10 Great Interior Design Tips

1. Start With Something Special...
Start with something that you love and that excites you - maybe a fabric or a picture or even your favourite teacup. And let that set the theme for the room. You'll find that the rest of your decisions will follow from that. For example, one of my clients started with a shaped chair. Just that simple item, led us to a room that was curvaceous and soft.

2. Don't Jump To Conclusions.....
Pick nothing in isolation. Get all your samples together first for floors, curtains, wall paper, sofas and look at them together. Don't jump ahead and buy say the sofa first. You've effectively tied yourself down and you won't get the result you want.

3. Keep It Consistent....
Aim to maintain the one style throughout the room and preferably throughout the house, whether your chosen style is traditional, modern, contemporary or of a particular era. If your style is eclectic, choose carefully, as it is a style that can look very disjointed and messy rather than stylish.

4. Live With Your Samples.....
I always leave samples with the clients so they can live with them day and night under all lights and circumstances.

5. Bringing In Colour.....
Wallpaper is a really good way of adding extra dimension and colour to a room. Good wallpapers and wallcoverings can be durable and cost effective. For example, it might take 3 days to paint a room because of the preparation and undercoats involved. However, that same room can be papered in a day.

6. Feature Something (But Not Everything!).....
Don't try and make everything a feature! Let the real feature stand out. And keep an open mind on what's a feature. It could be a fireplace, or maybe an old fashioned chandelier, or a painting.

7. What's The Weather Like Today....
Beware also the effect that the weather today may have on your decision. "Customers have a strong tendency to pick dark floors in Summer and light floors in Winter. It's just something to be aware of.

8. Remember That showrooms are Very Big Places ....
It's a common mistake to buy furniture in a showroom that looks way too big when you get it home. Measure and test before you buy. Use sheets of newspaper to mark out floor area that will be covered. Bring in old chairs and cover them with sheets to get a feel for height. And don't automatically go for a suite, especially if you're limited for space. Consider a sofa and some individual chairs or recliners because the chairs that come in a suite are often hugh.

9. Are You A Fashionista....
If you want a timeless look that won't date, then steer clear of fashions. Stick to what's beautiful and organic, like wood, stone and other natural materials.

10. And Finally Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help...
A consultation with an interior designer at the early stages can save you a lot in the long run. Here's three reasons why...

Reason 1: An interior designer will help you avoid expensive mistakes. It costs the same amount to get a room right as to get it wrong. And a good interior designer should be able to work to your budget.

Reason 2: An interior designer should have a good network of contacts among tradespeople. So, we can get the work done and we know what's good value.

Reason 3: Convenience, your interior designer is also your shopper. We know what's out there and bring it to you. So you don't have to run all over town.

So that's it. With a mix of something you love and lots of checking and double checking you can create a room that you can love for ever and that has lots of personality - a room that's a worthy setting for lots of finishing touches, finally!