Every house should speak to its inhabitant’s character, habits and passions - so there is an element of personal taste to any do’s and don'ts. With that in mind we are shying away from the more specific aesthetic rules of an interior, and looking more broadly to things that bring generalised joy, comfort or ease to daily life in a home…
Do show your personality and enjoy the process
The best spaces have an uncontrived and timeless feel to them; not harnessed to a single period or style but a settled look full of subtle connection. Your home should have an element of instinctive joyful character. Relax and enjoy the process and have the confidence to mix in your personality – if each thing is of merit and individual beauty to you, you will find that they end up complementing each other.
Don’t be led by the Instagram echo chamber
Social media can be a great source of inspiration, but it also creates an overwhelming sameness in design. What looks good online may not translate to real life and it can feel very overwhelming to try to recreate a style verbatim. Mix and blend in a multitude of references, not just interiors and architecture but anything that interests you. Your favourite painting might give you the perfect wall colour, the material on a much loved coat might be just what would suit your upholstery. Look back through history to past interiors, go further than your home country and don't just root yourself in the sameness of now. A melting pot with a good narrative is better than a perfectly executed facsimile room.
Don’t rely solely on CAD plans
While computer-aided design (CAD) is useful for planning, it’s essential to see things in real life. Mock up a room, use templates, and visualize furniture placement physically by pacing it out in the space or using masking tape to mark out the furniture. This three-dimensional approach can shift your perspective and help prevent costly mistakes.
Do start with the architecture
Every space needs a starting point — we usually start with the architecture and the proportions of a space, considering its natural symmetry and balance and in turn letting that inform the feel of the room. Always remember that great spaces don't take themselves too seriously: add an element of surprise that breaks that symmetry and brings in a little humour.
Do embrace the patina of time
A home should evolve naturally. Embrace the imperfections that come with age, whether it’s a worn wooden floor or a gently faded fabric. These elements add warmth and character, telling the story of your space and your life in it.
Do buy the best you can
As the adage says ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ so where you can, invest in quality where it matters. There is such a difference between a really well made sofa or rug or pair of curtains. You can spot a poor quality version immediately by eye and by feel, whereas well-made pieces stand the test of time and often improve with age, making them such a worthwhile investment.
Do test paint colours on large sections of walls or joinery
Before committing to a colour, don't just test a minuscule square – paint the largest section possible and take the time to really experience the colour for a week or so, morning, noon and night. Light changes dramatically and what looks perfect at one time of day might feel off at another.
Don’t hang pictures too high
Artwork should be engaging at eye level. Hanging pieces too high makes them feel disconnected from the room and harder to appreciate. The general rule is to place the centre of the artwork at approximately 57 inches (145 cm) from the floor.
Do pay adequate attention to lighting from the start
Lighting is a crucial element of any interior. Multiple light sources change a room, and even if it's not an important picture or piece or art or furniture, lighting them well within a space gives them importance. Always use dimmers if you can – it gives you control over the ambience of each space – and if in doubt, always go for warm white bulbs.
Do find space for a laundry room on the first floor
If possible, incorporate a laundry area near the bedrooms it serves. This small but practical note can save you the inconvenience of carrying laundry up and down stairs with the added bonus of keeping it away from communal entertaining areas..no one wants a glimpse of drying socks over dinner.
