Major interior design tips
Small studios can unleash some big ideas. East Molesey designer Lucy Goodall has some tips for a great inside job...
MONO ELEGANCE
Using a single colour on your walls or woodwork in different shades and choosing furnishings in varying tones of the same colour creates a dramatic, sophisticated and cohesive look.
DIVIDE AND CONQUER
Building walls between spaces to create separate areas can be costly for both money and light. Consider using internal glass dividers, such as steel Crittal or similar aluminium framed alternatives, which look great and cost-effective.
EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE, ALL AT ONCE
Don’t be afraid to decorate a room in such a way that it doesn’t necessarily work for all seasons. There is nothing quite like a small, dark room for cosy winter nights by the fireside. Not ideal in the summer, but this space will pay you back in spades during the cold, dark months of the year.
SMALL, BUT PERFECTLY FORMED
A small room, such as a WC or an office, is the perfect space to go really bold. It rarely works to make a room look bigger by painting it white and staying neutral, so dress to impress and choose something (paper or paint) that is going to make a big impact. Panelling can also be easily and affordably installed in a smaller space, adding elegance and sophistication.
1 of 9
2 of 9
Followtheflow Shutterstock
1870353346
Luxury living room in house with modern interior design, green velvet sofa, coffee table, pouf, gold decoration, plant, lamp, carpet, mock up poster frame and elegant accessories. Template.
3 of 9
4 of 9
5 of 9
6 of 9
7 of 9
8 of 9
9 of 9
MORE TOP TIPS
- Pairing the accents in a space, such as copper lights with copper pans, can have a stunning yet subtle effect.
- For some reason, people are scared to paint all the woodwork in their homes, but colouring it the same as the wall creates a wonderful canvas on which to base your design concepts. It also subliminally removes boundaries and immediately makes a room seem bigger.
- Think about 'pops' of colour in a dark or plain room – a feature wall (either painted or papered), the back of a door or a bright, lush headboard.
- Be sure to show your personality and make it shine through in your final design.
- Plants – either the real deal or fakes – are a really good and inexpensive way of adding colour and texture, and of filling an empty corner or space
Lucy Goodall Interiors: all design services, from space planning, interiors refresh and staging for sale to full renovation projects. n See lucygoodallinteriors.co.uk or contact Lucy on 07786 932825; lucy@lucygoodallinteriors.co.uk; @lucygoodallinteriors.
