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The Colour Red

Those who like red have a zest for life, are competitive, and are not afraid to take risks. Those who prefer deeper reds are often more subtle. Red is a brave colour to use, and you will be rewarded as red rooms make a statement and impress those who enter. Whether it be lacquer, high gloss paint, wallpaper, or just paint, red demands attention and stimulates the senses. Red can create an ambience and a decadent atmosphere. It's often claimed to be unsuitable for bedrooms as it is a stimulating colour that can make sleep difficult. However, since colour is light, once the lights go out, all you see is varying shades of black. Create an energising and warm welcome with a red-painted hallway, library, or powder room. Choosing the right shade of red for an interior can be quite tricky, but if you take your time to select the right one, it can bring energy and style into your space. Gather a selection of paint swatches, as many as you can, adhere the samples to the wall in question and view the swatches day and night, remove the ones that are not appealing to you, and you should end up with the correct red. Red has limited pigment in the paint, so use an undercoat before you paint your walls red. This will give the paint an even and rich red instead of a dull red if a darker colour is the base. Some reds are more orange, brown, or blue, so choose carefully, making sure the red is perfect for the room. Paint swatches on the wall are a great way to find the perfect red.  A little red somewhere in a home, like a chair, wall art or a vase, the perfect addition.

Painted Furniture

It's easy to walk into a furniture store and buy all the furniture that matches, is contemporary, and is available. The only problem is that it is mass-produced, and furniture stores sell the same thing over and over. Let's say you have a piece of furniture that a family member gave to you. It's unique, but often the timber colour is orange, red, yellow, or dark brown, which may not be the colours you had in mind. The colour should be updated rather than giving the furniture to someone else (who may paint it). There is nothing wrong with stained timber, especially if you have a traditional-style home, and the antique furniture piece fits beautifully with your aesthetic. Valuable antiques may be the exception to the rule.  

Create a Unique Space to Impress Your Guests. A half bath, powder room, or guest bathroom is the perfect place to have fun with wallpaper and paint. Here's how to create a space that stands out:

Choose Your Wallpaper: Select a wallpaper you love, then pick one of the colours from the pattern to use throughout the room. Avoid introducing new colours not present in the wallpaper, as it can add unnecessary elements.

Simplicity is Key: Let the colour and pattern of the wallpaper create a unique atmosphere. If the wallpaper is too intense, tone it down by reducing its exposure by adding wainscoting to match the trim and doors, rather than just applying wallpaper to one wall.

Freedom of Design: Since it’s a small space and not used frequently, you have the freedom to experiment. I recommend using a low-sheen or matte enamel finish for durability for the vanity. The wallpaper can be any paper finish, as there's no exposure to water like in a shower bathroom.

Neutral Elements: Keep window frames, doors, and architraves white or warm white to ensure any other colourway will not clash. Similarly, opt for simple, neutral tiles for the floor to maintain harmony with the wallpaper's pattern and colours.

Stay True to Your Home's Style: Ensure the design complements your home’s overall aesthetic. For instance, a beach look wouldn’t suit a bush setting.

The Study/Library 

Designing Your Home Library: A Retreat for Focus and Comfort

Designing a home library means creating a dedicated space where distractions are low and comfort is high, fostering better learning and a love for reading. More than simply a place to store your collection, your library becomes a peaceful retreat, a source of daily inspiration, and a personal sanctuary where you can unwind and escape into different worlds.

Creating the Ideal Atmosphere: To ensure maximum focus and relaxation, the design should prioritise a warm, inviting atmosphere. The core of the study area often features a sleek, dark wooden desk paired with a comfortable, ergonomic leather chair, providing an inviting setup for both productivity and deep relaxation. Built-in bookshelves that stretch from floor to ceiling, filled with an eclectic mix of books and decorative objects, not only enhance the room's visual appeal but also underscore its purpose.

