Tips From The Expert Interior Designers

Do you sometimes feel a little hopeless when it comes to interior design? Or maybe you’d simply like some inspiration and ideas from the expert designers? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Read some of these compiled tips and tricks on how to get your home looking fabulous.

Tip #1: Fake height with low furniture

"Create strong verticals and avoid the horizontal," recommends designer Todd Romano. "I adore large mirrors because they add scale to a room. I also kept the furniture low-slung, so the rooms seem taller."

Tip #2: Mix, Rather Than Match, Your Tableware.

Matching can be so overrated — and expensive. Look online (and in thrift shops) for beautiful sets of antique china and silver flatware, recommends Williams. You'll save money and the place settings will feel more special to guests than brand-new ones.

Tip #3: Mirror Mirror On The Wall

“Don’t hand a mirror between windows. The spatial void it creates distracts from the view. And don’t fall prey to using mirrors in every room or over every mantel. Mirrors are not art and a room needs art.” Carey Maloney.

Tip #4: If You’re Going To Use Colour Go Big With Dark Colour.

If you’re daring and want to opt for a strong hue, then the best way is to not shy away from the colour in various tones. "One of the most successful strategies is to paint a strong colour on everything, from the baseboard and crown moulding to the walls," says Garrow Kedigian, a designer based in New York. "It works well because it's not contrasted against a different trim colour."

Tip #5 Hanging Artwork: Are You Doing It Wrong?

Many people display their artwork too high. They place the item so that its 15-20 inches above furniture. Interior designers say that when there is too much space between furniture and a painting, the eye rests on the void, blank wall between the two pieces. Simply leave 5-7 inches from furniture.

Tip #6 Find Your Own Quirky Style

On finding your own style:
"Decide how you want your space to feel, not just look. Knowing how you want it to feel and putting words to those feelings will help guide you through the whole process. If you want it to feel calm, quiet and serene then that is a different direction from energetic, sophisticated and fun. So think about walking in your door and the emotions or adjectives that you want the space to evoke in you."
– Emily Henderson, for Darling magazine

Tip #7: Choosing Wooden Furniture

Daniel Kostiuc, managing director of high-end interior design firm Intarya, says "honey-toned woods such as pine, chestnut, oak and cherry are especially ideal for smaller spaces, as they help to create an open, spacious feel." The light hue suits both period-style and contemporary homes and prevents furnishings from feeling heavy or fussy, which can be the case when using darker woods,' he says.