Top tips from a Top Interior stylist

 Zoe Brewer gives us quality advice on how to re-design our rooms.

• First create your own “mood board”.  Tear out pages from magazines or catalogues, get samples of fabrics that catch your eye and paint colours you like.  Even if you’re not sure of the look you want, by doing this a theme with soon emerge!

• Once you have decided on the style and colours, consider what the room is used for and how you would like to feel in the room and what is best for you personally.  For example, many people feel that a red bedroom is not contusive to sleep, but others find that a few splashes of red in the bedroom are very sexy!  Don’t forget to consider textures as well as colours.

• Lighting can completely change the mood in a room.  Have low level lights on the floor and tables, and keep centre pendants only for beautiful light pieces, for example chandeliers.  Use dimmer switches if possible to allow for task light when required and atmospheric lighting for relaxing.

• Don’t build a room design around accessories, and furniture, you don’t like.  This may sound obvious but people will keep a huge vase in pride of place, just because it was a gift from a long gone relative.  I know that relative would rather you sold it on ebay & used the proceeds to buy something you like instead!

• Don’t forget the finishing touches.  Styling a room makes the difference between a room that works and one that doesn’t.   Use artwork, cushions, throws, accessories, plants, object d’art, etc.  to create the finished and individual look.  Getting help from an interior stylist at this point is money very well spent as we know the tricks to getting the designer look without the normal associated costs.

• Storage is often forgotten but vitally important.  If you don’t have storage for everything, clutter will start to build and before you know it, your newly designed room will be under a mountain of “stuff” and you’ll want to start all over again!

Zoe Brewer is Creative Director and Owner of My Interior Stylist Ltd. If you want help with a make-over, from styling to full renovation, do call Zoe for some further advice on 07516 762 768 or email zoe@myinteriorstylist.com.  Photo consultations from £85.00.  Home visit consultations from £150.00