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Discover a curated collection of inspiring images and expert insights across every aspect of design. We are here to help you transform your home from ordinary to uniquely yours. The world would be a boring place if we all liked the same thing.
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Purple in Interior Design: Bold, Luxurious, and Emotionally Rich
Dark shades of purple shine brightest when embraced fully. Their boldness demands commitment — but the payoff is striking. If you're looking to refresh a space without a full overhaul, the window area offers an ideal canvas. Lush purple curtains can instantly elevate the room, infusing it with a sense of luxury and depth.
Purple leaves a lasting impression wherever it's used. Long associated with exotic treasures and royal prestige, it’s the colour of richness, creativity, and peace of mind. As a blend of red and blue, purple carries emotional complexity — capable of evoking passion, calm, and everything in between.
From the drama of a deep plum feature wall to the gentle charm of lavender accents, purple is endlessly versatile. It can lean warmer or cooler depending on its undertones, and transforms further when shaded with black or tinted with white. Whether you're aiming for opulence or serenity, purple brings character, elegance, and soul to any interior.
Plastic Dining Chairs: Iconic, Practical, and Effortlessly Stylish
Some of the most iconic chairs in design history are made of plastic — think Breuer, Starke, Eames, Panton, Kartell, and Magistretti. Their enduring appeal lies in the perfect blend of form, function, and innovation.
Available in a variety of colours and silhouettes, these chairs are designed to complement any décor style, adding a refined contemporary touch to your dining space. With sleek lines and a minimalist aesthetic, plastic dining chairs offer more than just good looks:
Lightweight & Low Maintenance: Easy to move and clean — especially ideal for homes with young children.
Durable & Weather-Resistant: Crafted from high-quality plastic or resin with UV protection, they’re suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, including patios, gardens, and alfresco dining areas.
Space-Saving Design: Many styles feature stackable frames, making storage simple and efficient.
When choosing a chair, always sit in it first. Wiggle around to check for stability, and be mindful of any weight restrictions. A well-designed chair should feel as good as it looks — sturdy, comfortable, and built to last.
Cobalt blue is a vibrant and eye-catching colour that has always remained popular. Cobalt Blue adds drama to any room because it is eye-catching, bold and brilliant. Be brave and paint an entire room, or use it as an isolated accent; this colour will be invigorating and make a real statement, not for the light-hearted. Pairing green with Cobalt Blue creates a sense of balance and harmony. Pairing with orange, neutrals, and lighter shades of blue and yellow all work beautifully in different ways. Cobalt Blue suits different colours as accents, try many until you find the one that suits you. Maybe start in the powder room, and if you love it, then try a sunroom, kitchen, or office. Ensure there is sufficient natural light to prevent the room from losing its vibrancy. If you are using a gloss paint or a lacquer finish for the walls, the walls must be flawless; the slightest imperfection will be visible, such as a repair or where a hook was previously hung.
The Art of Turkish Rugs
Turkish rugs are much more than decorative pieces; they are the heart of a room, telling stories through intricate patterns and vibrant colours. With options ranging from traditional motifs to contemporary designs, there is a Turkish carpet to suit every taste and interior style.
History and Craftsmanship
The art of Turkish rug-making is a craft that dates back centuries to the nomadic tribes of Central Asia. Traditionally, young women across Turkey and many Middle Eastern countries have been taught this skill by their mothers. Girls often begin weaving to prepare goods for a conventional dowry or trousseau—a labour-intensive process that can take two years or more to complete.
Materials and Distinction
Turkish rugs are typically made using all-natural dyes and various materials, including silk, wool, or a wool-cotton blend. Regional styles, specific materials, and traditional techniques make each type distinct. They are known for their thick pile and luxurious, rich feel.
Versatility in Design
The flexibility and variety of Turkish carpets make them highly valued by designers. They effortlessly complement a wide range of interior aesthetics:
Eclectic and Traditional: The bold, rich colours of these rugs are perfect anchors for eclectic, mid-century, or traditional rooms.
Bohemian and Contemporary: They can introduce warmth and texture to styles like bohemian and contemporary.
Minimalist and Modern: Many designers also incorporate them into minimalist settings to add a splash of colour and historical depth.
