Episode 9 - House Clinic Q&A - Part 2

Sue & Debs continue to save the world one interior design question at a time!  We delve deep into our bag of tricks, and give awesome insights into how you can make your interiors sing!  With our combined experience of nearly (cough) 50 years in the industry there is not a lot we haven't tackled.  Join us for a fun and friendly chat about the most important space in your life.

Takeaways

Interior design is a personal journey that evolves over time.
Trust your instincts when it comes to design choices.
Maximising natural light can transform dark spaces.
Working with an interior designer can save time and money.
Budget-friendly updates can refresh your home significantly.
Kitchens and bathrooms are key areas for adding home value.
Renters can personalise their spaces without violating agreements.
New builds can be made to feel less boxy with thoughtful design.
Seasonal changes in decor can enhance comfort and aesthetics.
Cushions can be a powerful tool in home styling.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Interior Design Q&A
01:13 Maximizing Light in Interior Spaces
01:15 Understanding the Role of Interior Designers
03:43 The Importance of Detail in Design
10:09 Refreshing Your Home on a Budget
18:59 Adding Value to Your Home Through Design
28:37 Creating Atmosphere with Design Elements
30:04 Making Rentals Feel Like Home
32:32 Innovative Solutions for Rental Spaces
37:34 Adding Character to New Builds
46:01 Seasonal Home Comforts
53:36 New Chapter

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Transcript

So welcome, to episode nine of All About Design. And this week we're carrying on with our Q &A session in the House Clinic In episode eight, Debs and I started to answer lots of your questions all about interior design and how to use it to enhance your homes we had so many questions that we're going to continue in this episode and answer them fully. So without further ado, here we go. 

Yeah, well, this is an interesting one. GreatQuestion I'm going to let you answer this one Debs to start with. What should I expect when working with an interior designer? This is from Gayle in Bristol. She says, I'm afraid to commit to a process when I'm not sure what I'll really get from it. Great question. 

I think that's what a lot of people think, what am I going to get out of bringing a professional or what it's like anything. You get a service where you've got someone that's been through it, knows exactly what to do and can guide you successfully through the whole process. And they can also bring out something in you wouldn't have thought of. And that's what we always say, isn't it? We come back to it. 

When the end of the project comes up and they say, love it, I wouldn't have thought of it, that's why you bring an interior designer. 

I think, it's somebody who can actually save you money in the long run. They can help you uncover your vision. They can guide you, and it's not just for grand homes or unlimited budgets at all. And I think that's a misconception, it, in a lot of people go, my goodness, it's going to cost me an absolute fortune. It'll actually probably save you money in the long run. Definitely will save you time. 

Yes. 

and a good interior designer 

will find out from you what makes you tick, what you love, what you hate. They'll take you by the hand, they'll lead you through the process and they will give you the confidence to see it through. But also, they'll just be able to walk into the space and very quickly eliminate... 

Hmm 

any problems the things that are right in front of us we don't see because we live with it every single day. And it's like anything, you you walk in with a fresh pair of eyes and the knowledge. You can help with budgets and time scales, all the layouts and also things like, when we put together a specification, for our clients, we'll narrow it down to, there's four or five sofas here that will work in this space. 

room 

Absolutely. 

Now the final choice is down to you, the client, and that stops you having to go around 

every single weekend or constantly be on the internet looking 

because we know what's out there. We've seen it and we know when something new comes along. I'm quite passionate about the fact that it's something that's a little bit misunderstood and that people would get a lot of 

Yeah. 

confidence from using a designer once, I think they'd probably carry on and do it again. 

It's the little details that people don't realise make the difference. There's a lot of elements that have to be put together to make it work. And we've done it over and over and over again. We know what works. I would also tell you bluntly what doesn't work. 

Yeah. 

Yeah, 

this has got to 

absolutely. 

go, this has got to stay. You know, it's that kind of tough love as well. We're not going to let you do something that won't work, which is, why we come here. 

It's a bit like when you put a dress on and say to your friend, do I look good in this? And you're like, oh, how do I? You don't no! No, it's not your style. Let's try this. 

No, no. I have no fear to say no. 

It's the scale and even a pattern the size of a shade. There's so many little elements that balance off each other. 

Mm-mm. 

We are the gatekeepers to make sure it works for you and keep you on the right path. 

Yeah, 

And, it comes down to obviously the training we've had. So putting together a floor plan and a space plan, and then we can show you a 3D visual of that, and it's, it's almost like try before you buy. Whereas sometimes if you go headlong into something, you're not sure it's going to work. And then you've spent all that money in that time and then it doesn't quite work 

Hmm. 

