Do it! ZONE AN OPEN-PLAN SPACE
First, figure out how you want to use the space. Do you need an area to work and one to relax? Or a space to cook and another to eat? Once you decide, allocate an area of the room to each one.
One way to visually separate different areas in a room is by using the flooring. You could fit tiles in one section and wood in another, for example, or simply use a large rug to delineate an area.
Consider room dividers. Shelving units and folding screens – anything that can serve as a temporary wall – can zone spaces in the home. They’re ideal for adding storage, too.
Don’t forget lighting. Lighting sets the tone of a space, so it needs to work in every zone. Think: task lighting for kitchen countertops and work spaces, pendant lighting for dining areas, and lamps in the living area.
low ceiling, small windows, or is irregular in shape, for instance, then I consider how the room will be used. Next, I plan out the colour palette and draw up a floorplan, and I arrange the lighting and furnishings, before creating a moodboard to get a real feel for all elements of the space. This means that none of my interior schemes happen by accident – I plan them meticulously to ensure I make the very best use of the space, and that each room elicits particular emotional responses. I wanted my own home to feel warm, comfortable, and relaxed. I looked to museums, art galleries, restaurants and online sources for scheme inspiration. However, I’m usually attracted to colourful, bold and modern looks with mid-century furniture and nods to Art Deco design, so I can safely say I stayed true to myself when decorating this flat.
In the kitchen, I opted for dramatic, dark green units to complement all the beautiful greenery outside, and kept from overcomplicating the scheme by sticking with one tile design for the walls and
‘I LOVE TO THINK I’VE INSPIRED OTHERS TO MAKE CONFIDENT CHOICES WITH HOME DECOR’
floor. In the living room and bedroom I used simple, yet effective, paint techniques to add visual interest without going overboard, which allowed me to get really creative with artwork and accessories, and I can’t take any credit for the decor in Myles’ bedroom – it was entirely his design.
Creating luxury
It was the bathroom that turned into one of the biggest projects, though. It was, I originally thought, far too spacious for a two-bedroom flat. I considered splitting the room into two bathrooms, with one as an en suite for the main bedroom and a separate family bathroom. Then, I thought about how much time we actually spend in the bathroom every day, and how often bathrooms feel drab or clinical and not at all enjoyable. That’s when I decided to make it luxurious, and a standout feature in the flat.
I used tiles and lighting to zone the space so it wouldn’t feel stark, but cosy and inviting. I chose wood, marble and cream tiles to vary the finishes and invested in key pieces, such as the
‘THERE ARE SURPRISING, FUN DETAILS TO BE FOUND IN EVERY CORNER OF OUR FLAT’