When designing your foyer, there are a few things to keep in mind to create a functional yet welcoming space. First, avoid turning it into a gallery of family photos—those are best reserved for more private areas of your home. Similarly, poor or overly bright lighting should be avoided unless you're going for a dramatic interrogation vibe.
If your entrance faces a staircase, keep the space neat and minimalist. A wall shelf can be a better alternative to a console, as staircases are often visually busy with carpeted steps and decorated walls. Avoid using decorative storage baskets that are both impractical and dust magnets.
Consider the placement of furnishings. For example, two ottomans might serve better as extra seating in a lounge rather than occupying valuable foyer space. If your foyer is large, introduce a statement piece or functional furniture. If it’s small, keep it simple with just the essentials—overdoing it in either case can detract from the space.
Maximise natural light where possible. Adding glass panels or inserts beside the front door can enhance brightness. A single striking piece of art can provide all the visual interest a hallway needs. Mirrors are also fantastic additions—one by the entrance lets you check your appearance before leaving, while a large mirror on a side wall creates the illusion of a more spacious room. Just be sure to avoid positioning it directly opposite the entrance.
Utilise passageway walls to showcase art, turning them into a feature instead of leaving them bare. Keep the foyer and hallway free of clutter for both aesthetic and safety reasons. Store shoes neatly away, and keep bikes or skateboards outside, preferably in a designated storage area, such as a shed. Seasonal items, such as heavy coats, can be stored elsewhere and rotated in as needed.
A personal favourite addition to any foyer is an ottoman due to its height, which is perfect for sitting while putting on shoes. If space allows, a hidden storage cupboard with hanging space can work wonders for organisation. Opt for a discreet door design to minimise visual clutter and maintain the overall clean aesthetic.
Whether it's inside or outside, coral is a standout colour that often doesn't get the recognition it deserves. Coral is popular for wallpaper, decor, rugs, dinnerware, and wall art, but you're less likely to see a car painted coral, and even commercial businesses tend to shy away from it. As a warm, advancing colour, coral can make a room appear smaller and should never be used in a room on the warmer side of a home. With its energizing and positive vibes, coral is more than just pretty—it's a vibrant and uplifting choice.
Precious coral, or red coral, is the common name given to a genus of marine corals, Corallium. The distinguishing characteristic of precious corals is their intensely coloured red or pink-orange. Coral is featured in the flags of countries such as Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Singapore.
Stylish and natural, grasscloth wallpaper adds timeless beauty and texture to your walls. There are two main types of grasscloth: natural and faux vinyl. It is a textured wall covering made from 100% natural materials, an environmentally friendly choice that offers versatility to complement almost any interior décor style—from tropical and rustic to traditional and modern. This handmade design imparts a natural look that enhances any room. The fibres do not match up at the seams, so the joins will be visible. Imperfections and variations in colour are characteristic of this naturally made product and should be anticipated. If you do not like visible seams, grasscloth may not be for you. This textured wallpaper brings depth and plenty of coastal style, making it an ideal choice to enhance living rooms, bedrooms, and more. It offers a sophisticated step above a simple paint job with many tactile options. Professional installation is recommended.
It is recommended to buy all the grasscloth wallpaper rolls you need in one go to ensure they are from the same batch and avoid colour discrepancies. For a more affordable and removable option, Vinyl Faux Grasscloth Wallpaper is available. This self-adhesive, peel-and-stick alternative is especially hard-wearing in areas of the home where moisture is an issue. This type of peel-and-stick wallpaper is much easier to apply than wallpaper that requires a paste applied.
Green, blue, pink, yellow, purple, orange, and violet are the main pastel colours when we think of pastels for the interior walls of a home. Pastel hues add subtle hints of colour without overwhelming a space. Find a full-strength colour you love, then opt for the lightest shade available, as the colour intensifies once all four walls are painted. They are also a great option for exteriors. Whilst white remains popular for exterior colour schemes, it’s best to add a hint of colour. White, beige, and grey are now less popular. Grey can create a sullen feel, beige is everywhere, and white can be characterless and blinding when the sun hits it. (Always choose a warm white to avoid this issue). Earthy tones are also very popular, but for those looking for something a little different, a beautiful pastel may be the answer. Always consider the roof colour and ensure your chosen colour complements it. Light blues, soft pinks, pale yellows, and mint greens are popular choices for pastel-coloured homes. Once you have decided on a colour, to add interest, choose a slightly darker version of the paint colour for trims and maybe the front door. Ensure the difference between the two or three colours is discernible and not just blending in together.
