure you choose dimmer switches that are LED-compatible so the bulbs glow brightly enough and don’t flicker. Lamps are ideal for creating a cosy glow at night, and candles, lanterns and wall lights will all help add to your room's overall ambience. Also, try using LED-strip lights to highlight an alcove or under shelving to highlight your favourite features. 

Double-up with two-tone walls

Crown Paints

If you live in a new-build, chances are your home may be short on architectural features. Why not try painting some in? You could go for a two-tone wall that changes colour at dado rail height, as shown here, or have a different colour starting at picture rail height and continue onto the ceiling to add height. It’s an affordable way to add interest to your home and very easy to update, too.

Frame off-cuts for a quirky touch

Bronwyn Poole by Touch Interiors

An affordable way to create a piece of oversized art like this colourful number by Touch Interiors is to frame a striking wallpaper or piece of fabric. You can save even more money by searching for off-cuts online, or combining different samples to give a patchwork effect.

Hang curtains high

Hillarys

Curtains can make or break a room. Opt for a luxurious fabric, such as velvet, to create an opulent frame for your windows. One of the most common curtain mistakes is to hang them just above the top of the window frame, making the window – and the room – feel squat. Hang them high to create a grand impression and make the room feel taller.

Balance bathroom lighting

Dusk Lighting

Not many of us would claim to look our best in the morning, but you can give yourself a head start by getting your bathroom lighting right. Never hang a bathroom sconce above the mirror – it will only make you look washed out. Instead, install sconces on either side of the mirror as they'll light your face evenly and frame you in your most flattering light. Placing downlighters around the sides of the room, rather than the middle, will also help to avoid shadows.

Repurpose wallpaper in unexpected ways

@liznylon / Instagram

Looking for wallpaper ideas to give instant wow-factor? Try using it in unexpected places to line cupboards, drawers and shelving as Liz Engelsen has done here. This is a subtler, cheaper way to introduce a statement pattern into your scheme than papering a whole wall. Again, keep an eye out for money-saving off-cuts if you don't need to use a whole roll. 

Upcycle kitchen cabinets

Superfront

A good interior designer knows when it’s time to replace an item and when a perfectly good piece can be repurposed to create something fabulous. Kitchens are an excellent case in point. For example, if you have basic IKEA kitchen units that are in a good condition, you can give them a fresh look by fitting them with new doors and hardware from kitchen upgrade companies such as Superfront, Reform and Plykea at considerably less cost than buying new units.  

Play with pendant lighting

One of the most common questions interior designers are asked is how high to hang pendant lighting. The answer depends, to some extent, on the size and style of your light, the height of your ceilings and the height of the people living in your home, but here are some useful guidelines: in a living room or hallway, hang your light about 2.4m from the floor, above a dining table, leave about 75cm between the tabletop and your pendant. If you're hanging them above an island for statement kitchen lighting, leave about 80cm between the countertop and the bottom of the light shade. 

Take the long view

Habitat

Look at the flow of your home and take into account the room that’s beyond the one you’re painting. The door frame in this picture has been painted in the same pale pink as the wall in the room beyond, tying the two spaces together. It doesn’t have to be a door frame, either – look at highlighting other areas of woodwork, from picture rails and skirting to window frames and banisters.

Never stop editing

Carpetright

When it comes to interior design perfection, your work is never done. While your wall colours, furniture and floor coverings might remain the same for years, there are plenty of ways to give your interior spaces a freshen up, without having to redecorate. Update your door handles, upcycle a piece of furniture, change up rugs and cushions, alternate the images in your gallery wall or try out some new lighting to enhance your favourite spaces with minimal effort.

Tape it out

Carpetright

When you're planning the furniture for a room, it can be easy to over order or underestimate the space you actually have to hand. Yet space planning is key to good interior design. In order to avoid overcrowding and creating an in-cohesive design, grab some masking tape and plan out your furnishings, based on the measurements of the items you're keen to buy. This will give you an idea of layout, floor space and if anything just doesn't quite fit.

Loved this? Like and follow us on Facebook to see more inspiring interior design ideas

03 August 2021

Interiors

See more on this topic

Be the first to comment

Do you want to comment on this article? You need to be signed in for this feature

52 Decorating Tips Straight from Interior Designers

Decorating a home can be an incredibly fun process—but it can also be a daunting one. After all, there are tons of decisions to make. There are walls to paint and rooms to furnish. And there's a fair amount of hardware, décor, and upholstery to pick out, too.