Light and Ambience: Natural light plays a significant role in enhancing the reading experience. Aim for a space that is well-lit, but strategically avoid direct sunlight that could cause damage to books over time. A stylish floor lamp provides additional, focused lighting, while framed art pieces can adorn the walls, enhancing the creative vibe of the space.                                                                                                                                                                                    

Location and Solitude: When selecting the location, consider the proximity to communal areas. If you enjoy being surrounded by the rhythm of daily life, placing your library near the living room might be ideal. On the other hand, if solitude and quiet reflection are what you're after, a quiet corner or a spare room can provide the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Create an office/reading nook wherever you can

Creating the Perfect Office Nook

In today's world of remote work and smaller living spaces, the traditional, dedicated home office is no longer a necessity. With sleek computers and paperless systems, a stylish and functional office nook has become a game-changer for maximising every square foot of your home.

Location and Privacy

The ideal location for your office nook depends entirely on the level of quiet you require.  For maximum focus: Choose a space with a traditional door.  For moderate noise: A barn door or a secluded corner away from the main living area works well.  Maximising awkward spaces: If you believe you have no space for a home office, look for unused, awkward areas like a wide hallway, a deep closet, or even a section of an upstairs landing. Transforming these into a cozy, functional nook is a brilliant way to maximise your home's unused real estate.

Essential Design Elements

To ensure your nook is both comfortable and productive, focus on these key elements:  Ergonomics: Adequate space for your legs is the most important comfort factor.  Storage: Integrate adequate shelving or smart storage solutions to keep the area tidy and clutter-free.  Lighting: Ensure you have proper, bright lighting to work by, protecting your eyes and enhancing focus.

The takeaway: A dedicated workspace, even a small nook, can significantly reduce the distractions common with working from home, enhancing your comfort and productivity.

Maximalist or Not?

A maximalist will make sure every element that makes up a room is special, not just an ordinary door, for example, they may paint it a contrasting colour, cover it in leather or add wallpaper, never just a plain door. This can apply to all aspects; boring or plain is not an option. "When you walk into a room and feel agitated because you think it's cluttered and can't wait to leave, it's easy to know where your preferences lie. On the other hand, some find the same surroundings exciting and are happy to view every piece. A maximalist is not a hoarder, but rather a collector who carefully plans each addition to create a cohesive room. It can take years to gather unique pieces of furniture and decor, some of which may be very expensive, while others are thrifted. Aim for a layered, personal, and collected look. Maximalism doesn't mean having a lot of clutter; it's not an excuse to be untidy, it's showing off the beautiful things we have gathered over the years.  The first image features a mirrored ceiling, utilising its reflective qualities to elevate the ceiling, or 5th wall, to a whole new level. The second image shows how easily two rooms can become one by removing a good portion of the wall, opening up the space, allowing light to enter, and making the rooms appear larger. The third image is a very controlled form of maximalism with a limited palette, but all surfaces are fully utilised. Need a room for books? Simply add custom shelving to make use of what could have been wasted space. Bare walls are not even considered by a true maximalist."

Outdoor Bar

Indoor Bar 

Elevate Your Entertaining with a Stylish Home Bar

A well-designed home bar can transform your entertaining experience, adding both flair and functionality. Its size will depend entirely on your available space—whether it’s a sideboard, a cupboard, a cozy alcove, or even an entire room. What matters most isn’t where you place it, but how comfortable and intuitive it feels for guests to help themselves.

Avoid mimicking a typical pub or kitchen. Instead, aim for a space that feels curated and personal. Consider whether your bar will include a water source for a sink. While adding plumbing can be a more involved project, it’s often worth the effort for convenience and polish.

Think about incorporating a wine or beverage refrigerator to keep drinks perfectly chilled. A wall-mounted shelf in glass and brass offers a refined way to display bottles and glassware, adding a touch of elegance. Ambient lighting is essential—opt for subdued tones that create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

By focusing on comfort, practicality, and style, your home bar can become a beautiful retreat for unwinding and hosting with ease.