This information is for Leather Sofas or chairs. The leather types are based on the layers of an original hide that remain when the leather is completely processed. They are categorized as full grain, top grain, genuine, split grain, and bonded leather. Full-grain leather is the highest quality leather available. Top-grain leather is highly durable and has a great texture, second only to full-grain leather. You often hear 'genuine leather.' If it were Full-grain, they would say so. Therefore, Genuine Leather can be of lesser quality but suitable for handbags and belts. Genuine leather has a rich, natural smell, then you know it's real. Aniline is the name given to the particular transparent dye used to colour dyed leather. As it is difficult to gauge the quality of leather, as pricing is not always a guide, a good test is to kneel on the seat; a quality leather will absorb the weight, a cheaper leather will leave a stretch in the seat. Also, it is not unusual for the back panels to be split leather (most leather sofas are splitleather) and even a slightly different colour to reduce production costs, so inspect thoroughly. The density of the leather changes when it is split, making it less durable and more prone to tears and losing its shape. Often, the hides can be split 3-4 times, diminishing the hide's strength. Protected Leather, being a split leather that is painted with a protective layer that mimics the look of leather, this type of leather can be purchased in rolls rather than sofas. Bonded Leather is virtually leather dust from sanding the upper layers to get a fault-free finish. It is then bonded with a latex mixture and attached to a fibre backing. This leather is common and is easy to spot when it splits, peels, cracks and tears at joints, cheap and will not last forever, in fact, nowhere near it. Full-grain leather marks easily, but it will last longer being a tougher skin and leather products will keep it looking good, so maintenance is the key.
The smaller the sofa or chair cushion, the smaller the piece of leather; therefore, less give and is more durable. A real leather sofa can last 15 to 20 years compared with about five years with fabric, though fabric only ever has a 12-month warranty. Best to wipe over the leather regularly with Leather Wipes, which clean and feed the leather; this will extend the lifespan of the leather considerably. Fabric sofas are hard-wearing but should be professionally cleaned every 12 - 18 months to keep the fabric in good condition. Keep in mind, leather can be cold in winter and hot in summer. Fabric, especially polyester, can be warm in winter and hot in summer.
The Causes of Puddling
Perhaps you’ve sunk into a chair and noticed a soft “puddle” forming beneath you. This is leather adapting to weight distribution, repeated use, and the patterns of where you sit or rest your arms.
Heat and humidity can intensify the effect, but puddling is simply part of leather’s natural aging process. With proper care, its impact can be minimized, yet it remains a normal and even charming aspect of owning leather furniture.
Embracing Leather’s Evolution
There’s beauty in the way leather changes over time. Stretching and puddling reveal its unique character, making each piece distinctly yours. With consistent maintenance and the right care products, your furniture will remain supple and inviting.
Aged leather exudes elegance, and with restoration techniques, you can preserve its charm for years to come. Embrace these nuances—they’re the soul of leather, a testament to its timeless appeal. If you don't like the look of stretched leather, maybe a quality fabric with a reinforced backing is for you. If you want a leather sofa, choose one that is full grain and has not been split. Cleaning your leather seats in crucial, our bodies natural oils will penetrate the leather, discolour the leather and in time cracks will appear in the leather. Use only quality products designed for leather.
Elements of a successful indoor-outdoor design include large retractable glass doors, sliding doors, or French doors that remove the barrier between the inside and outside. Use your indoor colour scheme outdoors to blend the spaces seamlessly. Add a TV with speakers and a basic kitchen with a BBQ. Ensure the seating areas are adequately covered from the sun, rain, bird droppings, dirt, and mildew. Timber outdoor furniture will fade; powder-coated outdoor settings, with fully metal seats, will last much longer than timber, which can warp, rot, and discolour. Most outdoor furniture has a 12-month warranty and advises against leaving it outside all year round. Privacy is important, ideally achieved with barriers such as brick walls or plants to separate your home from your neighbours. If you have an outdoor rug, ensure it doesn’t get wet, as it will become waterlogged and eventually rot. All of these elements add value to your home.
