Throughout autumn and winter, you’ll want your living room to be a place of refuge from the cold temperatures and dark nights. Whether a cosy living room idea means curling up with a book, watching a movie with family, or entertaining friends, your living space should provide you with the comforting and relaxing environment you crave.
By updating your interior design in line with the seasons, you can ensure that your home is always on-trend. More importantly, keeping your interior design up-to-date means that your home is effortlessly functional at any time of year.
With this in mind, take a look at these seven ways to make your living room warm and cosy this season:
1. Use Rich, Deep Colours
A rich colour palette signifies warmth, which is why it’s perfect for autumn and winter. Teal, turquoise, burgundy, terracotta, camel, coffee, mustard, olive, and sage are all ideal hues for adding warmth. However, don’t be afraid to embrace more vibrant shades if you want to add a pop of colour to your living room. Salmon, blush, lilac, plum, burnt orange, navy, denim, aqua, and chartreuse can all work well when you want to add richness to your living space. Choose shades that have a warm undertone and you’ll be relaxing in a cosy, embracing living environment before you know it.
2. Use Metals to Add Shine
As the season gets colder and wetter, it’s not uncommon for things to feel a little dull. Fortunately, you don’t have to let this affect your surroundings when you use metals to add shine to the space. Copper, bronze, chrome, and stainless steel will all reflect the light well and add a sense of brightness to your living room.
From statement sculptures to metal light fixtures and furniture with metallic elements, there are plenty of ways to incorporate these materials into your living room design and add new depths to the space.
3. Add Rugs to Flooring
An area rug can be a fabulous (and easy!) way to transform any room and they work particularly well in larger spaces, such as living rooms. From a practical point of view, a rug will feel warm underfoot and keep you extra cosy when the colder temperatures set in, but that isn’t their only benefit.
Adding a rug to your living room is a great way to incorporate rich colours into the space without undertaking a full redecoration project. Similarly, you can use rugs to add new textures to your living room, which will instantly make it feel warmer and cosier.
If you’re going to use rugs to transform your living space, be sure to style them appropriately. Extending rugs under the furniture can make the space feel larger, for example, while layering area rugs can be an excellent way to make open plan spaces feel more intimate.
4. Update the Lighting
Lighting is a core element in any room and it’s particularly important at this time of year. In spring and summer, you might be able to rely on natural light to illuminate each room and make the space feel brighter. In autumn and winter, however, you’re going to need some reinforcements.
Layered lighting gives you the opportunity to increase the functionality of your living space, but it also means that you can use an array of fixtures and styles to achieve the desired design. A chic floor standing lamp in brushed bronze combines rich, earthy tones with metallic elements, for example. Alternatively, a dazzling chandelier will cast a soft illumination and add warmth to the room.
Aim to position lighting fixtures at different heights, so that you can create different lighting effects throughout the season. Combine ceiling lights with wall lights, standing lamps, and table lamps to maximise the effect and choose warm LED bulbs to create the right atmosphere.
5. Embrace Smooth, Soft Shapes
Rigid lines can feel a little formal, so steer clear of these if you want your living room to feel cosier. Instead, opt for soft, smooth shapes that invite you to sit down and relax. Comfortable seating is a must-have but look for armchairs, sofas and stools that feature curved backs or soft lines.
Similarly, use furniture that’s circular, oblong, or octagonal if you want to cast a softer feel in your living space. Alternatively, choose pieces that feature rounded edges to enjoy a more informal design this season.
6. Layer Textures Throughout the Room
The textures you use in any room have a big impact on how it looks and feels, so don’t hesitate to add more texture to your living room if you want to up the ante. From super-soft cashmere throws to natural wool blankets, silk cushions, or a velvet footstool, there are endless ways to incorporate more textures into your living space.
Not only will these soft fabrics ensure you avoid the chill throughout winter, but they’ll also create an aesthetic warmth and make the entire room feel cosier. With a combination of cushions, throw pillows, wraps, blankets and even wall hangings, you can add a range of warm textures to your living room quickly and easily.
7. Leave Room for Seasonal Décor
If you celebrate the holidays, make sure you factor this into your interior design plans! Whatever seasonal decorations you choose to adorn your home with, they need to complement your interior. Overlooking seasonal additions now will mean that the room feels overcrowded in weeks to come. By factoring in any extra accessories that you want to showcase later in the season, you can ensure that your living room is perfectly primed for the pinnacle of the holidays.
Transform Your Living Room with the Right Styling
You don’t always need to make major changes to totally transform how a space looks and feels. Re-styling the room and making a few small updates can have a bigger impact than you might think. With some strategic additions and some subtle changes, you can embrace autumn and winter and feel warmer and cosier than ever in your luxurious living room.
Interior design can enhance any space. From your kitchen or living room to an office or restaurant, interior design enables you to make the most of the environment and create an ambience and atmosphere that elevates the space.
Despite the benefits on offer, many people assume that using interior design is complicated or time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be! By understanding the basic principles that underpin interior design and identifying simple interior design styles, you can unleash your creativity and add your own unique aesthetic to any space.
Understanding Interior Design
There are seven core elements of every interior design style: form, space, line, colour, texture, light and pattern. When you’re designing a room, try to ensure that these elements are balanced.
You can use ‘positive space’ to position the furniture in a room, for example, and leave empty ‘negative space’ to avoid overcrowding. Similarly, horizontal lines, such as those created by a coffee table or area rug, can make a room feel wider, while vertical lines, like windows and doors, make the room feel taller.
As you can see, each element - and the elements as a whole - should be balanced, so that one does not overpower another. By keeping these core elements in mind when designing your own space, you can emulate virtually any interior design style.
Simple Styles for Your Home
To find an interior style design that complements your property, your lifestyle, and personality, take a look at the following easy-to-integrate styles:
Modern
A modern interior style is clean and crisp and evokes a sense of simplicity. Not only can a simple interior design style be used anywhere, but it’s also super adaptable and lends itself to any lifestyle.