Thankfully, you're not alone in your quest to craft a stunning space. There are tons of interior designers who have done what you're trying to do, and many of them are more than happy to give you advice.

To help you navigate your home décor project, we asked interior designers to share some of their favorite decorating tips with us—and they delivered. So, whether you're giving your home a quick makeover or tackling a full-blown renovation, you're bound to find the inspiration you need to get started, take the next step, or finish up your project.

Katie Hodges Design

When decorating a space, many people start by committing to a palette. But Richard Petrie, interiors expert at Thomas Sanderson, recommends putting this step off until much later in the process.

“Don't choose your color scheme before you move in,” he says. Instead, stock up on essentials—like rugs, upholstered furniture, and more—and let them inform your palette.

Becca Interiors

No room is complete without a light fixture. In fact, according to many designers, no room is complete without at least three light fixtures.

“Many people don't pay enough attention to their lighting,” Amy Bell, interior decorator at Red Chair Home Interiors, says. “Living rooms and bedrooms should have at least three light sources in addition to the overhead light.”

Mary Patton Design

Statement-making pieces can take a home from simple to striking, but snag too many, and you may overwhelm your space. One rule of thumb to follow? Put a single showstopper in every room.

“Create one design focal point, like a fireplace surrounded by large format tiles, a gorgeous stair carpet runner, or a kitchen tile backsplash,” Nichole Abbott, interior designer at FLOOR360, says.

Proem Studio

Trends can be incredibly tempting. But talk to any designer, and you’ll hear the same advice: Focus on what you love—not what everyone else loves.

“Don't follow trends. They come and go,” Alice Chiu, principal at Miss Alice Designs, says. “If you keep it simple and decorate with items you love, your space will stand the test of time.”

Katie Martinez Design

When decorating, break down the room into a few different layers. Your base layer should include your biggest furniture—the pieces you’ll take with you from home to home. Your second layer includes smaller furniture. And your third layer includes textiles and accessories. Since these layers are more flexible, you might swap them out as you move from home to home.

“Always make sure a room has layers,” Charli Hantman, interior designer and owner of August Black Interior Design, says. “Core pieces—like a sofa, cocktail table, and rug—ground the space. Secondary options and accessories—like side tables, decorative objects, textiles, and art—are the elements that transition a house to a home.

Liljencrantz Design

When laying out your furniture, be sure to give yourself and your guests plenty of room to move around—designers call this circulation.

“People always want their furniture to fit. But, you don't want a room to feel crowded or cause traffic jams,” Elyse Moody, kitchen design expert at Designer Appliances, says. “When you have sufficient circulation, a room just feels more comfortable to be in.”

She recommends leaving a 4-foot-wide walkway between larger pieces of furniture, and leaving 14–18 inches of breathing room between smaller pieces of furniture.

Post Company

Most designers will tell you to edit down your stuff, but that doesn’t have to mean going all-in on minimalism. “For me, 'less is more' is less about minimalism than it is about curation,” Mona Ying Reeves, founder of Bay Area design firm Re:modern, says. “When you bring more intention into curating a space through décor choices, you end up with spaces that have meaning, feel authentic, and outlive passing trends.

So don’t force yourself to get rid of stuff just to get rid of it. Instead, focus on buying—and making space for—items you love.

Bespoke Only

Don’t be afraid to go big with some pieces and small with others. “It's important to play with different proportions,” Hantman says. “Proper scale has the power to completely transform a space. There needs to be synergy and tension between the different elements in a room.” 

Jen Pinto, senior interior designer at Jackson Design and Remodeling, notes that this rule won’t just add drama to your space—it will also keep it from getting too cluttered.

“Many people are afraid of big accessories, lighting, or furniture because they think it will overwhelm the space. But in many circumstances, their items end up being too small,” she says. “To compensate for their mistake, they will often add more items to fill the space, which can lead to the space looking more cluttered.”

Design: Yael Weiss Interiors, Photo: Nicole Cohen

The phrase is actually “measure twice, cut once. ” But according to designers, “measure twice, buy once” is a motto worth heeding.

“Always know the size of your room before you make any changes in your décor,” Michael Helwig, interior designer at Michael Helwig Interiors, says. Measure your ceilings, your walls, your floors—and any pieces of furniture you plan to keep around. 

“There’s nothing worse than having a sofa, rug, or lighting in the wrong size,” Betty Brandolino, interior designer at Fresh Twist Studio, says. The most common design mistake she sees homeowners make? Buying items that are too small for a given space.

LeClair Decor

One underrated way to make your space more versatile? Stock up on pieces that can do more than one thing.

