Get to know the space

Just as you would study the soil and sunlight before planting a garden, its important to understand your room before making changes. Start this process while you still live in the space: simply the best way to figure out what works and what doesn’t.

Have a good think about the following:

• The features of your room

  Are there architectural details or structural features you can't or don't want to change? These might include skirting boards, coving, door frames, staircases, walls and plug sockets.
  Do you want these elements to stand out or blend in?
  In an extension, you’ll have more control over these features, but it’s still essential to consider fixed elements like pillars and doors.

• Views

  Examine the views from your windows from every angle, including sitting height, to avoid placing seating areas where there might be an undesirable view. Do the same from doorways to ensure you’re not greeted by awkward sights like the back of a sofa or exposed cables. If you’re working with an architect on a bigger project or renovation, then ask them for help on visualising views from each room.

• Light

  Light is a crucial factor in design. Use a compass app to determine your room’s orientation. East-facing rooms get bright morning light, while west-facing spaces have warmer light later in the day. Observe how light changes throughout the day in different weather conditions to inform your decisions on paint colours and artificial lighting needs.

Consider Your Lifestyle

Think about how and when you use the room. Your kitchen might be busiest in the evening, while your living room might need different lighting and layout considerations for daytime and evening use. These details can be helpful when you’re thinking about colours and lighting. Based on how you use the room and when, can mean you might need to rethink your room’s purpose. For example, if your living room faces east it will be bathed in light in the morning, which means you might want to create a spot in there where you can enjoy your coffee.

Consider how you move through the space too. In a practical room like a boot room, ensure there are no obstacles. In living areas, avoid creating a corridor-like feel by strategically placing furniture to break up the journey without it getting in the way. Layout and movement through a space is especially important in your kitchen where you might be getting things out of the oven or fridge and need things to be clear and close by.

It is also worth thinking about who uses the space. Do you have pets or young children to consider in your layouts? Do you need the space to work for big social gatherings or just a few people in a more cosy setting?

Seek Expert Advice

For significant projects like building a new room or reconfiguring layouts, consult with professionals. Our home design service can assist with layout, colours, furniture, and accessories, offering suggestions you might not have considered. For structural changes, a builder’s input on feasibility and costs is invaluable.

Set Your Budget

Determine your budget after understanding the costs involved in your planned work. This helps prevent overspending and is crucial before booking tradespeople.

Create a Moodboard and Sample Board

Gather inspiration and collect ideas in a scrapbook, shoebox, or Pinterest board. Include images, colours, textures, and objects that appeal to you, regardless of their source. Refine your inspiration by removing items that don’t align perfectly with your vision. This ensures a cohesive and calm interior.

Gather samples of paint, fabric, flooring, tiles, and other materials. Organize them on a sample board to visualize how they work together before making purchases.

Build Your Team

If your project involves professional work like electrical adjustments, flooring, or wallpapering, find reliable tradespeople early. Word-of-mouth recommendations are often the best. If you’re new to the area, ask local interior shops for contacts or check review sites like Feefo and Trustpilot. Always review previous work and seek testimonials.

A Good Project Timeline

Each project varies in duration, but here’s a general order to follow:

1. Understand your room and lifestyle needs.

2. Create a moodboard.

3. Conduct thorough research.

4. Consult with experts.

5. Establish your budget.

6. Assemble a sample board.

7. Recruit your team.

If the prospect of your project feels overwhelming, we are here to help!

Find out about our Kitchen Design Service

Learn about our Home Design Service

Whether it be a new kitchen, extension, full home renovation or breathing life into just one room, we know planning a project can be overwhelming! What is important to know is that the foundational steps remain consistent no matter the project and breaking things into small steps can make things simpler and get plans started on the right foot.

Settle into the sofa and have a read below for our advice on what to consider when thinking about your next interiors project.