People sometimes confuse modernity with minimalism, but you needn’t live in bare rooms when you embrace modern interior design. While modern interior design does favour clean lines and an absence of colour, there are plenty of opportunities to inject character into the space.
If you want to use modern interior design in your own home, choose a simple colour palette. Using just two colours with varying tones and shades adds depth to the design while remaining effortlessly on-trend.
When it comes to furniture and decorative accessories, balance softer textures and with metals and glass. These can feature as prominently as you choose but even subtle additions, such as a chrome tap, brushed steel door handle, or glass chandelier, can have a big impact on the space.
Industrial
Inspired by commercial spaces, industrial interior design incorporates raw elements and visible functionality. Perfect in living environments that have been converted from offices, warehouses, or lofts, an industrial interior design can be as cosy as you like with the right styling.
Exposed brickwork and wood are a great basis for an industrial interior but be careful of how much of the space is dominated by this. Choosing exposed brick for just one feature wall can be an effective way to use this feature without overpowering the room or knocking it off balance.
Reclaimed timber is another excellent material to use when you want to create an industrial interior, while slate flooring or tiles can work well too. When you use wood and metal in an industrial design, it’s important to balance these materials and colours, so look for ways to add lightness too. Displaying artwork, choosing vibrant accent colours, and incorporating soft textures can add a homely feel to your industrial interior design.
Scandinavian
Scandinavian design reflects the simplicity of life that’s celebrated in Nordic countries. With an understated feel, this style of interior design is perfect for capturing the concept of ‘hygge’. Also known as ‘cosy contentment’, you can use Scandinavian interior design when you favour natural materials, like form-pressed wood or wool, and use neutral colour palettes.
White, off-white, taupe, and tan are ideal base colours in a room inspired by Scandinavian design, but you can add pops of colour via accessories and textures. This interior design style favours functionality, so choose furniture that’s compact with clean lines, rather than overly ornate. Similarly, value the space that’s available and avoid cluttering the room. If possible, maximise the amount of natural light that flows into the space with trifold doors or voile blinds.
Traditional
If you prefer a classic interior design, then traditional styling might be just what you’re looking for. Here, you can surround yourself with decadent furniture, sumptuous fabrics, and decorative pieces that catch the eye.
A traditional interior design style often features wood flooring and/or furniture. You’ll notice intricate detailing on some pieces, so look out for furniture that’s hand-crafted or bespoke if you want to create your own traditional idyll.
When it comes to fabric, you can be as opulent as you like. Soft fabrics, like velvet, cashmere, and silk, will add balance to the heaviness of the wood and enhance any living space or bedroom. For colours, opt for rich palettes that add depth and warmth to the space, such as deep reds, navy blues, or forest greens.
Designing Your Own Space
Now you’ve got a glimpse of how simple interior design styles can be applied to any space, you should feel more confident incorporating them into your home. Whether you’re planning a total redesign or a straightforward redecoration, embracing a new interior design style can give your property a whole new feel.
When choosing an interior design style for your home, remember to complement the character of the property while selecting a design that you love. Unless you’re going to make significant changes to the architecture, it’s best to work with the features of your home, rather than against them. By doing so, you can ensure that the interior design style you choose is perfectly suited to the proportions and features of your home, which makes it infinitely easier to style.
At the same time, be sure to use an interior design style that reflects your personality and incorporates colours, patterns, and craftsmanship that you enjoy. When you do, you’ll find that your surroundings become a source of comfort, joy, and inspiration.
In any interior, the colour palette you choose has a significant impact on how the space feels and functions. From uplifting and motivating to relaxing and grounding, colours can have a transformative effect on people, as well as spaces.
Due to this, it’s essential to use colour to elevate your home and achieve an exquisite interior design. When you use external factors, such as the changing seasons, to influence your colour palette, it only serves to enhance the overall design and maximises the visual impact of the space. With this in mind, take a look at these fabulous autumn colours and discover four top tips that will enable you to transform your home:
Terracotta
Rich and versatile, this earthy tone can add warmth to the coldest of spaces. From soft furnishings and lighting to tiles and flooring, you’ll find a wide variety of options if you want to enrich your home with terracotta this season.
While terracotta ceramics offer a rustic feel, you can incorporate the colour into modern and contemporary styles too. Asymmetric pendant terracotta ceiling lights and bold, geometric terracotta prints are just two ways to put a modern spin on this classic colour.
Cerulean Blue
A soothing, calming colour with an ethereal feel, cerulean blue is the perfect choice for autumn. You’ll find cerulean shades ranging from azure and dark sky, so it’s easy to find the ideal hue for any space. With complementing bold shades, such as red, white, or yellow, you can create a vibrant and inviting space. Alternatively, if you want to achieve a minimalist feel, pair cerulean blue with other subtle pastel shades and enjoy an effortlessly elegant space.
Forest Green
There’s no doubt the forest green makes an impact, which is why it’s an excellent choice if you want to create a dramatic yet down to earth interior. At the time of year when trees are shedding their leaves, you can immerse yourself in natural, earthy shades when you use forest green to enrich and elevate your home.
Forest green works exceedingly well with metallic accents, such as copper, bronze, and gold. In addition to this, you can pair forest green with matt or gloss black to create a stunning autumn impact.
Slaked Lime
A neutral shade that offers warmth and depth, slaked lime looks fabulous when paired with even warmer hues. When used on walls or soft furnishings, you can combine cool sophistication with a seasonal atmosphere. Paired with mid-greys, midnight blues, or moss greens, slaked lime is an excellent addition to your autumn colour palette.
Top Interior Design Colour Tips
Now you’ve got some ideas to inspire you, you’ll want to know exactly how to get the most out of your interior design with the colour scheme you choose. Fortunately, these four top tips will ensure your autumn colour palette always delivers:
1. Create Flow Throughout the Property
While every room in your home might have a distinct character and interior design, you’ll want to ensure that there is a sense of ‘flow’ throughout the property. This ties the interior design together and creates a holistic and immersive feel.