“My favorite piece of advice is to design your living room to be flexible,” interior designer Esther Dormer says. Use trays to turn ottomans into small tables, and snag pillows that can double as plush floor seating. Additions like these can help you optimize your space—making it even more functional and livable.

11 Storage Ottomans That Are as Stylish as They Are Functional

Tyler Karu

Balancing tons of different colors can get intimidating—especially if you’re a first-time decorator. And that’s exactly why Becc Burgmann, director and founder of Becc Burgmann Interior Design and Decorating, Sydney, recommends using only cool colors or only warm colors.

“When starting out, don’t mix warm and cool colors, as finding the right balance can be really tricky,” she says. “If you’re choosing new cushions, choose cushions that are all variations of cool colors (for example, blue hues) or warm colors (for example, reds and yellows).”

Sire Design

Art can transform a space. But according to Holly Witten, owner of Holly Witten Designs, you might be hanging yours too high.

“Lower your artwork,” she says. “Unless accommodating a piece of furniture underneath it, art should hang about 60–62 inches from the floor.” Why? That will keep your art at eye level for most people.

Design: Mindy Gayer, Photo: Vanessa Lentine

If you’re planning to fill your home with wood, consider keeping your wood stains simple and streamlined.

“The number of stains out there is overwhelming,” Kylie Bodiya, interior designer at Bee's Knees Interior Design, says. “But if you choose one that has an orange or red undertone, it can throw off the entire room.” By sticking with something timeless, you’ll end up with a space that’s easier to decorate—this is particularly important for rooms with hardwood floors or wood-lined walls.

And be sure to keep your stains consistent from room to room, too. “If you have mismatching stains, it's just going to throw the entire design off,” Bodiya says.

Jenn Pablo Studio

Contrary to popular opinion, your furniture doesn’t need to be placed directly against your walls.

“The room will actually look bigger with the furniture toward the middle,” James Kalim, founder and CEO at Only Silent, says. “I love this bit of advice because it is counterintuitive. But when followed, there is a wow moment upon full realization.”

Erin Williamson Design

When designing a space, many of us pay attention to our walls and our floors. But your ceiling deserves some love, too.

“Adding wallpaper or a dramatic paint color can make a ceiling come alive,” Andrea Harvey Hysmith, owner and lead designer at ASH Antiques and Design, says. And since lining your ceiling with a striking color or bold print is such an unexpected choice, it’s a surefire way to make a statement.

Proem Studio

Playing with color is one obvious way to add visual interest to your space, but playing with texture can be just as rewarding. “People often don't pay attention to combining different textures when decorating their home,” Paul Smith, interior designer and woodworker at Woodworker Magic, says.

Choosing one texture for your floors and another for your walls can make your furniture pop. And layering in textured accessories—like knit blankets, velvet pillows, and ceramic vases—can make your space even more dynamic.

Julian Porcino

Every space has its flaws: a column here, a sloped ceiling there, a hardwood floor that’s grown weathered with age. And our instinct is often to cover up these imperfections—but consider highlighting them, instead. “There is an old Finnish saying: ‘Emphasize what you cannot hide,’” Susanna M, industrial designer and game artist at Redecor, says.

Tathienne Kader, interior designer and principal at Studio Neshama, agrees. “The space will tell you what it needs,” she says. “Many times we overlook architectural or design elements that define the space, but take a good look at what you’re working with—and use it.”

Tyler Karu

Don’t overlook the smallest details in your space. When upgraded, even teeny-tiny elements—like light switches and outlet covers—can transform the way your space looks and feels.

“You don’t need to make big changes to make a room look different,” Zoe Warren, design consultant at HomeHow, says. “Something as simple as changing up the light switches can make all the difference.” She recommends swapping your all-white options with something colorful, patterned, or textured.

Cathie Hong Interiors

If you haven’t been blessed with ample natural light, living in darkness isn’t your only option. There are a few clever tricks you can try to increase the amount of light streaming through your windows.

“It's useful looking outside and seeing if any trees and shrubs are covering your windows,” Petrie says. If there are, consider trimming them back—or replacing them with smaller options.

Another trick? “Give your windows a thorough clean,” he says. “You'll be surprised at how much of a difference it'll make!”

Design: Veneer Designs, Photo: Amy Bartlam

When hanging art, laying out your furniture, and displaying décor, be sure to play with height. Pair taller items with shorter items, and switch up the placement of wall décor.

“Nothing kills a beautiful design more than accessories that are all the same height from one side of a surface to the other,” Helwig says. When you mix in items that have different shapes, sizes, and especially height, you create interest, depth, and movement. It works every time.”

