Probably one of my most asked questions other than what paint I have used in my own home is where to start when designing a room or home. It's very tempting to jump straight into buying furniture or choosing paint colours, but in reality the most successful interiors usually begin with a lot of planning first. If you're tackling a room yourself, here are a few things I always suggest thinking about before anything else.
Think About How You Want the Room to Feel
Before choosing colours or furniture, ask yourself how you want the room to feel when you're in it and think about how you are planning to use the space. Practically, how are you going to use the space? Does it need to have room for family to gather, is it a cosy nook to escape to? All of this needs to be considered before any samples or furnishings are purchased. The feeling of a space should guide your decisions on colour, materials and lighting later on.
Look at the Light
Light changes everything in a room, especially when it comes to colour. Take a moment to notice which direction the room faces, how bright it feels during the day, and where natural light enters. A north-facing room may need warmer tones, while brighter rooms can often handle deeper colours. Understanding the light early on makes choosing paint much easier later!
Gather Inspiration
Instead of immediately committing to one idea, start collecting images of interiors or items you're drawn to. Very quickly you will notice patterns emerging. Similar colour palettes, materials you love and certain styles of furnishings. Do not just look at interiors for this bit. Consider places you have visited, books and films you love, art pieces you have collected or even textiles you have around the home. Anything and everything can inspire you and that's the beauty of design!
Think About the Key Pieces
Once you have a rough idea of the direction you want to go in, consider the larger pieces in the room. Sofas, rugs, lighting and art are all larger items that help anchor the space. Getting the colour and scale right on these is crucial to creating a well balanced interior.
Building Your Colour Palette
If you're unsure about colour at the beginning, start by building a palette of three to four tones that work together rather than choosing just one shade. This makes a room feel far more balanced and prevents everything from feeling too matchy.