Drinks Trolley

Bar Art Inspiration 

Luxury Mosaic Wall Tiles 

Blue and White Decor 

Why Blue & White Works

Neutral yet expressive: Like animal prints, blue and white can act as a “neutral” base but still bring personality.  Psychological impact: Blue evokes calm, serenity, and trust, while white expands space and adds clarity.  Versatility: Works across styles—coastal, modern, traditional, rustic, or eclectic.

Living Room: Blue-and-white porcelain vases or ginger jars as focal points.  Crisp white slipcovered sofas with indigo throw pillows.  A patterned rug in navy and ivory for grounding.

Dining Room:  Blue-and-white china layered with modern flatware.  A statement chandelier with white shades and cobalt accents.  Painted blue dining chairs against a whitewashed table.

Bedroom:  White bedding with a navy border for hotel-like elegance.  Ceramic lamps with blue motifs.  A gallery wall of blue abstract art.

Bathroom:  Blue mosaic tiles paired with white marble.  Towels in alternating blue and white stacks.  A porcelain soap dish or planter for subtle accents.

Motifs in Blue & White Porcelain: These designs carry centuries of symbolism:

• Fish →bundance and prosperity

• Dragon → power and protection

• Phoenix → rebirth and renewal

• Peony → wealth and honor

• Chrysanthemum → longevity and autumn beauty

• Lotus → purity and enlightenment

• Magpie → joy and good fortune

Mix modern silhouettes (like sleek lamps) with traditional porcelain for balance. Layer textures: linen, wool, and ceramics prevent the palette from feeling flat. Add natural elements: greenery in blue-and-white planters softens the look. Use scale play: oversized jars next to delicate teacups create visual interest.

Blue and white decor is really about storytelling—each motif and piece connects you to centuries of artistry while still feeling fresh in a modern home.

The Laundry/Mud Room 

Mustard Colour

Mustard condiment is made from ground mustard seeds and vinegar. Love it or hate it, mustard yellow is a sumptuous colour that everyone is talking about. This vibrant shade represents hopefulness, confidence, creativity, and acceptance. The exact hue of mustard can vary depending on the ratio of yellow and brown pigments used. 

Mustard yellow can be utilised both inside and outside the home, perhaps opting for a slightly lighter shade indoors and a more brownish tone outdoors. Colour is influenced greatly by light. Mustard is proving extremely popular as it can work beautifully with many colour schemes. Mustard yellow pairs well with colours such as eggshell blue, teal blue, dark green, Bordeaux, warm grey, eggplant, burnt orange, vermilion and of course, warm neutrals and black.

As one of the most popular shades of yellow, mustard is often seen in interior design, clothing, and fashion. This darker shade of yellow belongs to the yellow colour spectrum and is renowned for its warm and earthy tone, bringing a unique charm and style to any palette. Painting some walls and furniture in mustard yellow creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Children's Rooms 

What is the perfect bed for a toddler to a teen?

Remember the following information: The bed can be an expensive addition to a room. The base, mattress, and linen can add up. Considering how long we sleep each night, it's a worthwhile investment. When your toddler moves out of the cot, you might think about getting a small bed, like a single one. However, you would be better off choosing a king single. The king single is longer and wider, making it the perfect bed for when your child is pre-adolescent. A quality mattress should last around ten years, so it is a worthwhile investment. In early childhood, the bed becomes a play area, with kids generally jumping up and down on it. This can lead to injuries, as the frame of the bed is often made of timber or metal. That's why I recommend an ensemble; the firm base is less likely to be dangerous, and the headboard adds comfort and protects the wall. Drawers in the base offer storage solutions, and often the colour selection of the bed frame is limited, so you might want to choose a neutral colour like grey to go with most other colours. A waterproof mattress protector is essential against accidents, helping to keep the mattress clean from spills, sweat and stains. We should clean the mattress protector at least every other month to keep it hygienic. After all, mattress protectors are designed to protect, and we don't want stains on our expensive mattresses.