This is How High to Hang Pictures for the Perfect Gallery Wall

Design: Jenn Feldman Designs, Photo: Amy Bartlam

Snagging a matching furniture set can be an easy way to outfit your space. But if your goal is to craft a dynamic interior, consider pairing items that don’t match perfectly.

“People often get wrapped up in things matching and don't pay enough attention to a healthy contrast,” Caroline Brackett, owner and principal designer at Caroline Brackett Studio of Design, says. “A juxtaposition of materials, styles, textures, and even periods is important in every space. The extra thought and intention—and often, time spent—in making selections for a room are well worth it.”

And if you’ve already bought a matching furniture set, you still have options. “If you really love a set, bring in some complementary pieces that break up the monotony,” Marie Taylor, self-taught decorator at This Dear Casa, says.

Pure Salt Interiors

One great way to add personality to a space? Do something surprising.

“To make a room stand out, add one unexpected item that gives a pop of interest,” Erin Coren, interior designer at Curated Nest, says. “That can be done with adding one piece of furniture that is of a different style, an oversized light fixture, or a focal wall of wallpaper.”

Calimia Home

The first thing anyone will see when stepping foot in your home? Your entryway. So spend some time and effort making that first impression count.

“When you walk in, the sights you see should be welcoming to you and your guest,” Joe Cangelosi, interior designer and owner of Joe Cangelosi Design, says. He recommends pairing a striking table with a bowl for your keys—and a mirror you can use to check yourself out before leaving the house.

“If you put a little thought into it, function and beauty can co-exist harmoniously in your home,” he adds.

Laura Brophy Interiors

When decorating, remember that you don’t need to outfit every single corner. “Negative space, or blank walls, are needed to rest the eyes and mind,” Pam Faulkner, interior redesigner and owner of Faulkner House Interior Redesign, says.

By embracing negative space, you can cut down on clutter—and draw more attention to the items you’ve put on display.

Ashley Montgomery Design

Your space should feel like it’s yours. So, instead of stocking up on new items, look for ways to incorporate items you already own.

“The best advice I give my clients is to incorporate things they currently have that they love into their space and their final design solution,” Kristin Bartone, interior designer and Creative Director at Bartone Interiors, says. “This could be family heirlooms, favorite accessories or art picked up from traveling, or other items that make the client smile.”

Jessica Davis, principal designer at JL Design, agrees. She recommends including at least one sentimental item in your décor scheme. “Decorate with at least one item that has meaning to you,” she says.

Design: Hive LA Home, Photo: Amy Bartlam

Mirrors make a natural addition to any room. But before you hang one, take a moment to consider what it will reflect. “Be aware of the reflection when you are hanging a mirror on the wall,” Faulkner says. “Above the mantel, will it reflect a ceiling fan or a smoke alarm? In the family room, will it reflect the neighbor's basketball court?” She recommends standing in the exact spot you’d like to hang the mirror, and taking a look at what’s facing you.

And remember, you can use this rule to your advantage, too. “Mirrors are a great way to reflect natural light around the room,” Petrie says. “If you place them on an adjacent wall to a window or glass door, it will trick the eye into thinking the room is bigger and bounce the natural light straight into the room.”

10 Feng Shui Rules for Mirrors, According to Experts

Devon Grace Interiors

Furniture can be tough (and expensive) to replace. But softer items—like pillows and blankets—are much easier to swap out.

“You can change a room entirely by just changing your soft furnishings,” Massimo Buster Minale, cofounder at Buster & Punch, says. "This décor statement is so transformative. You can quite literally change this around as the seasons change throughout the year without having to redecorate your entire home.”

Ashley Montgomery Design

If you’re an avid collector of, well, anything, consider turning your collections into décor. “A collection of almost anything can add personality to a home,” Cortney and Robert Novogratz, interior designers at The Novogratz, say.

The designers recommend displaying everything from old sporting items and classic comic books to vintage quilts and vinyl records. As long as it’s yours and you love it, it should look great in your space.

Katie Hodges Design

Window treatments can make a dramatic difference in any room. And remember, you don’t have to stick to just one type.

“In your home, natural light can be enhanced by layering different window treatments,” Petrie says. Pairing a set of textured blinds with sheer curtains or thick drapes can be a great way to make your space more functional—and more dynamic.

Bespoke Only

Choosing a paint color can be tough—in large part because the same color can look very different at different times of day, or when different lights are turned on. But Jennifer J. Morris, interior designer and principal at JMorris Design, has a clever trick that can help you feel more confident in your color choices.