Take your time to come up with a design that’s not only practical and safe, but also adds a touch of style. Modern or traditional, the staircase can often be a focal point in any home. Stairs, staircases, stairways, stairwells, and flights of stairs are connected steps leading up or down. Stairways may be straight, round, or may consist of two or more straight pieces connected at angles. Ideally, there should always be a handrail to hold on to, and if possible, a landing which breaks up a long staircase. Safety is an issue, so concentrate on each step as you go, always holding on to the railing and with a tread with a grip to avoid slipping. I prefer a runner: Carpeting that runs down the middle of the stairs. Runners may be directly stapled or nailed to the stairs or may be secured by a specialized bar that holds the carpet in place where the tread meets the riser. I prefer a landing or platform: A landing is, structurally, an intermediate floor between flights of stairs. It is typically used to allow stairs to change directions. Changing the direction of the stairs allows stairs to fit where they would not otherwise." Make your staircase a standout; the options are endless.
A door or window awning is a practical and efficient solution for protecting your entryway or windows from the weather, whilst offering durability. There is a wide variety of awning colors and styles to choose from, so you can find the perfect match for your home. Whether your home has a modern or traditional design, awnings are a great addition. They need to be both functional and visually appealing. Awnings protect from the sun, rain, and wind, and are flexible depending on the time of day to shield you from the late afternoon sun. They also reduce the heat entering the home and help protect indoor furniture from sun damage. The ability to retract or fold back the awning is crucial, especially when there is approaching wild weather, to prevent damage to the awnings.
Have you ever driven past a house with a bold, solid colour? Even if it's an all-white house with just a pop of bright colour, it still seems odd. Have you ever wondered why? It's because these colours are better suited for commercial properties. They are eye-catching and attention-grabbing, which is why businesses use them. These colours help establish brand recognition and loyalty.
When selecting the exterior colour for your home, it's crucial to notice the difference between brighter and softer colours. This decision is significant, as changing it later can be costly. You have the freedom to choose any of the aforementioned colours for your home's exterior, but it's wise to consider your neighbourhood's architectural style and the colours of surrounding homes. Additionally, consider the fixed elements, such as window frames, the roof, and any stone or timber features.
Colours we love to see and admire, it's not a matter of being brave, it's taking the time to find a colour you love and your neighbours will love too. Blue, Orange, Pink, and purple are colours that work well on the right home and the right street. Many of us have travelled to countries that have row after row of colourful homes that look amazing. So choose wisely, also make sure the colour suits the style of your home and will not stand out for the wrong reasons. If you love a colour but can't use it on the exterior, choose a room inside, then you'll still get to enjoy it.
I understand the importance of staying up to date with paint trends. However, it's essential to remember that just because a colour is popular doesn't mean it's the right choice for you or your home. For example, the trend for grey was short-lived. When choosing a paint colour, the overwhelming selection at the store can make it difficult to decide. If you want to use the same colour for your home's interior and exterior, choose the lightest shade for the interior and one of the darkest for the exterior to create a sense of continuity. Taking home swatches and taping them to the walls can help you visualise how the colours will look in different lighting. Viewing the colours during the day and at night is important, as they can appear different in varying light levels. If you're unsure, seek opinions from family and friends. Ultimately, if you love colour and it receives positive feedback, then it's likely the right choice for you. Don't limit yourself to traditional colours like cream, white, or black. Consider a variety of swatches and don't be afraid to choose a colour that stands out. Taubmans.com Colourtrend Paints Martha Stewart.com.
Your roof deserves much consideration as it can account for 40% of the exterior. A lighter grey colour scheme by Weeks Homes is soft, tranquil, and sophisticated. Traditional in its roots, often with silver zincalume roofing. Can easily be paired with white trim and a white roof for a clean look. So as not to appear boring, here we see the texture of the timber siding which adds interest as we are dealing with two colours. This grey home is from Architecture and Design. Grey is classified as neutral, with a relaxing and soothing presence. Again paired with white and timber siding creating texture, which brings the color to life. Grey is not an attention seeker, stable and reliable, offering a sense of modernity or minimalism, also being both classic and contemporary.