There's all those little things that we're there to catch before they become an issue, we put together the mood boards, the colour palettes. It's like you say, weaving in the pattern and texture, understanding how the materials need to work together to give you a bit of reflection, to give you furniture that will work in your room style. I think interior design is, yeah, it pays dividends and... 

Yeah. 

especially for the more important projects. Anyone can sort of tackle a small space. But if you've got something and you're just not 100 % sure where to even begin, then I think that's a good time to call in an interior designer, 

Yeah, Absolutely and not be afraid to do it because it's not, it's like anything else when you call someone in that has a speciality, you know, you wouldn't go just say, try and do it myself. 

If you're not confident, then you get the right people for the job. And that's what we come with years of experience. And it's always how you deal with the problems, to sort the problems is what you're paying us for really. 

at Novo Interiors, for example, because we've been doing this a while, we've now got a really good team of craftsmen we work with who we know their work, we know we can trust them to turn up. So we can do the one-stop shop. So especially if you do have a busy job, you don't have time to start phoning the plumber or the electrician or making sure they turn up on site, Where an interior designer can, such as us, do... 

Mm-hmm. 

project management as well so we can say that we'll be there, we'll manage that for you, So there's all those things. Yeah, the list is sort of quite endless really, And then styling the finished space, that's the big one. Quite often we'll go with our clients to a little shopping spree. It's a wonderful thing to do. It's the end of the project, but often the bit that falls down. 

Hmm. 

and we just go somewhere like Homesense Range, Dunelm, John Lewis, 

go and buy lots and lots and and lots of beautiful things. As long as you can take them back, you've got the receipt, don't worry about it, and then put it all together, see what works for you, and then you've got a finished space instead of getting to that end part, which then sits looking a bit forlorn and lost because you've run out of steam, and it's like, well... 

Hmm. Hmm. 

know, why is there no pictures, no mirrors, no ornaments, nothing that's finishing off like the icing on the cake. So that's another good thing. 

Absolutely, it's the accessories to the outfit. 

Working with a designer isn't about handing over control, it's bringing your vision to life with a pro in your corner. I like that. 

Yes, 

very true. 

hit 

What's the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator? We get asked that quite a lot, 

Well, I mean, this is my opinion, but an interior designer is designing the interior, not just decorating. And so we work from like architect up to, 

Hmm. 

throwing a cushion around as we say. But I don't, I always think that interior decorator is just the person that puts the paint on the walls. Not, not. 

Well, I 

think in a way, yeah, my understanding really is like you say, the designer, interior designer, which is what we are. You can even get involved at the architectural stage and that's the bonus and that's what we've talked about I think in episode three. Getting in early, especially on a new build project or a project where you're actually sort of putting up a new wall, you can come along and you can give vision early on so that actually that architectural build will run smoothly. 

and you won't come to it for four months down the line with interior designers, it's a shame you didn't have a plug socket there or you didn't have a recess there. Excuse me. so an interior designer is more of an architectural assistance, if you like, but also will look at, layout, structure. 

All those sort of things that might also be built in as much as they are freestanding. Of course, we get involved with all the colour schemes, the lighting, the materials that are going into a space. Whereas in my opinion, interior decorator will just advise on the colours and soft furnishings, so the cushions, the curtains, the paint colours. 

Mm. 

ner can help you with the floor plans, the electrical layouts, lighting schemes, kitchens, bathrooms, liaised with the builders and the contractors. But both of them, an interior designer will then carry on and finish everything an interior decorator might then have come in to do later on. So we're more about sort of spatial elements as well as just how it looks really. 

everything. 

Yeah. 

I wonder if it's an American term that's confused everybody. Yeah. 

think it is a bit. Yeah, 

it's of come over. It's come over the pond then. 

It's come over the pond 

and nobody knows what's going on anymore. 

How do I make the most of natural light in my dark terraced house? I love the character of the building, but it tends to be very dark with no side windows. This is from Laura in Cheltenham. So I know exactly what she means. Obviously, terraced houses, unless you're at the side, if you're a mid-terrace, you only get light from the front and the back, 

Hmm. 

Quite often people go into the roof and have skylights up in the bedrooms, but otherwise, you're in a bit of a tunnel situation at times. So the key, is to help the light travel and bounce around through the space. So that's with reflective surfaces, mirrors, and a smart choice of colours, 

Absolutely and I think I know I'm coming back to hue lighting again but that works really well I live in a terrace it does work really well because it brings the light into darker spaces and you can have natural light during the day and also the mirror idea is always so good it's a magic trick really isn't it bringing the light into the room 

Yeah. 