“I really encourage my clients to take their time, paint some foam boards, and move around the room throughout the day, if possible,” she says. “There are so many factors that affect our perception of a color—shadows, time of day, and time of year. Paint can have a huge impact on the space and your feelings. It’s worth taking your time on.”

Ferrer

When shopping for furniture, prioritize investment pieces—well-made items you’ll want for years to come.

“One of the best bits of interior design advice I have received was from my mother-in-law was: ‘Only buy something you plan to have for the next 10 to 20 years,’” Heather McKeown, founder of Land and Sky Designs, says. “Instead of buying trendy products that will get tossed in a few short months or years, invest in fewer pieces that make your heart sing.” And Brackett agrees: “Buy the best, and you only cry once.”

Becca Interiors

When filling your space with décor, it can be helpful to decorate in threes. “When people have loads of pieces in their home that are scattered sporadically, the eye gets overwhelmed and doesn’t know where to look,” Burgmann says. She recommends grouping three items together and placing them at slightly different heights.

“When they are placed in groups of three, the eye is drawn to the highest piece and works its way down,” she says. “This way, you are actually showing off all of those beautiful pieces in your home, instead of letting the décor pieces compete with one another for attention.”

The Rule of Threes Just May Be the Secret to a Well-Designed Home

Tyler Karu

Your hallway may not be the first thing you think to decorate when outfitting your home, but it deserves just as much attention as the rest of your space.

“Hallways often get overlooked when decorating your home,” Petrie says. “Making your hallway more inviting will immediately change the mood of your home and make you feel happier the moment you step into it.” Consider painting yours a fun color, hanging some bold art, or putting up some striking wallpaper.

Post Company

When stocking up on lighting, consider how many fixtures you have and how bright those fixtures are. “The color temperature of your lighting is everything,” McKeown says. “To me, the quality of light that is emitted from a light source is more important than the design of the light fixture itself.” 

Chiu agrees: “Having enough lights with the right color temperature can make a huge difference.”

Chiu recommends snagging cooler, brighter lights (around 3000 Kelvin) for your kitchen, and choosing warmer, softer lights (around 2700 Kelvin) for the cozier rooms in your home.

Mary Patton Design

One easy way to cut down on visual clutter? Make all the frames in your home the same color. “This small, but intentional choice is transformative, because it puts the emphasis on the subject matter, rather than the particular object displaying it,” Ying Reeves says. “There’s a reason why museums frame everything in white.”

Of course, this doesn’t mean staying away from fun frames entirely. “Starting with a palette of monochromatic frames gives you a solid backdrop to build from and the flexibility to reshuffle things around,” she adds.

Erin Williamson Design

Rugs can do a lot for a room. “They ground the furniture, help with acoustics, and add texture,” Morris says. Even if you’re decorating a small space, it’s often worth buying a really big rug.

“Get the largest rug you can find,” Helwig says. “It sounds counterintuitive, but a small rug in a small space will always emphasize the size of the room.”

And Hantman agrees: “I find the larger the rug, the larger the room ultimately looks.”

Calimia Home

Any new statement-maker may take some getting used to. “Give new things a day to settle in,” Morris says. “Change can be hard, but it can also take a little time for a new and improved feature or piece to settle in.”

Jessica Nelson Design

Looking for an easy way to transform your space? Invest in a few plants. "Every room needs to include at least one member of the plant kingdom," Bell says.

And if caring for plants isn’t your forte, remember that live plants aren’t your only option. Taylor recommends adding "fresh flowers, potted plants, branches—some nod to nature." That can mean a live plant, a dried one, or even a faux one.

Pure Salt Interiors

Enter any room of your home, and you’ll likely spot metal accents: doorknobs, drawer pulls, appliances, and more. And while matching these pieces can create a striking effect, mixing and matching them can look just as great.

“Please mix metals—in every room,” Witten says. “Yes, gold hardware goes with stainless appliances in the kitchen, and chrome lighting goes with gold fixtures in the bathroom.

Studio Peake

Searching for a way to make your space look bigger, cozier, and more striking? Snag a set of drapes. “The use of drapery—for windows, doorways, and closets—is so transformative,” Kevin O'Gara, interior designer and owner of Kevin Francis Design, says. “The fabric is amazing at adding dimension to a room.” 

And Missy Stewart, owner and principal designer at Missy Stewart Designs, agrees. “Window treatments deserve more attention than they get,” she says. “They can soften a room, create ambiance, and add height to a room when hung correctly.”