Here we have a beautiful home from Architectures Style. Green is the perfect colour for a home that has a woody, outdoor vibe being the colour of nature. It is the most restful and relaxing of colours to the eye. The white trim and timber accents add life to the design. Green presents a refuge from the stresses of a busy urban or contemporary life. Black is neutral and can be used on most house styles. This stunning home from My Design Port is an excellent example of the diversity black offers, suiting all homes especially those surrounded by bush landscapes. Greenery balances out the black. Dark exteriors have practical benefits like reducing heating costs as black which increases energy efficiency. For now, black is the new white. Black makes a strong visual statement and this neutral colour contrasts well with many other materials, textures, and hues.
This cream home from Colorbond.com represents a tried and true exterior house colour. Forever popular as it sits well on a wide selection of home styles and goes with a wide selection of colours. Colors such as Green, Blue, Ochre, Black, Brown and Red. The colour Cream is between white and yellow, the more white is a tint, the more black is a shade. A shade means there's a little black which dulls the yellow into a more suitable exterior color. The next home is a taupe colour by Henley.com.au. Taupe is a grey-brown rather than a beige which is a yellow-brown. Taupe sits well with dark chocolate, steering well away from yellows. It offers a practical solution as it is less likely to show dirt if you live in a dusty area. Sophisticated and elegant, you can't go wrong with this colour. Very much a contemporary colour with subtle earthy tones, use full strength for the exterior and quarter strength for the interior, ideally with architrave, cornice, and doors in white.
Red houses are quite rare, but people still love the idea of a bold, red home, especially if it reflects their personality and taste. The style of the home is important, as well as the neighbourhood it is in. Will a red home stand out for the wrong reasons, perhaps clashing with the colours of the surrounding houses? Red is a colour full of life and energy, a friendly and inviting colour often used on the front door. Paint technology has greatly improved, so red no longer fades as it once did. When choosing paint, opt for a quality product and pay attention to surface preparation. The rich look of red brick buildings makes red homes work well in both rural and urban settings, adding a pop of colour. Love the yellow on this home by Idei.club.
Image 1 & 2 Gutter matches the roof, and the white fascia lifts the roof's appearance.
Image 3 & 4 Gutter matches the roof, and the matching dark fascia draws the roof down.
Image 5 & 6 Gutter matches the roof, and the white fascia raises the roof, reducing the appearance of the roof.
Image 7 & 8 Gutter and fascia match the roof; this gives the roof a greater presence, important on a two-storey home.
Image 9 & 10 Gutter does not match the roof and is in white, creating an unnecessary feature of the fascia.
Ideally, the colour of your gutter should always match your roof. When it comes to the fascia, for two-storey homes, the gutter and fascia should be the same colour. This will help to make the roof appear lower. This is especially noticeable when the house is on a hill, making the roof look like a cap on top. For single-level homes, the gutter should match the roof, and the fascia should be a colour that blends with the house colours. This will make the roof appear higher. This will give a greater presence to the single-level home and look less weighed down and more elevated.
Don't be afraid of bold colours. The secret is to choose a colour that you truly love, not just because it goes with a print or a cushion, but because the colour resonates with you and holds personal meaning. Each room features bold wall colours, but they become unique and special with the careful selection of furniture and decor. When rooms are divided rather than open-plan, moving from one colour to the next is easy, keeping to equal tonal value, which means maintaining the same strength of colour rather than a bold colour in one room and a delicate pastel in the next. Having a neutral architrave and doors like white makes it easy to move from one colour to another.
The secret to black and white is to keep it simple. A black exterior will pop with greenery and be a standout in your street. A white exterior will have the same effect. Choose a slightly softer black, like Black Jack or a white like Simply White. A stark black or white version will be too intense and you will tire of it quickly, as will your neighbours. If your home has only two colours - say the roof and exterior wall colours, the home will look boring. Add elements like greenery, timber, steel, or stone or an accent colour to add interest. an all-black home with texture in the bricks and timber feature walls to add interest. Always try to aim for a minimum of three elements for the exterior of a home. Inside or outside the home, black and white is a winner.