The Toy Room

Murals for Children's Rooms 

Murals have become increasingly popular, offering a fun and whimsical vibe. There are numerous high-quality images available to help you add a unique, personal touch. However, some are available as peel-and-stick options (it's important to have solid surfaces and walls in good condition, especially when removing the mural). Both options are great, but the choice depends on the size of the wall and the chosen image. A mural is perfect for a large wall and can create a stunning feature wall. 

Stylish Bedrooms 

An Ideal Bedroom?

What elements make a bedroom different or unique? Whether large or small, a bedroom can be special if you work with the space you have. A small bedroom should have minimal furniture, a basic bed, side tables, and maybe a dresser. For a larger bedroom with a walk-in robe, a dresser in the room is not necessary. Try to keep furniture away from the bed and consider separating the space into two sections for a more comfortable layout. In a large room, an oversized comfy chaise with a side table might be a great addition, creating a cozy corner for relaxation without disturbing the made bed. The rooms in the example above are spacious, and the structural design enhances the overall feel of the space. It's important to think beyond the standard bed when designing a bedroom. A ceiling fan is always a welcome addition, air circulating in the room, no matter the size of the room, is most important especially if windows and doors are closed for noise or privacy.  Bedside lamps are also important, one on each side, ideally matching. What is the priority for the lighting? To walk safely around the room? To read at night? (therefore the strength of the lighting) As a decorative element to the room? These questions will direct you to the correct bedside lamps. Regards the size of the lamps, too small can look just as bad as too tall, so take your time and work out the correct height, type and style and you won't make an unnecessary mistake. 

The Right Bed for the Right Room 

Ideally, the bedhead should be placed on the largest wall that does not have windows or a door in it. Obviously, it is not always possible with room constraints, but where possible it is worth it. Also when walking into a bedroom you don't want to see the side of the bed, rather the bed should be placed in front of you and placed in the centre.  If possible, keep all furniture away from the windows, and allow for circulation of air and natural light, putting a bed in front of a window will make the room look smaller especially if the bed has a solid headboard.  Make the placement of the bed a priority, other elements in the room must take second place. The first three images shows the perfect style of bedhead for being in front of a window. The rungs allow plenty of light to enter and the windows are accessible. There will always be situations where the room dictates due to windows, doors, and cupboards, so do the best you can with what you have.  The second image again shows the perfect headboard in this charming room. The third last image shows a room with lots in it, maybe more of an office than a bedroom, but still a great room with ample storage. It is way too difficult to properly make a bed that is jammed up against a wall.  The second last image shows an upholstered headboard which looks heavy and blocks natural light in the room, maybe no option with two windows and a door to consider. Obviously, it is not always possible with room constraints, but where possible it is worth it.

Footstools, Ottomans 

No matter the size of your home, there is an ottoman that will meet your needs. Ottomans are essential for any living room, bedroom, spare room, office, or even at the foot of your bed. They combine stylish functionality and practicality. Ottomans are ideal for putting your feet up, creating extra space, and providing additional seating while adding character to your home. You can place a tray on top to convert it into a serving area as well. Ottomans offer extra seating without obstructing the view, making them a convenient addition to bathrooms or walk-in wardrobes, where they can serve as seating or a place to lay out clothes for the day. Designed to accommodate your home’s essentials, these ottomans come in various colours, sizes, and styles to match your taste and instantly elevate your living space. One of the key advantages of an ottoman is that it is the perfect height for putting on your shoes. Therefore, positioning an ottoman by your front or back door or in the mudroom makes it a practical item for everyday use. When selecting fabric, choose a hard-wearing option like polyester rather than cotton or linen. Cushion-top ottomans may lose their shape over time, so consider getting one with a fixed, well-padded top instead. If you choose a storage ottoman, keep in mind that once it is filled, it may become difficult to move, risking damage to the legs. This selection showcases different types of finishes, so think beyond the ordinary and consider creating something special by modifying and upholstering an old coffee table or small dining table.

Ottoman or Coffee Table placement