When it comes to designing a space, the rules aren’t set in stone, but there are some timeless principles that can make or break your interiors. Whether you’re revamping a single room or starting from scratch, understanding what works (and what doesn’t!) is key to creating a home that feels both functional and beautiful.
In this blog post we’re sharing our tried and trusted interior design do’s and don’ts. From mastering colour palettes to avoiding common layout mistakes, these tips will help you elevate your space. Ready to uncover out our industry secrets? Check out our tips below!
The Design Do’s
Layer lighting: Use ambient, task, and accent lighting with warm bulbs to create a cosy atmosphere. Lumens matter, so aim for 800-1,600 per room.
Create a focal point: Always choose a premium, slightly more expensive piece that becomes the focal point of a room.
Pull furniture from walls: Always pull furniture away from the walls to create a more inviting and balanced layout.
Pull furniture from walls: Always pull furniture away from the walls to create a more inviting and balanced layout.
Mix textures: Especially in kitchens and bathrooms, we always mix hard and soft textures, like tile with wood or metal with fabric for balance.
Contrast materials: We love playing with contrast. Linen vs. velvet, rattan vs. metal. These contrasts add depth and interest to any space.
Layer rugs: Layer rugs on top of carpets. It’s something we do all the time to add texture and anchor a room.
Change switches and sockets: Always change switches and sockets in every room. These small details catch people’s eyes and elevate the space.
Use weightless furniture: Always opt for furniture that feels light or transparent, like a sofa with legs or a glass coffee table. It makes a space feel bigger.
Choose oversized art: We prefer oversized art over multiple small pieces. It makes a bolder statement.
Artwork scale: Always make sure artwork is two-thirds the size of the furniture beneath it to maintain good proportion.
And The Design Don‘ts
No eyelet curtains: You’ll never catch us using eyelet curtains. We always opt for more elegant, tailored headings like pleated or wave.
Never install Scotia or beading: We would never install flooring with a Scotia or beading. Always remove the skirting boards and lay the floor beneath for a cleaner finish.
Avoid lots of little decor items: Try not to fill a space with lots of small things. If you have big furniture like a bed or side table, you need big lamps or plants for balance.
No gallery walls over oversized art: We prefer oversized art—one large piece makes a much better statement than a gallery wall, even when they cover the same area.
Don’t skip skirtings and doors when colour drenching: Don’t just paint walls and ceilings, skirtings, architraves, and doors get the same treatment for a seamless look.
No neutral paint as my top choice: You won’t find us defaulting to neutrals. We always go for Portland Stone Pale by Little Greene for a light shade or Railings by Farrow & Ball for a dark tone.
No mirrors in random places: Never randomly place a mirror. It’s either opposite or parallel to a window to reflect the most light.
No clutter: Don’t overload a room with unnecessary items, it’s all about the right balance of space and decor.
No flat, lifeless materials: In kitchens or bathrooms, we never leave it at just tiles and metal. We mix in softer textures to break up the hardness.
No generic materials: Avoid generic materials & always go for something with character like aged brass with a lovely patina.
Great design is all about balance – blending style, timeless principles and practicality. By following these simple design do’s and don’ts, you’ll be well on your way to creating a space that not only looks stunning but feels like home. If you’d like to find out more about how we can help bring your vision to life, get in touch with the team at Topology via hello@topologyinteriors.com. We’d love to hear from you!