"People who are fond of the colour black are often seen as confident and sophisticated thinkers and are frequently chosen as leaders. The colour black has a protective aura, and those who love it prefer to keep their private life to themselves. When painting a room black, it's essential to ensure the room is well-lit, ideally with larger-than-normal windows, as black absorbs light. If your walls are not in perfect condition, it's best to use a matte finish, as eggshell or satin finishes will accentuate any imperfections on the wall. Matte black may not be the best choice for a kitchen, a child's room, or other high-traffic areas, as it is not as durable. You may think that black will make the room look smaller, but that is not the case; black recedes, making the room look infinite. Additionally, don't forget about the ceiling, as it is the fifth wall and is often overlooked. To find the perfect black paint, place a selection of black paint swatches in the room you intend to paint. Not all blacks are the same, so remove the ones you don't like over a few days, viewing them during both the day and night until you find the perfect black."
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What colours go with your chosen wallpaper? Pick out the main colours rather than colours that constitute 10% or less. The base or main colour ideally will become the colour for the remainder of the room if only using wallpaper as a feature wall. There are thousands of wallpapers available, making it difficult to decide. Have an idea of the colours you love, take your time and the wallpaper you truly love, then you will never tire of it. If you have cream walls, choose wallpaper that has a cream base; the same goes for white, white walls and a white base colour. If you are using a heavy patterned wallpaper, consider adding wainscotting or using it as a feature wall to reduce the visual impact, maybe choose a room like a powder room, entrance or even a laundry, rooms you spend less time in. Keep art off busy wallpaper. If wallpaper is used as a feature, add the art to the walls that are plain, so as to create balance in the room. Reminder: When using warm colours like red, orange, and yellow, it's best to choose the cooler side of your home or the room with the least amount of light. Warm tones can make a room more inviting, while a hot colour in a hot room might not work well. These are advancing colours that can makea roomlooksmall. Consider whether warm or cool colours are best. If you choose a dark paint or dark wallpaper, you will end up with a dark, moody room. If that's what you are after, just make sure the room is well-lit with natural light. Painting the walls is the most affordable and versatile option. Choose the room's contents before painting, then paint the room before you add your furnishings and decor. The largest selection will always be paint, so take advantage of that. These are examples showing options that will help to create the beginnings of a room. There is nothing like fabulous wallpaper to show you what colours go beautifully together. In addition to the neutral base colour, greens, reds, oranges, and blues can be used in the room with this wallpaper. A visually intense, patterned fabric works well with a neutral wall colour. You can then add colours such as a bookcase or dining chairs painted in orange or red, a coffee table painted green, a light green ottoman piped in blue or a ceiling painted in green.
When decorating a room, the first step is usually painting. Start by painting the ceiling, then move on to the walls, doors, and architrave. Other items can be brought into the room only after the painting is complete. If it's a kitchen or bathroom, select the tiles, fittings, and cabinetry first, then choose wall colours that complement the tiles. For a lounge room, choose the rug first, followed by the sofas and other furnishings. In bedrooms, select the furniture and bedding before worrying about paint colour selection. Once you have a plan for each room, put together a mood board or use a computer to visualize the design. Finally, choose the paint colours that enhance the furniture and decor, paint the rooms, and then add the furniture to the rooms. With a wide range of colours available, it's easy to find the perfect paint colour for each room. I would find three colours that work together and then use that as the basis for the design. As the paint swatches above show the different strengths of one colour, do the same; it will create a sophisticated room design.
A dimmer switch is an essential addition to a dining room, offering versatile and multifunctional lighting options. Installing your central dining light on a dimmer allows you to create a soft, inviting glow that’s perfect for intimate dining moments.
When styling your dining area, remember the rule of three—group objects in sets of three for a visually appealing arrangement. For rectangular or longer tables, consider installing a trio of simple pendant lights. This approach helps define the space in a kitchen-diner setting while maintaining a harmonious design. Ideally, the width of your light fixture should be approximately one-third of your dining table's width for proportional balance.
A single central pendant light above the dining table can achieve a strikingly modern and elegant aesthetic. To further enhance the ambience, incorporate wall lights or table lamps. You might find that your central dining light is not always needed; instead, wall sconces or table lamps on a buffet or credenza can create subtle mood lighting.
In comparing lighting styles, the first and second images depict setups that might feel overpowering, even with a dimmer, more appropriate for commercial spaces like hotels than a home. The third image strikes an ideal balance: the lights are partially enclosed, blending luxury with proportion and offering flexibility in brightness levels.
