10 RULES FOR DECORATING

THE LEGENDARY DESIGNER GIVES ADVICE ON CREATING LAYERED AND CONFIDENT SCHEMES

Tricia Guild

When using colour, identify a palette of three or four shades and start to weave in patterns in this colour family.

Use confident tones, but always 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 that may help.

Don’t be afraid of abundance. The mechanics of florals and how they engage with each other is what really makes a room perform.

Use intense colour in a small room and it becomes a jewel box; a beautiful surprise behind the door that brings an instant sense of joy. Intensify the tone of a palette to create a richer feeling – this is brilliant in bijou spaces where deeper tones work best.

Ground a room with rugs. Layer them to reveal certain elements of the designs, or overlap them to create a new shape.

Blend textures. A home needs layers, so a deft mix of colour, pattern and texture will add personality and spirit.

Swap linens for heavyweight velvets in colder seasons. Add extra cushions and throws to create warmth, texture and depth.

Focus on the tactility of fabrics and consider small details, such as laying the table with linen napkins.

Don’t follow trends – they’re ephemeral, so always choose fabrics and colours that you really love and make you happiest.

“It’s important to create rooms with a gentle spirit that puts us at ease”