EXPERT ADVICE

British interior designer Rachel Chudley on the art of using texture and pattern in tight spaces

■ If you have a small room, lean into it. Tight spaces take pattern better – when you see a repeat concentrated in a small area, the impact is much greater. I’m a fan of matching or contrasting patterned textiles on the walls and upholstery. Stripes, in particular, can divert your eyes and connect elements of the room together.

■ Layer textiles to add depth. Warm, velvety textures grant a sense of cosiness, while combinations of old and new – or patterned and plain – bring narrative to a space, which will make it feel inviting.

■ Try contrasting textures and interesting clashes. A reflective silk in a bright colour will really sing when sat next to a matt velvet with an earthier tone.

■ Use furniture to divide a larger room. In this project (opposite), we designed the sofa to fill the space almost completely. Its elegant curve creates areas of interest in the outside corners (rachelchudley.com).