Lastly, ensure the dining table complements the room’s shape. A square room pairs beautifully with a round or square table, while a rectangular room suits a rectangular dining table. The shape and size of the room should guide your choice to create a harmonious flow.
A well-chosen table lamp is a versatile and impactful addition to any home. More than just a source of light, a lamp can instantly transform a room’s mood, create a warm and inviting atmosphere, and harmonize beautifully with your existing furniture.
Function and Style
When selecting a lamp, consider both its design and intended function. A table lamp can serve several purposes:
Ambient Lighting: Creating a soft, welcoming glow for the whole space.
Task Illumination: Providing focused light for activities like reading.
Aesthetic Accent: Simply brightening a dim corner or adding a unique design element that reflects your personal style.
If you are choosing a lamp specifically for reading or to light a broader area, opt for one with a cloth shade that diffuses light gently.
Getting the Size Right
Appropriate sizing is crucial for optimal balance and usability.
Bedside Lamps typically range from 24 to 28 inches (61 to 71 cm) in height for perfect proportion and functionality.
Small Lamps are ideal for tucked-away spots and benches, such as in kitchens or bathrooms, where they can brighten a dark corner without clutter.
Strategic Placement
Table lamps also work beautifully in common areas. They are excellent additions to buffets or credenzas near dining areas, offering a softer, more nuanced alternative to harsh overhead pendant lighting while adding character to the space.
Furnishing a Home from Scratch: A Thoughtful Approach
When furnishing a home from the ground up, thoughtful planning is essential—especially when working within budget constraints, regardless of the space’s size. Begin by selecting three foundational colours to guide your choices for key elements such as furnishings, artwork, and rugs. These colours should harmonize with one another and serve as the visual thread that ties the room together.
Follow this sequence when making design decisions: Flooring → Window Treatments → Furniture → Decor → Accessories → Paint Colours
You might wonder: Why choose paint last when painting is often the first step?
The answer lies in flexibility—paint offers the broadest spectrum of colours, making it easier to find the perfect shade once your furnishings are chosen. By identifying what will occupy the space, you can confidently select a wall colour that complements your design. Begin by painting the ceiling, then the walls, and finally bring in your furniture and decor.
If your design includes a rug, choose it early—the colours and patterns can strongly influence your wall colour. Similarly, in a bedroom, start with the bedding, especially if it features a distinctive pattern or palette.
The Power of Neutrals
Neutrals form the backbone of timeless design. Think beige, taupe, chocolate, black, white, cream, and grey—each offers versatility and enduring appeal. Even chocolate, navy and green can be considered neutrals, as they echo the hues found in nature and provide a serene backdrop for more vibrant accents.
Natural materials like marble, granite, and quartzite also offer a rich array of colours, including chocolate, blues and greens, adding depth and character to your space.
To enliven a neutral palette, introduce a pop of colour—perhaps a red chair or a striking piece of art. These accents inject personality without compromising longevity. While seasonal colours may ebb and flow, the neutrals listed above remain steadfast, offering a timeless canvas for evolving tastes.
Pinks and oranges are located next to each other on the colour wheel, which makes them analogous colours. An analogous colour scheme consists of colours that are adjacent to each other on the colour wheel. Coral is a colour that incorporates red, pink, and orange, creating a warm, cosy, and cheerful ambience. When using these colours, choosing a cool room or the cool side of your home is best, as warm colours can make a room seem even hotter. At full strength, these colours can be energising or soft and romantic, depending on your chosen intensity, such as blush, peach, or pale pink. These versatile colours are suitable for any home style, both exterior and interior and should be used more often. Could you consider using all three in your next design?
Designing a Child’s Bedroom: Practical Tips with Purpose
Mattress Matters: Stick to standard mattress sizes — custom-made options can be costly. Leave an inch or two of clearance around the mattress to make bed-making easier.
Plan for Growth: Children grow faster than we expect. Choose furniture that accommodates their changing needs, especially in terms of height and sleeping arrangements.
Bunk Bed Safety: Only consider bunk beds if your ceiling height allows for comfortable sitting. Ensure sturdy railings and proper steps — children are often half-asleep when climbing in or out, so safe access is essential. Generally, children older than nine are suited to bunk beds.
Minimise Clutter: Excess furniture, décor, and toys can pose safety risks. In case of fire, flammable items can become hazards. Keep the space streamlined and purposeful.
