Design Tips

Trust your instincts - a stunning scheme, however beautifully designed, doesn't belong in your home unless it makes you happy or lifts your spirits
Always make sure your room is well lit - lamps are a wonderfully portable, functional and decorative source of lighting, used in conjunction with decent background lighting
Elaborate schemes can feel overpowering so use the best quality fabrics and furnishings you can afford and keep it simple
Colour is exciting and inspirational - don't be afraid to introduce it in a neutral scheme to add points of warmth and interest
Comfort must always come first, unless you live in a show home

Play up to a room's assets. If it is small and dark, don't try to change it - painting it white will make it look cold, so make it cosy. And don't be afraid to place a large piece of furniture in a small space - it will look much better than a number of smaller pieces
You can have too much of a good thing!
But you can never have enough chairs to sit on in unexpected places
Always include a little black in every scheme, as it helps to lift and sharpen the whole effect
Think of your entrance hall as an appetiser of things to come - it should reflect your style and your home, but also contain something special that will make you smile when you come in, or which makes guests want to see more