Interior design: How to think, shop and style like a pro

By Jacqueline Wake Young

June 8 2022, 11:45 am

In this room by Amara, a statement rug sets the theme but it can be easily switched out, while the chandelier is a show-stopping piece.

Ever wondered why some people have a flair for interior design and others crumble at the first sight of a paint chart?

It may encourage anyone in the latter category to know that it’s not necessarily a natural gift but a skill that can be learned.

There are books, online courses and even TV series, for example Interior Design Masters, which is now available to binge-watch on BBC iPlayer.

A contemporary decorated bedroom featuring black, silver and navy shades — Colours change their appearance according to the available light.

If all that sparks your interest in becoming a home décor guru, Sam Hood, creative chief of luxury interiors retailer Amara has advice on how to think, shop and style like a professional designer.

Top tips to think like a designer

Test paint on paper, not the walls.

The first step of a redecoration is choosing paint and it’s crucial to pick the right colour at the start of your project.

Sam says: “Whilst many people apply paint samples directly on to the walls, this only gives part of the picture. Paint sheets of paper and place them at various spots around the room.

“Some colours will look noticeably different under bright light or in shade. By painting on paper, it allows you to move the samples around.”

A bright, contemporary sitting area with a unique armchair, pink rug and green dresser. — Decide on a statement piece and then accessorise around it – just swapping out a cushion will create a different look.

Accessorise around core pieces

Keeping up to date can seem daunting when choosing expensive pieces of furniture, such as sofas, beds and cabinets, but it’s easy to keep them on trend by updating the accessories such as cushions and throws.

A bed with a selection of different textured cushions and throws — Don’t forget about textures – a variation of them will create interest and depth.

Play with patterns and textures

Sam says: “Patterns are a great way to take a room to another level, and changing up the textures is an easy way to keep up to date with trends.

“If you feel nervous about being too bold with your style, start small and work up to more adventurous designs. Add bold accessories like luxury cushions, opt for a patterned blind rather than a solid colour, or even just try a textured vase to add depth.”

A plant-filled living room with colourful green and yellow sofas with a blue rug and matching cushions — This oversized plant arrangement adds drama and proves that your ‘statement’ piece can be just about anything at all!

Treat yourself to a show-stopping piece

Sam says: “If you’re looking for something to add a real ‘wow factor’ to a room, you can’t get much better than investing in a statement item.”

A corner of a room featuring a consistent blue, black and white colour palette with pastel pink, green and orange accents. — Whatever colour palette you choose, keep it running throughout the house.

Consistency is key

When you’re designing the theme for a room, make sure it matches the colour palette and styles that run through the rest of your home.

Sam says: “A colour that is the focus of one room can be used as an accent colour in another, or you could make use of the same sorts of patterns and textures in multiple rooms. A room should feel like part of the wider house.”

A statement pink chair with a bright print on it next to a table with unique decorations on it. — Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in the pieces you choose – this is your home, not a show home.

Mirror your personality

Sam says: “Avoid designing your home to look like a show house with no personality. You’ll struggle to feel at home in a room that doesn’t carry any of your fingerprints.

“Whether this is achieved through your choice of accessories, or whether you choose a colour palette that echoes your personality, it’s important to make a room feel like a part of you.”