Toy Placement: Toys stimulate energy and play — great during the day, less so at bedtime. If possible, store toys in a dedicated playroom to help the bedroom remain a calm, restful space.
Essential Furnishings: A chest of drawers, a comfortable reading chair, and a small bookshelf are all you really need. Keep it simple and functional.
Educational Décor: If decorating with art, consider educational pieces — a world map, alphabet, or numbers. Repeated exposure to these visuals can reinforce learning in subtle, lasting ways.
Bedside Simplicity: A small shelf with a glass of water, a bedside lamp, and a few books is plenty. Avoid over-accessorising.
Wall Treatments: Busy wallpapers on walls or ceilings can overstimulate. Opt for gentle colours and patterns that add warmth without overwhelming the senses.
Choosing the Right Shade of Orange for Your Home
So, you’ve decided to paint your home and settled on a colour—let’s say orange. But with countless shades available across different brands, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. If possible, visit several paint stores, as each will offer its own unique variations of orange. Collect as many samples as you can and bring them home.
Tape the swatches to your walls—interior or exterior—and observe them over a few days. Pay attention to how each shade shifts in different lighting and at various times of day. Gradually eliminate the ones that don’t feel right. Eventually, your home will guide you toward the perfect choice.
Orange sits between yellow and red on the colour wheel, so some shades lean warmer and others cooler. Options range from light orange and peach to burnt orange, apricot, and deep terracotta.
When decorating with orange, restraint is key. You might paint all the walls orange, but balance the boldness with a single piece of furniture that echoes the hue. Avoid the temptation to collect endless orange accessories—this vibrant colour makes a statement on its own. Keep it simple, and let orange do what it does best: catch the eye and energise the space.
Elevate Your Dining Experience
Add beauty to your table with dinnerware that blends classical charm and contemporary flair. Designed to be both dishwasher and microwave safe, these pieces are perfect for everyday meals, casual gatherings, or formal occasions.
By incorporating your personal style and creativity, you can transform any setting into a memorable experience. Whether you're hosting a relaxed brunch or an elegant dinner, a well-set table sets the tone.
Fine Dining: Crisp white tablecloths evoke timeless sophistication.
Casual Dining: Bare wooden surfaces or stylish placemats create a laid-back, welcoming vibe.
Personal touches — from curated centerpieces to thoughtfully chosen napkins — infuse your table with character and warmth. A beautifully arranged table invites connection and makes every meal feel special.
Dinnerware comes in a wide array of colours and styles, so don’t worry about trends. Choose what you love, and let your table reflect your unique taste. After all, true style is timeless — and unmistakably yours.
Designing an Inspiring Outdoor Space
An inviting outdoor space often rests on three foundational elements:
Water and Greenery
A pool adds tranquility and visual interest — even in cooler climates — while a modest lawn offers softness underfoot and space to breathe.
Comfortable, Functional Seating
Include generous seating with side tables for drinks or books, sun lounges for unwinding, and umbrellas to provide shade and comfort throughout the day.
A Cohesive Design Aesthetic
Let your outdoor style echo your home’s architecture, but elevate it with thoughtful touches — whether coastal, modern, country, or inspired by places you love to visit.
To keep maintenance low, opt for drought-tolerant plants like cacti or succulents. These sculptural beauties require minimal water but should be placed out of reach due to their thorns. A restrained garden palette allows your design elements to shine while still offering lushness and texture.
Privacy is essential — it creates a sense of sanctuary, allowing you to relax, entertain, or simply enjoy a morning coffee without feeling observed.
Even a small courtyard can become a lush oasis with the right elements: layered greenery, tactile materials, and a layout that invites lingering. A tropical garden, for instance, can feel both exotic and soothing, especially when paired with ambient lighting.
Outdoor lighting adds magic after dusk.
Use spotlights or floodlights to highlight architectural features, sculptural tree trunks, or water elements. The interplay of light and shadow brings depth and drama, extending the beauty of your space into the evening.
Welcome to the Interior Style Guide website, where we offer useful tips to help you save time and money. We also provide free advice for any questions (you can even send a photo) and offer inspiration to transform your home from ordinary to unique. Why settle for an ordinary home when, with a little more time and effort, you can make your home stand out as a stunning showcase?
