Casa Josephine on how to perfect its look

Colour A good way to find a colour combination that works is to choose shades that not only go well together as a set, but can also be used in small groups together as accent shades. Our best tip is always to try colours directly on the walls to see if they work. We hardly ever work with large patterns or wallpaper.

Textiles We love fabrics and use them extensively, not only to frame windows, but also to decorate walls and divide spaces. We like the idea of creating flexible spaces that can be customised with screens or curtains. For a shop we designed, we stitched more than 100 square metres of patchwork to cover the walls. The geometrical design and its unexpected scale made a dramatic impact.

Art As art historians, we know that art should be displayed in a clear space, for contemplation and preservation. But at the same time, as designers we are aware that art is part of the decoration of your home. In our projects, we like to use artworks in a low-key way, without putting the focus on one single piece; otherwise the room can look very contrived. Always pick pieces for their visual qualities rather than their value.