A unifying colour base, along with consistent styling, is a sure-fire way to ensure that your interior design flows throughout the property. To achieve this look, consider your redesign as a whole, rather than focusing on one space at a time.
2. Ensure Rooms Work with One Another
When rooms work well with one another, it’s easy to ensure that your interior design flows throughout your home. However, making sure that rooms work as a set can also make your home feel larger and more spacious.
When you use drastically different designs from room to room, it creates division and distinction. Essentially, each room will feel very separate from one another. By choosing a cohesive colour palette and ensuring that rooms work well together, however, you can enjoy different yet complementary styling that unifies the home.
3. Don’t Shy Away from Dark Colours
Many people are wary of using dark colours in interior design because they assume that it will make the space feel smaller. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. With the right shade and styling, dark hues can look spectacular in rooms of any size, particularly at this time of year.
Furthermore, the accents you choose to pair with darker shades can bring them to life and give the room a lighter feel. Metallic accents or neutral shades can ‘lift’ darker colours and ensure that rooms feel as vibrant and welcoming.
4. Find Colours That Resonate with You
When you’re deciding which colours to use around your home, don’t rely solely on the latest trends or fashions. While emerging interior design trends can certainly be a fun way to keep your environment feeling fresh and up to date, your interior design should always meet your needs and match your preferred style.
Before you make a firm decision about which colours to use, use colour charts or tester paints to get a real feel of how the shade will affect you. As well as selecting hues that look spectacular in your home, it’s important to find colours that inspire, motivate, nurture, and relax you.
Immerse Yourself in Colour this Autumn
As a new season arrives, it’s always a good idea to take stock of your life and your home. By updating your interior design, you can welcome the new season and make subtle or drastic changes that will alter the atmosphere and ambience. Of course, savvy interior design updates can also increase the functionality of your home, particularly if you focus on hallways and entranceways as we get ready for colder, wetter weather!
From full-scale renovations and redecoration to accent updates and new textiles, there are endless ways to update your interior design. No matter how subtle or extensive the changes are, it’s the colours you use that will have the biggest impact. By using these four top tips, you’ll find it easy to select your ultimate autumn colour scheme.
Interior design can transform a property and turn a house into a home, but how can you use it to enhance your own environment? Whether you crave a radical change or you simply want to freshen up its style, there are savvy ways to elevate your interior design and create the home you’ve always dreamed of.
To get started, take a look at these home décor tips and ideas:
1. Make the Most of Entrances and Entryways
The entrance to your home is the first area that guests will experience and it’s somewhere you’ll pass through multiple times a day. Due to this, it should feature prominently in your interior design plans. After all, you only get one chance to make a first impression and the entryway of your home sets the tone for the entire interior.
Upon stepping over the threshold, you’ll want to feel welcomed and nurtured, so choose a colour palette that reflects this. Additionally, consider the functional aspect of the space and incorporate it into your interior design. With a stylish bench, for example, you can add seating and storage space to your hallway, while elevating its interior design too.
2. Ensure Windows are Well-Dressed
Windows are a focal point in any room, which means they should be styled appropriately at all times. In many spaces, large windows provide a spectacular view and allow natural sunlight to pour in, which is why they’re such a coveted feature. If you’re thinking about making changes to your property, replacing small windows with expansive or panoramic glass can be an excellent choice.
To maximise the flow of light, select window dressings which don’t detract from the view. Sheer, voile drapes can be a stylish way to ensure privacy while still retaining the functional and aesthetic benefits of large windows, for example.
3. Create a Sense of Separation in Open Plan Spaces
Open plan living can maximise the square footage of your home and increase versatility, which allows you to create a space that’s uniquely suited to your needs. However, large open plan spaces can lack character or atmosphere if they aren’t styled appropriately. By using designer tips for home decorating, you can add a sense of separation to open plan spaces.
Using different colours on the walls can segment spaces and identify the different functionalities of the space, for example. Similarly, using area rugs to compartmentalise different spaces will separate and distinguish them, without cutting them off from the rest of the environment.
4. Avoid Overcrowding Rooms
When you see must-have pieces or you fall in love with a decorative accessory, it can be hard to resist an impulse purchase. While regularly switching artwork or decorative pieces throughout your home can be a great way to keep the interior design feeling fresh, be wary of overcrowding rooms.
Cramming too much furniture into a space can make it feel smaller than it really is and may minimise the impact of statement pieces. In addition to this, not leaving enough space for people to walk around furniture or relax comfortably can affect the functionality of your home.
When you leave at least 45cm of space between each piece of furniture, you can ensure that rooms aren’t overcrowded and that every piece can be fully enjoyed.
5. Use Lighting Strategically
Lighting is an important element of interior design, both in terms of the fixtures you choose and the shade of light that illuminates the room. Cool light is best suited to functional areas, such as offices or kitchens, while soft, warm lighting works well in more relaxed spaces, like living areas and bedrooms.
When you use lighting strategically, you can increase the versatility of each space and modify the environment to create a suitable atmosphere at any time of the day or night. A mixture of ceiling lights, wall lights, and floor lamps allow you to layer the lighting for a variety of different effects, for example. Similarly, remote dimmer switches or app-controlled fixtures make it easy to change the ambience in a room in seconds.
6. Focus on Hallways, Corridors and Stairs
As people don’t tend to spend much time in hallways or corridors or on staircases, they’re often overlooked when it comes to décor. However, there are a variety of home décor tips and ideas that can help you to make the most of these essential spaces.
Using artwork and statement lighting, such as chandeliers or drop ceiling lights, adds a focal point in hallways and corridors, for example, and draws the eye upwards when placed alongside staircases. By incorporating these transitional spaces into your interior design, you can achieve flow and balance throughout the property. From cottage-core to contemporary elevator interior design, there are endless styles that can be adapted to suit any property.
