Advice from Amy
Where do you start when designing any room?
Designing a room can feel overwhelming. We are bombarded with images, inspiration and products, so narrowing down your ideal design can feel daunting. Whether you’re looking to update your living space, remodel your kitchen, redo your bedroom, give your hallway a facelift, refresh your dining room or modernise your study, the whole process of room interior design involves a fusion of creativity, planning, and practical decision-making.
Below is my step-by-step guide to help you kickstart your room design journey:
1. Define the Purpose and Function of the Room
Ask key questions: How will you use the room? How often is it used? Who will use it and when? Once you understand how the room will be used, this will guide your room design, from layout to FF&E (furniture, fittings, and equipment) placement
Consider Your Lifestyle Needs: If it’s a sitting Room, consider, for example, how many seats you require. If mainly younger children use this space, consider durable, washable fabrics.
2. Set a Budget
Establish a realistic budget: Outline from the onset what you are willing to spend on furniture, decor, and renovations. This helps narrow down choices and keeps the project on track. Don’t forget to build in a contingency budget for any unforeseen issues
Allocate Funds Wisely: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, for example, by buying an expensive sofa and leaving little for anything else. Decide where to splurge and where to save. For example, invest in a quality sofa but opt for more affordable accent pieces that can be changed over the years.
3. Find Your Inspiration
Collect inspiration: Use Pinterest, magazines, Instagram or even keep an album in your photos for things you see out and about that inspire you. Look for patterns in what you’re drawn to, like colour schemes, styles, or specific pieces. Once you have settled on a scheme, stop. Otherwise, you will continuously see things you want to add and, therefore, never quite narrow down your design aesthetic
Create a Concept Board: This helps visualise your ideas and ensures all elements work harmoniously together. When designing a space, I usually select four or five images to help guide my design. See below as an example from my Lewes project:
A Concept Board visually captures the style, mood, colours and textures the design intends to bring into the space. These elements work together to convey the desired atmosphere and aesthetic vision, providing a clearer preview of the room’s final look. It also serves as a valuable reference, helping you stay focused and aligned with the design direction if you ever feel you’re veering off track.
4. Plan the Layout
Measure the Space: Accurate measurements are crucial. Sketch the room’s layout, including windows, doors, and architectural features. This will also help you understand the space, and you might notice something you haven't seen before
Place Furniture Thoughtfully: Consider traffic flow and ensure there’s enough space for movement. Play with different arrangements to see what feels most functional and inviting to you. That’s not a family member that visits or a friend that pops over occasionally but to you. You are the one living in the space!
5. Lighting
Layer Your Lighting: Lighting is a fundamental part of designing a room. It can really change a space if done correctly. Use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a well-lit and cosy space
Highlight Features: Use lighting to draw attention to focal points like artwork, architectural details, or unique decor items. Nowadays, there are so many options for rechargeable lamps or remote-controlled wall lights that do not require wiring.
6. Choose a Colour Palette
Start with a Base Colour: Pick a primary colour that sets the tone for the room. Add complementary and accent colours to create depth and interest
Consider Light: Think about the room’s natural light when selecting colours. For example, my Lewes project had three windows: North and East facing. The light from the north was very different from the East, which really affected the overall light in the space, which in turn changed the paint colour. Paint samples on lining paper and move around the room at different times of the day.
7. Select Furniture and Decor
Start with Key Pieces: Invest in items like sofas, beds, or dining tables first, and build around them. Ensure you measure correctly and consider door width, stair width, and landing turns. Will the item get through?!
Mix Styles and Textures: Combine different materials and styles to create a layered and interesting look. Don’t worry about mixing patterns. Play around with fabric samples. I love adding something old to a space as I think it adds character—so don’t be afraid to mix modern and vintage.
8. Bring in Personal Touches
Showcase You!: This is your space, unique to you. Include items that reflect your style or have sentimental value, like family photos, travel souvenirs, or heirlooms
Add Greenery: Plants can bring the outside in. Something the Regency period did so well in their interior design. Plants add colour, purify the air, and make a space more inviting. However, if, like myself, keeping plants alive isn't your thing, then plenty of great faux plant options exist.
9. Add in Soft Furnishings and Accessories
Add the Finishing Touches: Rugs, cushions, throws, and artwork are the final pieces that bring the room together. These add a layer of interest and warmth, helping pull the room design together.
10. Step Back and Review
Assess the Space: Once everything is in place, step back. Rather than changing things around immediately, consider leaving it for a few days to ensure you do want to move that item or add that light, for example. Sometimes, when a room has a big facelift, it takes a while for us to get used to the new space and not compare it to what we were used to.
Adjust if Needed: Live in the space for a bit, and don’t be afraid to make tweaks. Sometimes, a small change, like adjusting a lamp or swapping a cushion, can make a big difference.
I take interior design deeper for the rooms in your home on the following pages:
If you would like to discuss your project in detail or need assistance designing a space, whether you're interested in my consultation services or a comprehensive, full-service interior design experience, I'm here to help create the perfect solution for you.