Erin Williamson Design

Vibrant paint and striking wallpaper are two great ways to make your walls stand out. But if going bold with all your walls sounds a little overwhelming, consider taking a risk on one wall and leaving the rest the way they are.

“Refresh a bare wall,” Sherry Hope-Kennedy, principal at Studio SHK, says. “A blank wall can make a room feel unfinished.”

Jessica Nelson Design

When shopping for storage solutions, consider both functionality and flexibility. Start by determining what you definitely need. “Clean out and downsize first,” Emilie Baltorinic-Navarro, interior designer at Living Spaces, says. “Don’t make the mistake of buying organizational tools, like baskets, clear boxes, and other containers, before you know what you need to store.”

Then, sprinkle in a few flexible options. (After all, your storage needs are bound to evolve over time.) “We all have clutter, so I love placing boxes on the coffee table, and an empty basket somewhere near the front door,” Bartone says. “These can both be used as a quick clean-up of any clutter that is left laying around when unexpected company arrives!”

Leclair Decor

One decorative accent that works in any home? Books. In addition to being an easy (and often, inexpensive) way to add some flair to your home, books can act as conversation starters and entertainment for your house guests. “Everyone loves flicking through someone’s coffee table books,” Burgmann says.  

That said, you don’t want to go too wild. “Don’t stack more than four coffee table books high, or your coffee table will look cluttered,” she adds.

Studio Peake

No longer in love with your table lamps? Don’t swap them out just yet. “If you like the table lamps you have, but they aren't working with the look you are going for in the room, try a makeover,” Faulkner says. She recommends trading out your lampshades, painting the lamp bases new colors, or even wrapping the lamps with cord.

Design: Mindy Gayer, Photo: Vanessa Lentine

When you enter a room, some corners are more visible than others—ånd you can use this to your advantage.

“One of the most helpful things I share with my clients is a concept that I call blindspots,” Bell says. “Every room's blindspots will be the wall on which the door is placed, and whichever adjacent wall is closest to the doorway.”

Bell recommends using these “hidden” walls to store your least aesthetically pleasing décor—think: TVs, appliances, and other not-so-cute necessities.

Leclair Decor

Finishing touches like hardware can bring your space together. So, don’t just stick with the default option.

"Hardware choices come toward the end of the design process, so it's easy to lose steam and pay less attention to the particulars," Elyse Moody, kitchen design expert at Designer Appliances, says. "But I'd encourage people to hang in there. You'll be so happy you did when you see the finished results."

Jenn Pablo Studio

Sometimes, your space doesn’t need a full-blown makeover—it just needs a quick refresh. “My best advice is to not throw away everything and start from scratch,” Josie Abate, founder and Design Director at Ambience Express, says. “You can update the look of a space by changing the wall color, accessories, and other inexpensive decorative touches.”

You can also rearrange your furniture, Baltorinic-Navarro says. Or you can shuffle the items on your bookcase, KD Reid, interior designer at KD Reid Interiors, suggests.

Katherine Carter

The moment your space starts feeling cluttered, take a step back—and stop decorating. Then, consider what you can remove from the room.

“This is not decorating advice, but I go by Coco Chanel’s famous quote: ‘Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off,’” Rozit Arditi, founder and interior designer at Arditi Design, says. “When I am putting together a room, I look at everything we selected and take one thing off.”

Kendall Wilkinson Design

Ultimately, the space your decorating is for you. So, have fun, take a few risks, and trust your gut. “Don't be afraid to break the ‘rules' and do the thing that scares you the most," Brackett says. "It almost always ends up being your favorite part of the design."

And Burgmann agrees. “I meet clients who light up when they tell me an idea or vision they have for a space,” she says. “Then, I watch the spark in their eye slowly fade as they then continue with, ‘But this person doesn’t think it’ll look good. ’”

Burgmann adds that “far too many people” end up with someone else’s vision for their space. “The space needs to be one you love,” she says. “That’s the most important thing.”

Katie Martinez Design

The best rooms balance function with form, so consider what you want your space to feel like in addition to what you want it to look like.

“If you can't function in a room, it doesn't matter how beautiful it is,” Coren says. “Consider how you currently use the space.” Think about what works—and what doesn’t work—and use that insight to determine where to make changes.

Katie Martinez Design

The best advice, which I always give my clients, is to just choose what you love—for everything,” Witten says. “In almost every case, the pieces you are drawn to will all work together beautifully, even if they represent different styles of origin.”