7. Use the Rule of Three
When you’re styling a space, the ‘rule of three’ can be an effortless way to achieve a striking visual impact. Generally, grouping pieces in odd numbers makes them more appealing and interesting to the eye and three is the ideal number of cushions, vases, candles, and decorative accessories.
Whether you’re styling a sofa in your living room, creating a tablescape ahead of a dinner party, or dressing a bedside table in your bedroom, use the rule of three to display pieces to maximum effect. By eschewing symmetry, you can ensure that your styling is exciting and intriguing, no matter what part of your home you’re in.
Finding Your Interior Design Style
Working with the features and characteristics of your property, rather than against them, can help you to achieve the best results. However, designer tips for home decorating help you to identify the themes and styles that resonate most with you. This ensures that the end result will be pleasing to the eye but also uplifting, relaxing and functional. By using home décor tips and tricks as inspiration, you’ll find easy yet effective ways to elevate your interior design and enhance your home.
Modernist architecture evolved in the early 20th century but came to prominence in the UK between the 1930s and 1970s. Pioneered by Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier, modernist houses emphasised functional design, with form taking a backseat in terms of design priorities. As such, asymmetrical compositions and linear elements are common features of modernist architecture and are routinely seen on homes built in this era.
Another important feature of modernist homes is the lack of decoration injected into the architecture itself. This architectural era favoured minimalism and functionality, rather than ornamental features, and this is reflected in both residential and commercial buildings.
If you live in a home built between 1930 and 1970, there’s a good chance that you’re residing in a ‘modern house’. By understanding the ethos behind the modernist architecture that shapes your living space, you can enhance the interior and showcase your property’s best features. With this in mind, take a look at these top tips on decorating modern houses:
1. Make the Most of Natural Light
Allowing natural light to flow into a building instantly illuminates the area and can add a feeling of warmth to a space. While many homeowners dream of having larger windows and more natural light, modernist homes are well-equipped to maximise the flow of light. In fact, interior designers often prioritised natural light during this era, which means you’re likely to have well-positioned windows that allow you to illuminate rooms with natural sunlight.
Of course, you’ll want to make the most of this aspect of the design. While the design elements used throughout the modernist period could lead to some interiors feeling cold or stark, the addition of natural light can make a home feel more welcoming and inviting.
When choosing window treatments, be sure to select options that won’t block or limit the amount of light that can flow into a room. Instead, opt for sheer blinds, voile curtains, or shutters that can be easily adjusted to make the most of this stunning natural feature.
2. Adjust the Layout
Given that architects were primarily focused on function when designing modernist homes, they aren’t always the biggest spaces. In fact, many properties built in this period are relatively compact. However, the modernist movement did favour open-plan spaces, which means there are typically plenty of opportunities to modify the layout to suit your needs.
If the property has since been updated, it should be relatively easy to remove non-supporting walls and return it to an open-plan layout. By doing so, you can maximise the space and find innovative ways to make your home feel larger than it really is.
Using decorative screens, like the Kam Ce Kam Divaar Timber and Cane Room Divider, to segment the space can be a fantastic way to create a multi-functional open-plan living space that suits your needs, for example.
When you embrace open plan living, you don’t just make the best use of the space that’s available; you also optimise flow throughout the property. This ensures your interior design carries through the property and connects each aspect of your home. By increasing connectivity and ensuring that each part of your home is well-integrated, you can transform how the space feels as a whole.
Credit: Kam Ce Kam Divaar Timber and Cane Room Divider
3. Reflect the Exterior with Interior Style
Choosing an interior style that complements the building’s architecture is always the most effective way to showcase a property at its best. When it comes to modernist homes, minimalist interiors are the ideal way to reflect the property’s functional aesthetic.
Architects routinely used modern materials to create buildings during this time period, so you may find that your home is endowed with reinforced concrete, steel frames, or ribbon windows. If you want to continue this theme, look for décor and styles that allow you to incorporate additional modern materials, such as metals, wood, and glass.
Inside modern homes, you’re likely to find clean lines and seemingly simple dimensions. Rooms are more likely to be uniform in shape and there will be a notable absence of decorative features, such as alcoves. To decorate modern homes in keeping with their original design, opt for minimalist styles and avoid unnecessary clutter.
The Lisola Sofa by Hommes Studio or the Kelly Dining Table by Laskasas are spectacular examples of minimalist-inspired pieces that can adorn a property and add home comforts without saturating a space.
Credit : Lisola Sofa by Hommes Studio
4. Add Character to the Space
Due to the emphasis of function over form in modernist architecture, many people find that modern homes seem to lack character. In reality, however, they’re a blank canvas that can be developed, decorated, and enhanced in any way you choose. By taking the opportunity to inject character into a modernist building, you can create a home that truly reflects your personality and lifestyle.
While minimalist styling and modernist architecture may not lend themselves to intricate décor or overly ornamental additions, there are ways to decorate your home, add character, and retain the property’s original design features.
Wall décor can inject warmth and character without adding clutter to your home, for example. The Forest Leaves Wall Décor by Studio Peascod is an excellent example of unobtrusive art that makes a big impact. What’s more – the use of Japanese washi papers, high carat gold leaf, glass, polychromes, and brass ensures that the materials featured are perfectly suited to a modern home.
In addition to this, incorporating a range of textures into your décor can add character to your home. From high-quality wool and silk rugs, like the Galena Hand Knotted Rug by Hands Carpets, to soft yarn in the Ambar Braided Throw by Ambar Living and the velvet, faux leather, and metal detailing of the Gaga II Cushion from the ACH Collection, there are endless ways to incorporate a multitude of textures into your décor.
Credit : Ambar Braided Throw by Ambar Living
Restyling a Modern Home
At first glance, modern homes can seem hard to decorate, particularly if you’re unsure how to make the most of the space. However, the principles that dominated modernist architecture provide you with a useful guideline to follow. By echoing the design of the building itself, you can showcase its best features and transform the interior into a home that reflects its origins, your personality, and your lifestyle.
