Interior Designers Reveal Their Secret Tips On Creating A Perfect Room
This Is How Top Interior Designers Create Perfect Rooms
Georgia James— The Huffington Post UK
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Whether you’re changing to a warmer colour scheme, having a post-summer de-clutter or investing in a new sofa for all those cosy nights in front of the TV, the arrival of autumn is the perfect time to make some seasonal updates to your home.
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With literally millions of images of ‘dream' homes to drool over online, there is no shortage of inspiration out there - but let’s not forget that most of these ‘effortlessly’ chic homes have been carefully and cleverly styled by interiors professionals.
We asked some of the country’s leading interior designers to share some of the insider tricks they employ when they’re putting those looks together.
"Planning is key - and that's where Pinterest comes in," says Rebecca Tucker, co-director and interior designer, Suna Interior Design. "Search for images of designs that inspire you and create a mood board - this will give you a better understanding of what you want for each space."
Identifying the genre will help to keep your searches focused, she explains: "Establish the design genre you’d like to use in the space - whether it's modern, contemporary or classical - then search for feature pieces within that style."
Once you've got your vision worked out, it's time to turn your attention to your own space. Click through the gallery below for expert tips on making the most of your room and creating a look that works in terms of comfort, functionality and style.
Top Secret Tips From Interior Designers
Less Is More(01 of09)
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"You don’t need to put everything you like into a space in order to create a well-designed room. Select key items and ensure that they’re presented in the best light or vantage point possible," says Tucker. "That could be a lamp, subtly bringing light and interest to a corner or an item of artwork featuring prominently on the wall. Decide what you want to be the main point of interest and let everything else in the room compliment that." (credit:Suna Interior Design)
Layer Your Lighting(02 of09)
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"Lighting is so important when creating the perfect room. I like to layer light, so you can create the right atmosphere quickly and easily," says Jemma Cowen of JC Decor. "For example, have spotlights for function, floor and table lamps for a more relaxed feel and candles for an intimate atmosphere." (credit:ML Harris via Getty Images)
Measure, Measure, Measure(03 of09)
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"That beautiful dining table, that tall wardrobe, that comfortable sofa… they’re all great until you’ve bought them and they just don’t quite fit into the space. Measure, re-measure and if you’re not 100% sure, measure again!" says Tucker. "Also, keep in mind how wide your entrances are and how tight your corners are. If you’re ordering, for example, a corner sofa, make sure that it’s able to separate for ease of movement." (credit:Suna Interior Design)
De-Clutter(04 of09)
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"For a calm and relaxing room, it's important not to have too much clutter," says Cowen. "I always tell clients to just have the items they want to look at on display. Put that pile of letters in a drawer and find a place to store the mountain of shoes at the front door. This really will make a huge difference." (credit:Getty Images)
Be Practical(05 of09)
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"When buying a large piece of furniture, buying the best you can afford will pay off in the long run. Plus, quality always stands out," says Anna Palmer of Anna Palmer Interiors. She also reminds us to stick to the original brief: "If you have your eye set on a beautiful piece of furniture that looks great but doesn’t allow that extra storage you were looking for in the first place, you could end up feeling frustrated with a purchase that doesn’t fulfill your needs." (credit:Jo-Ann Richards via Getty Images)
Pile On The Cushions(06 of09)
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"Don't be skimpy when it comes to dressing your sofa," says James Lawrenson, Senior Interior Designer at Atlas Interiors. "Use two or three pairs in contrasting colours, patterns and textures." (credit:Jupiter Images via Getty Images)
Create An 'Infinity' Effect(07 of09)
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"Painting the ceiling the same hue as the walls will help to erase shadow lines that visually define a space," says Palmer. "A white ceiling against a darker wall immediately shrinks a space. When the wall and ceiling are the same colour, it’s harder for your eye to tell where the room’s perimeters start and end, so the room looks larger." (credit:Eillen via Getty Images)
Get A Bigger Bed(08 of09)
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Thought large furniture made a room look smaller? Not in the bedroom, according to Lawrenson. "Small scale furniture only makes a small bedroom look smaller. Try a high bed and a tall headboard and your room will grow!" (credit:Khongkit Wiriyachan via Getty Images)
Go Matte!(09 of09)
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"Unless your walls are freshly skimmed going shiny will show up each and every imperfection and drive you crazy. Matte paint looks and feels super luxurious; it's almost like having velvety walls," says Abigail Ahern, interior designer and author of 'Colour: Banish Beige.' "The more expensive brands are the best way to go. These are made mostly from natural pigments from rocks, minerals, earth and clay, resulting in a more complex pigmentation that you don’t get with cheaper paints." (credit:MoMo Productions via Getty Images)