Ever walked into a beautifully styled room and wondered, “How did they pull this together?” Interior designers have an incredible knack for creating inviting, cohesive spaces that feel like they belong in a magazine—but what if you could achieve the same look on your own?
Good news! You can. With a little guidance, you’ll be reimagining your home like a pro. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to transform your space and give it that professionally styled touch. Expect expert tips on choosing colours, fabrics, finishes, and much more.
Plan Your Vision
Restyling your home starts with inspiration. Designers never start a project without a clear plan, and you shouldn’t either.
Find Inspiration
Whether you’re drawn to minimalist aesthetics or dramatic, statement-making interiors, start by gathering ideas to define your style.
- Scroll, Swipe, Save: Platforms like Pinterest and Instagram offer endless design inspiration. Follow accounts of your favourite designers or search for hashtags like #InteriorDesignIdeas and #HomeStylingTips.
- Create a Scrapbook: Go old-school by clipping pages from design magazines or printing out images you love. Having a physical reference can help you refine your vision.
- Seek Trends: Explore design blogs and reels for emerging trends. Are muted earth tones calling your name? Or perhaps you’re drawn to bold, maximalist looks?
Mood Boards and Sketching
Once you’ve gathered ideas, translate them into a mood board. Apps like Canva make it easy to combine your favourite colours, textures, and furniture pieces into a virtual concept that keeps you on track. Want to go hands-on? A quick pencil sketch can help you visualise the flow of your space.
Pick the Right Colour Palette
Keep It Cohesive
The colour palette you choose will set the tone for the entire room. Designers suggest one main colour, one secondary colour, and one or two accents.
- Muted Tones: Earthy shades like sage green and soft terracotta lend a calming and natural feel.
- Bold Colours: Jewel tones like emerald green or deep navy create drama and sophistication.
- Bright Pops: If you’re aiming for a cheerful space, go for sunny yellows or vibrant corals paired with neutrals.
Tip! Paint sample cards are your best friend. Always test colours on your wall before committing, as natural lighting can dramatically change their appearance.
Build Layers
Don’t stop at walls. Use colours across fabrics, furniture, and accessories to layer your space. Scatter cushions, throws, and rugs can incorporate accent tones beautifully.
Focus on Fabrics
Fabrics bring a tactile element to a room, introducing comfort and personality.
Experiment with Patterns and Textures
Mixing patterns is a hallmark of designer interiors—but there’s a method to the madness. Pair a bold geometric pattern with a soft floral or balance a busy fabric with a simple plain.
Natural fabrics, like linen and cotton, are classic choices for upholstery and curtains. They not only look chic but are durable and timeless, making them worth the investment. Velvet or leather can be added in small doses for an element of luxury.
Don’t Overlook Finishes
When it comes to finishes, the devil is in the details. You’d be surprised how the sheen of a surface or the type of hardware can elevate a room from standard to stunning.
- Shiny Polishes: Chrome and mirrored finishes create a modern, sleek look ideal for contemporary spaces.
- Earthy Details: Natural woods and matte textures feel grounded and warm, perfect for rustic or Scandinavian-inspired rooms.
- Mix Metals: Designers love mixing metals like brass, brushed nickel, or black iron. This approach adds depth to the design while keeping it dynamic.
Consider upgrades to everyday fixtures like light switches, cabinet handles, and taps. Small changes can have a big impact!
Design Around Key Concepts
Interior designers often work with overarching concepts to keep their projects balanced. You can do the same by making decisions through the lens of colours, fabrics, materials, and finishes. Regularly check your choices against your mood board to ensure harmony.
Bring It All Together
Now it’s time to tie your room together with carefully chosen elements.
Flooring
Your flooring makes a big statement in any room. Light woods like oak can brighten a space, while darker tones bring richness. Alternatively, rugs provide an easy way to introduce texture, pattern, or additional colour.
Hardware
Swapping out hardware on furniture and cabinetry is an affordable way to modernise existing pieces. Look for unique knobs, handles, and latches to add personality.
Lighting
Don’t just rely on ceiling lights. Layer your lighting with a mix of table lamps, floor lamps, and wall lights to create a welcoming glow. Designers also recommend warmer bulbs for a cosy ambience.
Accessories and Styling
Here’s where your flair for creativity can shine! Use decorative elements like books, vases, pottery, or even plants as finishing touches. Group these items in odd numbers and vary the heights for visual interest.
Artwork
A well-placed piece of art can be the focal point of a room. Your wall doesn’t have to host a museum-worthy piece. Affordable prints or even personal photography can make just as much impact. Ensure you hang pieces at eye level and consider oversized options to anchor bare walls.
Create a Home That Feels Uniquely Yours
Restyling your home like an interior designer doesn’t mean mimicking someone else’s style. It’s about exploring designs you love and tailoring them to your lifestyle, needs, and personality. Break your project into manageable steps—from defining your vision and selecting colours to layering fabrics and finishes for a polished look.
And remember, you don’t need to transform your entire home at once. Start with one room and build from there. Before you know it, every corner of your home will exude designer flair.
Further Reading: Your Home Should Be Your Sanctuary, Illuminate Your Space with Statement Lighting, Grounding Colours in Interior Design: Transform Your Space with Calm and Balance, Interior Design Trends for 2025