If you’re working from home, running a business, or simply advancing your career, a home office is essential. However, incorporating a workspace into your living environment needn’t have a negative impact on your interior design. With the right pieces and styling, an office can be an integral element of your home and one that enhances the space.
To ensure you have a productive and luxurious space to work from, take a look at these top tips and get all the home office inspiration you need to update your work space and transform your professional life:
1. Choose Minimalist Furniture to Maximise Space
If you want to create a home office while making a particular room or space, feel larger, select minimalist furniture. This will provide the functionality you need and complement any style of room, without overpowering the space. You don’t have to use standard office furniture when you’re designing a personalised workspace at home. By thinking outside the box and using alternative seating, for example, you can move away from traditional office styling and establish a home office that’s more akin to the interior design you’ve chosen for your home.
The Bijou Seat by Scarlet Splendour is a perfect example of minimalist seating that can be used to enhance a home office environment. When paired with the Woman in Paris dressing table, you can even create a multi-purpose workspace that’s compact and chic. Ideal as a statement piece in a home office or as a workspace in a shared living space, you can ensure you have the resources you need without compromising on style.
Bijou Seat – Delightful and minimalist in every French style home office concept.
2. Spend Time Finding the Right Desk
Your desk is the powerhouse of your home office, so it’s worth taking the time to find the right piece. The nature of your work will determine the functionality you need and, therefore, the appropriate size. If you regularly use multiple screens, for example, you may require a larger desk that provides you with extra space for hardware. Alternatively, if you can work using just a laptop or tablet, a more compact desk might be suitable.
If you need a relatively large desk to make working from home easier, don’t assume that your office furniture needs to be aesthetically overpowering. On the contrary, a minimalist-inspired desk can provide you with the functionality and the visual impact you crave.
The Dara Desk by Laskasas is a stunning example of what you can achieve when you combine chic styling with luxury home office furniture. With a matte smoked old oak finish copper polished stainless-steel finish and sleek lines, the Dara Desk can enhance any home office environment without overcrowding the space. What’s more – its generous specifications ensure it maximises functionality and provides all the space you need to climb the career ladder while working from home.
Dara Desk offers a minimalist touch with the use of noble materials.
3. Make a Statement with Shelving
Incorporating a statement feature can bring any room to life and this is true for luxury home offices too. When you identify the space or area that you want to emphasise, you can determine how best to bring it to life and showcase its benefits. Of course, the purpose of a room or designated space must always be at the forefront of your mind when you’re designing an interior. In a home office, the need for storage space, resources, and inspiration should be a critical factor in determining how to use statement furniture.
Fortunately, shelving is the ideal solution for homeowners who want to integrate a professional office environment into their living space. With the potential to increase the functionality of the space and provide you with additional storage space, incorporating shelving into a home office can streamline your workflows and maximise productivity.
However, the benefits don’t stop there. When you add shelving to your home office, you can elevate the design of the space and unify the aesthetic. Whether you’re planning a contemporary home office, an industrial workstation, or a traditional workspace, the right shelving can bring the design together in an instant.
Praga bookshelf is a statement mid-century bookshelf for glamour lovers
4. Prioritise Office Lighting
Lighting has a significant impact on any space, so be sure to consider how to use fixtures and fittings in your home office to complement the interior design. Many people make the mistake of choosing lighting after a room has been designed or even decorated but this means you miss out on the opportunity to integrate lighting into your design. From bright and bold illumination to a warm glow, prioritising lighting at every stage of your interior design ensures it contributes to the room’s style, rather than detracting from it.
A statement ceiling light hanging atop your desk instantly elevates the space and transforms it into a hub of professional activity, for example. By choosing lighting that combines presence with softness, however, you can ensure that it strikes the right balance between work and home life. The custom-made Arcturus Pendant Light by Graypants highlights this perfectly and shows how easy it is to create a multi-purpose space at home that is well-suited to both professional and family life.
Arcturus Pendant White provides warm, intimate, and functional lighting for any occasion or space.
Designing a Luxury Home Office
With this range of home office inspiration, you’ve got a glimpse of how to design a stunning workspace that meets your needs while enhancing your living environment. While it can be tricky to combine home and work life, adding a new dimension to your home and updating its design to reflect the changes in your lifestyle will ensure it becomes a space that inspires and motivates you.
The transition towards more flexible working means that an increasing number of people want to create permanent workspaces in their homes, and with the right inspiration, you too can design a luxury home office that maximises space, elevates your interior, and optimises functionality.
The design of your bathrooms can transform the environment into one of luxury or indulgence. Whether you’re taking a quick shower before work or rejuvenating tired muscles with a long soak in the tub, your bathroom design allows you to immerse yourself in nurturing and even decadent surroundings.
If you’re looking for bathroom inspiration ideas, you’ve come to the right place. With these handy tips, you can design a bathroom that complements the interior design throughout your property yet has its own identity. To get started, take a look at these six bathroom inspiration ideas now:
1. Start with the Colour Palette
The colour scheme is important in any room but it’s particularly critical in smaller spaces, such as bathrooms. By finding the right bathroom design colour schemes, you can make the most of the space you have available and elevate the room.
Your personal taste will be the decisive factor in choosing bathroom design colour schemes but there are lots of options to consider. Crisp whites and muted greys can create a chic, contemporary feel, for example, while using different shades of the same colour transform the space into a luxurious hideaway that ensconces and revitalises you.
If you’re looking for bathroom colour inspiration, think about the kind of feel you want to generate. A rich blue-green can add depth to a bathroom, while lighter pinks or mauves can brighten a smaller space.
For a classic yet contemporary feel, black, white and grey is hard to beat. You’ll find endless flooring options that fit within this bathroom design colour scheme and the grey vein that runs through marble makes it the ideal choice for fixtures or fittings or tiling.
