6 unmissable interior design tips – to style a house into a dream home - Interior Designer In Pune

When it comes to making a house feel like a home there's more than meets the eye. Pulling a room together and transforming the features to make it functional and stylish yet homely is not often an easy task.

When it comes to making a house feel like a home there's more than meets the eye. Pulling a room together and transforming the features to make it functional and stylish yet homely is not often an easy task.

From working out what paint works best in different rooms and lighting options to where to place furniture – there are so many elements to consider. That's where an  interior designer's help and expertise becomes invaluable.

Whether you’re renovating an entire house, sprucing up the kitchen or adding a splash of colour to freshen up a living room – these helpful DIY and decorating pointers are not to be missed. Leading interior designer Vanessa Arbuthnott shares her designer tips and secrets to gain insider knowledge for transforming homes like a professional.

Consider colours and fabrics

Start to hone in on the colours you want to use – for the painted walls or wallpaper, furniture, blinds and curtains. The third colour could be a highlight for cushions, lampshades, bed quilts and accessories such as a tablecloth or even a painting.

Try before you buy paint and paper

Remember that colours can change depending on lighting so buy sample pots and paint' Vanessa warns. 'Paint at least A2 sized paint patches, on the lightest and the darkest walls in the same room – to see how the natural light affects the shade.' This is especially effective for finding the best white paint, because it changes so much in the light.

Transform old to new

If you have a blank canvas it’s easier, but more often we must work with existing sofas or rugs etc. Look closely at the rug and see if you can work with the colours within it. Maybe you can reupholster the old favourite sofa to give it a new lease of life? Decide if you are someone who likes pattern or plain; traditional or contemporary; and look at a colour wheel or nature itself to see what colours go with what. For instance, pinks and reds with greens, orange with duck egg, yellows with grey and blues.

Size up the furniture

Decide on the furniture you want in your room. Think about scale, in a large room you need a big sofa and footstool. Most designers recommend that even small rooms should have one large statement piece, even if it is a headboard in a bedroom. A balance of large and small pieces will create an appealing living space.

Analyse the look and take your time

Collect pieces as you come across them, this way you will purchase things you’ve fallen in love with. You can spend time analysing the look and colours of your room with accessories. The more time you take to add things into your house, your interior design knowledge will expand as you can understand what works best with certain features.

Be bold with paint ideas

The days of strict paint rules are over, the key to interior design in modern times is to embrace the paint idea that works for you. There are no rules of painting doors frames, skirting boards and ceilings in a brilliant white anymore – in fact some top interior designers argue against it!