DOS AND DON’TS WITH TRICIA GUILD The founder of Designers Guild on her decorating ground rules
THE FOUNDER OF DESIGNERS GUILD SHARES INSPIRED IDEAS IN A TRIO OF THEMES – THEY WILL ENHANCE YOUR HOME IN BOTH STYLE AND SPIRIT
“USE INTENSE COLOUR IN A SMALL ROOM
AND IT BECOMES A JEWEL BOX; A BEAUTIFUL SURPRISE BEHIND A DOOR THAT BRINGS AN INSTANT SENSE OF JOY”
USING COLOUR
DO...
■ Identify a palette of three or four shades and start to weave in patterns in this colour family.
■ Use confident tones, but consider how they’ll work with whites and naturals – a counterbalance to control the strength and provide a harmonious feel.
■ Plan at scale. Represent colours and patterns in the correct proportions on a mood board – we have a useful tool on our Designers Guild website which may help.
■ Intensify the tone of a palette to create a richer feeling – this is brilliant in small rooms where deeper tones work best.
DON’T...
■ Overlook the woodwork. It’s more interesting when painted in a colour other than white – try muted shades of green or blue.
■ Use just any white. A rich cobalt will demand a clear blue-based white; a yellow-based white will look dirty.
■ Forget a neutral – it’s the very colour that underpins a scheme, providing a consistent melodic note. Go for a pale grey, ecru, chocolate or even a plaster pink.
■ Settle on one colour. Hues enunciate myriad moods, so choose with feeling – cool colours with hot vivid accents is a dramatic combo. →
“OUR WORLD IS SO CHAOTIC – IT’S IMPORTANT TO CREATE ROOMS WITH A GENTLE SPIRIT THAT PUTS US AT EASE;
FLORALS DO THIS EFFORTLESSLY”
FLORAL DECOR
DO...
■ Hang large-scale floral wallpaper in small rooms – it’s grandeur at its best and draws the eye.
■ Balance overt feminine florals by pairing with plains, stripes or geometrics, or all three.
■ Invite the world beyond in by framing windows with prints that complement outside flora.
■ Bring life into the house. Fresh flowers and potted bulbs have the power to instantly lift the mood.
DON’T...
■ Follow trends – they’re ephemeral, so always choose fabrics and colours that you really love and make you happiest.
■ Be afraid of abundance. The mechanics of florals and how they engage with each other is what really makes a room perform.
■ Ignore your instinct. Be passionate in your own belief – if you love a particular colour or a certain pattern go for it.