2. Consider Dark Fittings
Instead of automatically selecting a white bathtub, explore the latest designs and see how much variety there is out there. A matt black rolltop bathroom can look spectacular in the right room, for example, and will undoubtedly act as a statement piece. Similarly, you needn’t stick to chrome or brass taps, handles, and accessories. A matt black, brushed steel, antique bronze, or glossy enamel can enhance the detail of your bathroom and complete the interior design.
If you’re going to adorn your bathroom with dark fixtures and fittings, be sure that they work with the colour palette you’ve selected. Fittings with a dark hue often work best with a muted shade or a lighter hue that provides balance. Alternatively, darker shades on the wall or the floor can be paired with light fixtures and fittings to achieve a sense of equilibrium.
3. Use Patterns in a Luxury Bathroom
Many people opt for single, solid colours in a bathroom because they assume that paint or tiling is the only option. While this can certainly be a good design choice, it isn’t the only way to enhance the environment. With specially designed bathroom wallpaper, you can extend your colour palette and incorporate patterns into your design too.
A floral pattern can look fantastic in a vintage-inspired bathroom, for example, while an asymmetrical patterned wallpaper could deliver a classic, retro feel. If you’re worried about overcrowding a small bathroom with patterned wallpaper, don’t be. By using tiling on the lower part of the wall and wallpaper atop it, you can incorporate patterns and colour without overshadowing the space or making it feel smaller than it really is.
4. Mix Materials for Texture and Depth
Using a combination of different materials enhances the visual impact of your bathroom and adds texture and depth too. Combining rich black or muted grey with marble, slate, or granite can give your bathroom a decadent appearance and atmosphere, for example. Alternative, exposed brickwork, terracotta hues, and copper fixtures and fittings combine to make a dream bathroom colour scheme and incorporate a range of enriching textures.
Remember – you don’t have to rely on your property’s innate features to achieve the bathroom design of your dreams. If the brickwork doesn’t lend itself to a spectacular finish, consider using reclaimed brick to recreate your own version of authentic exposed brickwork. Alternatively, high-quality tiles can be used to create the appearance of natural stone or slate.
5. Choose Spectacular Lighting
When you’re planning a bathroom redesign it’s easy to overlook the importance of lighting yet it’s one of the most critical elements. If you apply make-up in the bathroom, you’ll want to ensure that you have bright illumination atop a mirror. By incorporate layered lighting, you can opt for decorative lighting that casts a warm glow and functional lighting that provides a cool light.
Recessed lighting that sits within the ceiling, such as spotlights, are a popular option in bathrooms but think outside the box when you’re designing a luxury bathroom. Wall lights and even chandeliers can be expertly styled to take your bathroom to the next level. Providing the lights you select are designed for use in high-moisture environments, like bathrooms and kitchens, you’ll find that they can be decorative and functional.
6. Use Colour to Add Vertical Space
If you want to make your bathroom feel larger than it is, consider using colour to create the illusion of space. Using a stronger or more vibrant shade on the bottom part of the wall and a lighter hue on the top half seemingly adds height to a room and makes it feel bigger. For smaller spaces, this is an ideal way to use bathroom design colour schemes to change the impact and feel of the room.
Of course, you don’t have to rely solely on paint to achieve this effect. Using wood panelling or tiling on the lower half of a wall allows you to experiment with texture and colour, while applying paint in a lighter shade above it ensures the room will feel larger.
Designing a Dream Bathroom
The bathroom is a key part of any home, which is why its design should be a top priority. By finding the right colour scheme, you can lay the foundations for a luxury bathroom that allows you to immerse yourself in a world of relaxation and indulgence.
Extending your property gives you the opportunity to update the floorplan, experiment with interior architecture, and even transform the exterior design of your home. Many homeowners focus on generating more space with the addition of a conservatory or garden room, and there are some advantages associated with extending your property in this way.
Of course, the success of your project will ultimately depend on how functional the new space is and how much you enjoy spending time in this new part of your home. While the original design of the structure plays a critical role in this, the interior design you choose is just as important.
Whether you’re planning a new addition, or you want to update an existing space, take a look at these conservatory or garden room ideas and create an environment that enhances your home and your lifestyle.
1. Choose Statement Rugs
A conservatory may not be the largest room in your property, so finding ways to maximise the space is essential. A statement rug enables you to enrich the room with exquisite styling, without taking up unnecessary space. When you’re looking for a rug that will act as a focal point in a conservatory or garden room, look out for organic shapes that can enhance the flow of any room, like the Panorama Rug in Wool and Silk by Hommes Studio:
2. Use Vertical Space Wisely
In many rooms, using vertical space can be a fantastic way to open up the space and optimise your interior design. In conservatories or garden rooms, however, it’s important to be strategic about how much vertical space you use.
If you have a floor-to-ceiling panoramic window or trifold doors, for example, you won’t want to block natural light from illuminating the room by placing tall or heavy furniture in its path. Instead, use wall coverings or artwork to style the vertical space, without it feeling cumbersome.
When it comes to furniture, minimalist or low pieces are ideal for conservatories and garden rooms. The Gold Radius Marble Coffee Table by Alex Mint highlights just how easy it is to combine luxury design with clean lines and low heights:
Similarly, you won’t want to use up floorspace unnecessarily in a conservatory or garden room, so use smaller pieces that have a big visual impact. With a diameter of just 40cm and a height of 55cm, the Coronum Coffee Table Small by Scarlet Splendour works exceedingly well in smaller spaces, for example, but its glossy gold finish and optional sheepskin cover ensure it will stand out and elevate the interior:
3. Specific vs Multi-Purpose
How you plan to use your garden room or conservatory will have a big impact on its styling. If you want to create a productive home office, for example, you’ll need effortless chic office furniture that maximises efficiency while inspiring and motivating you. Alternatively, if you want to enjoy a family-friendly entertainment space, comfortable seating and a relaxed atmosphere might be your top priority.
Of course, you don’t have to attach a specific purpose to your new space. If you want to make your conservatory or garden room functional for a variety of uses, be sure to factor this into your design choices. Choose furniture that’s easy to move or modular pieces that can be adjusted to suit ever-changing needs. Similarly, you may want to opt for neutral colour palettes that combine relaxation with resilience to create a malleable space.
