Do hide TVs
In all our projects we hide TVs, in my own home, I have created a star sign themed box that opens to reveal the tv. In a Sussex project we built a tambour console where you press a button and the TV comes up. It's so nice when you are entertaining in a space for the TV not to be on show, as let's be realistic, they are not pretty.
Do be interesting with woodwork and ceiling colours
We adore painting the woodwork and ceilings in anything other than white, if you use bold and deep tones on the woodwork and soft pale blues on the ceiling, it creates such an idyllic feeling of drama while adding a sense of humour.
Do be playful with architectural detailing such as cornicing
Sometimes the bones of a house can be dull: maybe they have been stripped back and turned into what I call development vibes. You can easily overcome this by installing outrageous and ornate cornicing detailing, which just makes a room feel so special.
Don't skimp on ironmongery
Having good-looking, sexy door furniture is key. Sometimes we even create bespoke pieces, like the star knobs in my study, they are so fabulous and unique. Choosing well-made ironmongery instantly makes a house feel luxurious.
Do install deliciously coloured carpets, they don't need to just be cream
There are times when it is so easy to just do cream fitted carpets as that is what is safe and easy, but there is a world of colour out there that can bring such joy to a room. We love to use green, blue or pink fitted carpets that just give a space that extra pizzazz.
Do make interesting headboard shapes
There are so many people out there who are now offering bespoke headboards (on Etsy, for example) for not a huge amount. Before, you needed to know an upholsterer and then a designer to bring this to life, but that is not the case now. You can find many ideas of interesting and fun shaped headboards and you can get these commissioned yourself: what a difference it makes.
Do go oversized on pendants and chandeliers
Playing with scale is something we love to do, especially when it is a piece like a Murano chandelier or a large silk Fortuny pendant, it draws your eye up and allows you to experience a room as a whole.
Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns
There are no rules when it comes to contrasting patterns, one doesn't need to be so matchy-matchy, it makes a space feel stale. Combining large organic patterns with small geometrics like a check creates such dynamism in a room.
Don't compromise on cheap radiators
This is not only a point of efficiency but also of style. The cast iron radiators are so good at heating but also look so good. It is always worth investing in these early on in order to avoid regret further down the line. However, if budget is a constraint, then always cover the cheaper radiators, like mine in my entrance hall which is adorned in velvet!
Do as much bespoke joinery with intricate detailing as possible
I love designing bookshelves, but in order for them not to be ordinary and like everyone else's, think about adding interesting details, like shell plaster reliefs to the top of them.
Don't be precious, rugs under dining tables are a must
I always think a rug on a dining table is a must. Yes, you have the conversation in your head of ‘oh what is something gets split’, but it so worth it because you need to ground a dining table, you can't just have it floating, it feels wrong.
Do go over the top on scatter cushions, the more the merrier
Accessories pull a room together and make a place feel finished, so I think scatter cushions are one of the most important aspects of making a home. Four to six cushions on a good-sized sofa, not just two in the corner, help to create that homely feeling.
Don't shy away from antiques and mixing heritages of pieces
To ensure a room feels layered, it is worth trawling through auction houses, and antiques fairs such as Kempton market. You can mix brown furniture with mid-century with Gustavian all in the same space and it will feel that you have created your home over time rather than done it all at once, and that is what gives a place soul and personality.
Do use large mirrors in dark spaces to reflect light around
Over-scaled mirrors above fireplaces or in niches either side of the fireplace really help to reflect the light around the room, if you have a room that feels dark and gloomy, a couple of large mirrors will do the trick.
Do use different levels or lighting, pendants, wall lights, lamps
Lighting a room is one of the most important parts to design, my rule is never to use spot lights as they cast such nasty shadows. I love to spread the light, by having light on different levels, the lowest being lamps, then taller standing lamps and then wall lights and finally decorative chandeliers.