And virtually every designer we spoke to agrees. “Fill your home with things you truly love, and it will always be beautiful,” O'Gara says.

Bespoke Only

Remember that you don’t have to buy everything all at once. “Creating a space takes time, so leave room to have a space evolve,” Witten says. “You’ll want to layer in items as you find them.”

At times, this lesson may be frustrating. After all, you want your space to feel finished. But by breaking the decorating process into a series of smaller, simpler choices, you're more likely to end up with something great—and less likely to get overwhelmed.

10 Decorating Mistakes That Instantly Cheapen Your Home

10 useful tips for interior design — INMYROOM

Tips

Functional furniture and thoughtful lighting scenario will help to make the interior not only stylish, but also comfortable. And what else do designers advise us?

Are you on your way to the ideal interior? And for sure already decide what and how it will be. But a few helpful tips won't hurt you. In the post, we will tell you what to look for when choosing a color scheme, what furniture is worth investing in, and share the insights of the pros - in your piggy bank.

1. Draw inspiration from nature

Use forms and color combinations found in nature. The texture of wood and floral patterns will definitely not go out of fashion and will help to revive the interior. Another source of inspiration is the main color of 2017 according to the Pantone Institute - the life-affirming green Greenery, the color of fresh foliage.

69 383 ₽

73 035 ₽

5%

Chest of drawers "Emerald"

Dimensions:

width

111 cm

Height

78 cm

depth

43 cm

sold

Wall Decor

Simes:

Width

9000 4 cm

2. Bet on works of art

Designers say that the interior should be individual. The desired effect will help to achieve a work of art. Pictures with philosophical overtones and black-and-white photos in the passport should find a place on the wall of the living room or bedroom.

3. Add more light

Many people think that painting a room white will make it brighter. It's a delusion. You can't do without a well-thought-out lighting scenario. A ceiling lamp, a table lamp, a floor lamp and a sconce are a mandatory minimum for your comfort. And to maximize the amount of light in the room, designers recommend using mirrors.

4. Invest in living room furniture

You can't do without a comfortable sofa in your living room, so choose practical and high-quality models: they will be responsible for your comfortable rest. But the sofa is not all that is worth spending money on. Invest in armchairs that are as comfortable as a sofa. And better - in design. It is not only pleasant to sit in them with a cup of coffee - chairs and armchairs can successfully diversify the interior. Choose original models.

5. Think about wallpaper

It is possible to renovate an apartment without cardinal changes and grand repairs. Designers suggest using bright wallpapers. Of course, you should not paste them over all the walls of the room. One accent will suffice. Not only you, but also your guests will like this reception.

6. Don't forget about functionality

According to the designers, the main goal in any interior is to create a functional space. Therefore, let the dining table be sliding, and the sofa - with an extra bed. So you will be able to arrange a dinner party with friends even in a small apartment, and accommodate guests for the night.

7. Don't use too many colors

It is undesirable to use many colors at once to design a small space – two or three will be quite enough. And small color accents (for example, vases, decorative pillows) and a game with textures will help to make the interior interesting.

8. Don't give up on black

Contrary to popular belief, black can, and sometimes even should, be used. According to the designers, small accents in black, be it curtain rods or picture frames, it will add contrast and volume to the space.

9. Use mirrors to help

Designers keep calling us to use mirrors in the interior to add more air, visually enlarge the space and bring a little drama to it. And if you place mirrors opposite pendant or table lamps, you again only win: fill the space with light and make the interior more interesting.

10. Forget the word "fashionable"

And remember that the interior should be decorated "for all time". Do not bet on fashion: it is changeable. It is better to pay attention to the techniques that designers have been using for more than one year. And if you wish, you can combine modern and antique things to make the interior look boring.

Interior designers' advice on decorating an apartment, house - real photos, projects, expert opinion

Designer Tips

Color therapy - how to create a mood with decor

You don't have to paint the walls in bright colors to freshen up your interior. There will be enough decor in juicy shades. How to transform the interior and what to choose for this, tells the decorator and head of the Denier studio Ekaterina Molochnikova.

#furniture , #decor , #expert advice , #designer's recommendation , #color in the interior

Ruslana Vitko

interior journalist

Ekaterina Molochnikova

Interior designer

Designer Tips

Stone in the interior - how to choose stone furniture

Designers shared tips on choosing stone furniture so that it lasts a long time and fits into the interior.