4. Don’t Overlook Lighting
When you imagine yourself enjoying your conservatory or garden room, you probably envisage yourself making the most of the warm weather and watching the sun’s rays bounce off your garden. This is precisely why many people overlook the importance of lighting in a conservatory or garden room.
Contrary to popular belief, a conservatory or garden room doesn’t just serve as a great space during daylight hours! If you want to create an indoor-outdoor dining area, it could be the ultimate space to host dinner parties or cocktail evenings, for example. Alternatively, turning a conservatory or garden room into a second living area or an entertainment space means that you might spend more of your evenings here.
Due to this, it’s vital to select the right lighting. Not only will the lighting enhance the functionality of the space, but it will have a significant impact on the styling and ambience too. Soft lighting is perfect for relaxed, informal evenings, while something that catches the eye without taking up to much space, like the Dish6V Pendant in Brass by Graypants, could be ideal for elegant dining spaces and understated entertaining.
5. Prioritise Seating
There’s no doubt that you’ll want to incorporate seating into your garden room or conservatory, so make this one of your top priorities. Large or cumbersome furniture can quickly make the space feel smaller, so look out for pieces that exude comfort and style while being compact enough not to overpower the space.
The Cobra S Armchair by Collection Alexandra is an excellent example of furniture that’s smaller in dimension but big in style:
Comfort is important in any room and incorporating relaxed seating into a conservatory or garden room enables you to make the most of the view and the environment. While singular seating can work well in a home office, small sofas, stools or even a compact chaise lounge can be a fantastic addition to more informal spaces.
Designing Your Conservatory or Garden Room
Whether you’re designing a new conservatory or garden room from the ground up or you want to restyle an existing structure, there are endless options to consider. If the space is attached to your main residence, for example, retaining the flow through the property is advantageous.
While many homeowners decide to redesign a conservatory or garden room in the summer months, make sure you think about how you’ll be using the space throughout the year when you’re making design choices. By doing so, you can make the most of your conservatory or garden room and create a space that you love using all year round.
A garden allows you to enjoy your own, private outdoor haven, so it’s vital to make the most of it. By incorporating an outdoor living space, you can increase the versatility of your garden and make it even more functional. However, turning your garden into another room is about much more than simply incorporating outdoor furniture or spending a few hours in the sunshine. To find out how to design outdoor living space, take a look at these top tips now:
1. Split Your Garden into Zones
Depending on the amount of space you have available, splitting your garden into zones can be the best way to transform it into a multipurpose environment. You may choose to use some of your garden as an outdoor living space, another area as a place for homegrown fruits and vegetables, and a separate space for a rolling lawn or play area for younger members of your family.
By considering all the different ways in which you plan to use your garden, you can decide whether splitting into designating zones is the most effective way to carve out an outdoor living space. While these zones needn’t be distinct in design or have clear boundaries surrounding them, they can help you to identify your goals and priorities throughout the design phase.
2. Create a Multi-Level Space
Having a multi-level garden adds excitement and intrigue in an instant, which means it’s a great way to design an outdoor living space. If your garden isn’t on one level, trying to flatten it can be a costly, time-consuming, and ultimately futile task. By using retaining walls and designing steps, stairways and slopes, however, you can take advantage of a multi-level garden and use it as the basis of your outdoor living space.
Of course, you don’t have to miss out if your garden happens to be flat and even. With a little landscaping, you can create your very own multi-level outdoor idyll too. Earth can be added to incorporate different layers into your garden, for example, or patios and decks can be raised to achieve a multi-level aesthetic.
3. Combine Hard and Soft Landscaping
Both hard and soft landscaping can be used in a garden environment but combining them enables you to achieve a balance between the different elements. Paving over a large proportion of your garden to create a large patio might leave the space feeling devoid of nature, for example. However, filling the space with blooming potted plants and using climbing flowers as a backdrop helps to balance the hard landscaping of the patio with the soft landscaping of the plants, flowers, and shrubs.
When you’re looking for outdoor living room ideas, remember that you’re likely to use a selection of furniture in the new space. This can enhance the visual impact of hard landscaping, so be sure to balance this with plants, trees, and shrubs to create a tranquil environment and stabilise the aesthetic.
4. Evoke All of the Senses
There’s no doubt that you’ll want to create a visual impact with your outdoor living space, but why stop there? When it comes to outdoor living room ideas, aim to evoke all of the senses with the features and design themes you choose.
Installing a water feature ensures you can listen to the rippling water as you relax in your garden, for example, while planting fragrant herbs and plants, such as lavender or lilacs, means you’ll be surrounded by enticing aromas every time you step outside.
Similarly, using a range of textures in your outdoor living space can add depth to your design but it also satisfies your sense of touch. From the fabric you choose for outdoor seating to the materials used in sculptures, there are a variety of ways to ensure your new outdoor living space evokes the senses.
5. Extend Your Home
Once you know how to design an outdoor living space, you have the potential to extend your home, but not in the way you might think. This doesn’t involve obtaining planning permission or constructing extra walls and ceilings but rather extending the interior of your home into the great outdoors.
When your outdoor living space continues the flow and feel of your interior design, you enhance the sense of fluidity that should already be present in your property. Not only does this cater to your personal style and tastes but it also allows you to create an outdoor living space that perfectly complements the interior of your home.
By using bifold, trifold, and sliding doors or panoramic windows, you can blur the lines between indoors and outdoors even more, and create a stunning, versatile space.
6. Think About Practicalities
An outdoor living space should enable you to spend more time in your garden, but you’ll want to ensure you have the practicalities in place if you’re going to make the most of the space. This might mean extending the range of your router to ensure you can access the internet from your designated outdoor living space, for example. Alternatively, you might choose to have power outlets installed in discreet locations so that you can incorporate entertainment into your outdoor living space.
