INTERIOR DECORATOR AMANDA SMYTHE (RIGHT) REVEALS HER TOP TIPS TO STAGING A SHOW-STEALING LIVING

ROOM 1. “KEEP LARGER ITEMS NEUTRAL TO PROVIDE A FEELING OF CALM AND SERENITY,” SAYS THE DECORATOR AND AUTHOR. 2. “ADD COLOUR WITH EYE-CATCHING ARTWORK, AND TAKE YOUR COLOUR CUES FROM HERE. COORDINATE YOUR SOFT FURNISHINGS FOR COHESION AND USE A MIRROR IN SPOTS THAT NEEDS MORE SPACE AND LIGHT.” 3. “LIVING ROOMS NEED WARMTH, SO ADD TEXTURE AND LAYERING [WITH] RUGS, THROWS AND CUSHIONS.” 4. “USE PLANT GREENERY TO INJECT LIFE AND COLOUR.” 5. “ENSURE YOUR PIECES ARE PLACED SO THAT THE ROOM FEELS SPACIOUS, FUNCTIONAL AND EASY TO MOVE AROUND. ELIMINATE ANY CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY FURNITURE.”