HOW TO DECORATE A HOUSE
• A room design doesn’t come from nothing, so start with a point of reference, a tile or cushion or colour you love, and this will be like your anchor, keeping you steady. If you get lost making decisions, go back to that source to re-find your way.
• Ask yourself what the space is going to be for. Who will use it? Will children be playing in it, or will it be just for adults? What is it about the room that doesn’t meet your needs at the moment – and why exactly are you redecorating it?
• Begin with the main features of the room – the walls and floors. Then, layer up. The next step is rugs, then large pieces of furniture, then smallest pieces last. Following this route will mean everything looks good together.
• If you have a lot of light, go for heavy curtains. For a darker room, go for something lighter and more delicate – perhaps a blind that won’t intrude on the room at all.
• Choose a palette by putting three, four or five colours that you like together, then stick to them. Pick things that are variations on these shades, or feature them prominently in their patterns.
• Earthy tones are this year’s big trend, and are extremely liveable. Terracotta, coral, peach, dark and malachite greens are relaxing and symbolise a link with nature; they also make the perfect backdrop for houseplants.
• Small job but big impact – add flowers to a room. Choose an unexpected burst of colour for an instant makeover.