#furniture , #tables , #expert advice , #designer recommendation

Vasilisa Pavlova

Interior designer

Galina Esakova

Interior designer

Ekaterina Petrovskaya

Head and chief designer

Olga Ananyina

Interior designer

Anastasia Reshetnikova

BasicDecor Editor

All authors

Designer Tips

Which chandelier to choose in the living room

Living room - a room where you need to carefully consider lighting schemes. It is used for rest and communication of households, for receiving guests, and often also as a study or bedroom. Read designer Olga Ananyina's tips on choosing a chandelier for your living room.

#living room , #lamps , #chandeliers , #expert advice , #designer recommendation

Olesya Artasova

interior journalist

Olga Ananyina

Interior designer

Designer Tips

How to choose a chandelier for the interior

Chandelier takes center stage in any room, giving the interior a complete and complete look. Therefore, its dimensions, construction, design should be given special attention.

Natalya Ivanova and Ekaterina Yakunenko from the Interior Design Workshop "SPACE" told what to look for when choosing a chandelier.

#lamps , #chandeliers , #expert advice , #designer's recommendation , #interior style

Olesya Artasova

interior journalist

Natalia Ivanova

Interior designer

Designer Tips

How to create a compact mini-office at home

Due to the pandemic, more and more people are switching to remote work. But often at home there is no empty room at all and space for a study, and it is problematic to work fully right from your own bed.

#furniture , #desk lamp , #office accessories , #expert advice , #designer's recommendation , #office

Anastasia Palikhova

interior journalist

Maria Cherkasova

Interior designer

Designer Tips

10 trends in plumbing and bathroom design

Designers told how to decorate a modern bathroom and what is needed for this. We chose practical and functional trends for life that will not go away in a year, but will be relevant for a long time to come.

#bathroom , #bathroom , #plumbing , #expert advice , #designer's recommendation , #trends

Julia Maganova

Interior designer

Ekaterina Petrovskaya

Head and chief designer

Ksenia Shabalina

Interior designer

Ruslana Vitko

interior journalist

Svetlana Telegina

Interior designer

Kira Shavanova

Interior designer

Maria Kozlova

Interior designer

Svetlana Skvortsova

Interior designer

Olga Ananyina

Interior designer

All authors

Designer Tips

How to choose a carpet for rooms, bathrooms and hallways

When choosing a carpet, you must first consider in which room it will lie. For the living room and nursery, kitchen and bathroom or other rooms, different models are needed. Designer Alena Belitskaya told how to choose a carpet so that it looks harmonious in the interior of living rooms, bathrooms and hallways.

# apartment , #decor , #carpets , #expert advice , #designer recommendation

Alena Belitskaya

Interior designer

Designer Tips

Festive table setting

A festive mood does not arise by itself. The best way to create a New Year's atmosphere is to set the table beautifully. How to do it, tells the designer, decorator, interior stylist Venera Nasretdinova.

#decor , #dishes for serving , #expert advice , #designer's recommendation , #lifehack , #new year

Olesya Artasova

interior journalist

Venera Nasretdinova

Interior designer, decorator, stylist

Designer Tips

What chandeliers are in fashion now

In this article, the designers told which chandeliers are in trend now and how to correctly fit them into different spaces.

#lamps , #chandeliers , #expert advice , #designer recommendation

Eugene and Maria Latyshev

Interior Design

Vasilisa Pavlova

Interior designer

Ekaterina Dadykina

interior journalist

Anna Kalinina

Interior designer

Sofia Semenenko

Architect-designer

Ekaterina Petrovskaya

Head and chief designer

Ksenia Shabalina

Interior designer

Irina Kuntysheva

Designer

All authors

Designer Tips

How to arrange a corner with a dressing table

A dressing table is a place where a woman can take time for herself and be alone with herself. If it is properly organized, then the table will become a source of inspiration and harmony.

Designers Natalya Ivanova and Ekaterina Yakunenko of the space interior design studio told how to properly organize a dressing table.

#bedroom , #furniture , #tables , #expert advice , #designer recommendation

Ekaterina Dadykina

interior journalist

Natalia Ivanova

Interior designer

Ekaterina Yakunenko

Interior designer

All authors

Designer Tips

Tropical interior

You can create a holiday atmosphere at any time of the year in any home with the right interior.

In this article, designer Yuliya Babintseva will show you how to create a tropical interior from scratch or add elements to an existing decor.

# expert advice , #designer's recommendation , #interior style , #color in the interior , #tropical style

Ekaterina Dadykina

interior journalist

Julia Babintseva

Interior designer

Designer Tips

Redevelopment of euro-treshka: maximum storage space

Designer Anna Kalinina told how to make a redevelopment of Euro-three.


Learn more