Although modifications can be made in the future, it’s easier to include these practical extras from the outset. When you build them into your design, you can use spectacular exterior design to hide wiring or fixtures, for example.
7. Use Outdoor Fabrics
Many people shy away from using fabrics outdoors, which is understandable when you consider how much rainfall we get in the UK! However, fabric is an important way of increasing comfort and helps to make a space feel more welcoming. Choosing fabrics that are designed for outdoor use, such as outdoor seating or outdoor rugs, ensures you can enhance your outdoor living space with stunning designs and textures while still selecting decorative pieces that are suitable for use outside.
Bring Your Outdoor Living Room Ideas to Life
When you increase the functionality of your garden, you effectively transform it into another room. Whether you plan on spending your days soaking up the sun, working from home, or enjoying time as a family, an exquisite outdoor living room will enhance the function, style, and versatility of your home.
Already well-known for combining interior design and architecture to create spectacular environments, Shalini Misra’s latest project involves bringing exquisite designer homeware & luxury home accessories to an audience of homeowners, designers, and creatives.
Founded in 2020, The Design Buzz came about in response to regular enquiries from friends, family, and clients who were eager to know where to source the best pieces for their own homes.
While working as an internationally acclaimed interior designer, Shalini Misra and her team came across an array of talented artisans and craftspeople. Building a network of suppliers in the UK and overseas, Shalini routinely sought out spectacular furniture and decorative pieces to enhance designs and add the finishes touches to a client’s home or workspace.
Curating up and coming talent, and making their work available to the public seemed like a natural extension of Shalini’s work and, thus, The Design Buzz was born. Using her expertise and unique insight, Shalini has selected a range of artists to showcase on the site. Featuring the highest quality home items, furniture, and accessories, The Design Buzz brings artists and homeowners together.
"The Design Buzz is a celebration of the characters and companies that we know that bring wonderful items of all kinds to our homes"
Having trained as an architect at the Delhi School of Architecture, the University of Colombia in New York, and the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, Shalini’s unique experience and expertise ensures she is perfectly placed to recognise up-and-coming artists, designers, and companies that can deliver exquisite quality, optimal functionality, and spectacular aesthetics.
Furthermore, her award-winning work around the world, combined with a raft of accolades, makes Shalini well-placed to meet with burgeoning craftsmen and women who are often overlooked by the mainstream. As a result, you’ll find a unique, eclectic, and enticing range of furniture, home items, and accessories at The Design Buzz that’s hand selected by Shalini and her team.
Already named one of the top 100 interior designers in House & Garden, Shalini continues to offer her services as an interior architecture and designer while taking an active role as the Creative Director of The Design Buzz.
As well as being a British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) committee member, Shalini sits on several boards and acts as a trustee and mentor of the Vahani Scholarship Trust, a UK non-profit organisation that works with underprivileged children.
Dedicated to creating inspiring spaces that optimise well-being, promote sustainability, and enrich lives, Shalini brings her energy, creativity, and talent to the fore via The Design Buzz and looks forward to helping people find fixtures, furniture, and accessories to enhance their surroundings and bringing lesser-known artists to a new audience.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorised as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyse and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
_GRECAPTCHA
5 months 27 days
This cookie is set by Google. In addition to certain standard Google cookies, reCAPTCHA sets a necessary cookie (_GRECAPTCHA) when executed for the purpose of providing its risk analysis.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement
1 year
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
uncodeAI.css
session
This cookie is set by Uncode WordPress theme to run the Adaptive Images system. According to their documentation, these cookies contain runtime information about the viewport and screen resolution, these data are used on any page refresh to calculate the correct Adaptive Images. No personal information are stored within these cookies.
uncodeAI.images
session
This cookie is set by Uncode WordPress theme to run the Adaptive Images system. According to their documentation, these cookies contain runtime information about the viewport and screen resolution, these data are used on any page refresh to calculate the correct Adaptive Images. No personal information are stored within these cookies.
uncodeAI.screen
session
This cookie is set by Uncode WordPress theme to run the Adaptive Images system. According to their documentation, these cookies contain runtime information about the viewport and screen resolution, these data are used on any page refresh to calculate the correct Adaptive Images. No personal information are stored within these cookies.
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Cookie
Duration
Description
__kla_id
2 years
This cookie is set by the provider Klsviyo. This cookie is used to collect information on the visitor's behaviour. This information is used for internal analytics and is used to optimize the website. It also register if the visitor has subscribed to news letter.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Cookie
Duration
Description
_ga
2 years
This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, campaign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assign a randomly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_91237691_1
1 minute
This cookie is set by Google and is used to distinguish users.
_gid
1 day
This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the website is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages visted in an anonymous form.
CONSENT
16 years 5 months 19 days 9 hours
These cookies are set via embedded youtube-videos. They register anonymous statistical data on for example how many times the video is displayed and what settings are used for playback.No sensitive data is collected unless you log in to your google account, in that case your choices are linked with your account, for example if you click “like” on a video.
vuid
2 years
This domain of this cookie is owned by Vimeo. This cookie is used by vimeo to collect tracking information. It sets a unique ID to embed videos to the website.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Cookie
Duration
Description
IDE
1 year 24 days
Used by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
test_cookie
15 minutes
This cookie is set by doubleclick.net. The purpose of the cookie is to determine if the user's browser supports cookies.
VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE
5 months 27 days
This cookie is set by Youtube. Used to track the information of the embedded YouTube videos on a website.
YSC
session
This cookies is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos.
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
Cookie
Duration
Description
KL_FORMS_MODAL
1 year
No description available.
yt-remote-connected-devices
never
No description available.
yt-remote-device-id
never
No description available.
Shalini Misra’s new wellness range
Introducing a curated selection of wellness products by Shalini Misra, designed to bring balance, beauty, and well-being into your everyday life. Sign up now to be the first to learn about exclusive launches, product insights, and holistic living tips directly from Shalini. Join us on this journey to a healthier, more mindful lifestyle!