Yeah. Yeah. 

Yeah be 

Mirror on the wall by the front door is great to do it can be like you say built into a back of a piece of furniture could be an antique mirror so it's not bright silver and it could have a plant in front of a light here or there but somehow there's light being bounced around the space which is exactly what you want and 

next. 

Yep. 

artwork that's got a glass front on it, that's going to bounce some light. Keeping things light and fresh flow between rooms. 

perhaps the floor finish flows throughout and there's a colour story going on as well. That all helps 

Yeah. 

think you're absolutely right you have a you know a simple palette of colours which are light and warm and just remember finishes in paints as well maybe with a bit of a satin finish so it has a little bit of a sheen little things like that would make a difference 

Mm. 

If you can see through to the back of the property, the garden, extra light in there might be able to be something you can integrate. So lighter toned fencing or pale paving even mirrors in the garden to reflect a bit of light back. 

Mm. 

Exactly And then consider your front door, you know, is there glass in the front door? No glass, you maybe you want to change that as well because that's an opportunity to bring more light into that hallway. 

How can I refresh my home on a tight budget? This is from Anna in Glasgow. 

Ooh, Anna, 

well, I'd say one of the biggest things is have a look at what you've got already. You know, we do laugh about rearranging furniture, but actually it can make a huge difference. And it might not be just rearranging the furniture that's in that site. Have a look around the whole home, assess what you've got, maybe take some pieces out, move it around, have a look at what you've got and just, play with it. That would be one of the things I'd say. 

Mm. 

Mm. 

Yeah, I agree. I it's completely free to use what you have already. And half the time, I bet a member of your family would walk in and go, ooh, is that new? And it's actually been in the house five years if it just has a different location. So I think that's a great idea. Swap your artwork around, your cushions, your accessories between different rooms, or have a look in the cupboard. What you've put away five years ago and forgotten is there. And as I say, sometimes we stop seeing what's there, just move to a different place. 

And we'll see. 

then. 

Hmm. 

and 

it's going to suddenly be seen again. One of the cheapest tricks and magic trick as well is paint, isn't it? 

Absolutely, yeah. Paint changes everything. Like you said, if you have a home and it feels dark lighten the walls, bring in light. 

Yeah. 

Or wham in a beautiful feature wall you know, put in a turquoise wall or a emerald green wall do something that's a wow factor, but that's really easy to change again, should you so desire. And obviously if it already works with the colour scheme of your cushions and accessories, brilliant. 

Mmm 

If not, on a very limited budget, you can still afford to go to these amazing shops. have so many different options. Dunelm, LaRedoute as I said, mean, John Lewis has some really good price cushions. Amazon, Wayfair online, you can buy cushion covers only, so you don't need to invest in the pad as well. You know, just For a very, very well priced. 

you 

Thank 

uplift I guess to get such a big difference So one tin of paint can totally transform your room and don't forget you might decide to do the ceiling which is the fifth wall that's making a massive comeback isn't it? 

Hmm. 

painting ceilings, absolutely. You can transform a room by using that extra 

wall. 

but it is a case of, know, if your budget's low as well, look out for deals on paints. There's always deals on paints. I know in B&Q and places like that, always have, you know, return paints. Sometimes they can't resell them. So you can go over and check what's in there. got a whole stack of them. And it's really quite handy if you are on a budget, if you've got a small space, just make sure you get enough paint to, upscale your room without the price. 

Mm. 

Yeah. 

Absolutely! The other thing, as we've touched on before, visit the charity shops, have a look for something amazing there. You might find something that's gonna be the centre of your new room, or you might just find a couple of new objects that will inspire you to have a restyle. 

You could make yourself your own little trayscape which is suddenly the centre of the room and the focal point, which will make the whole place feel totally different. Car boot sales, Facebook marketplace, there are gold mines for things that people don't want in their house, but doesn't mean it's not going to work in yours. And you can add real character for not much money at all. And switch up your lighting, again, lampshades, totally overlooked most of the time, often. 

Yeah. 

Yeah. 

Mm. 

light fittings, up 

up the scale on them, just change the lamp shade, bring in a coloured lamp shade, bring in the lamp shade that's got maybe a bit of metallic on the inside or a contrast colour 

Hmm. 

And again, in this scenario, OKA lights, love them, but Dunelm are doing more, like all these styles filter through into like more affordable places. They're just, just as lovely to bring that colour and pop and pattern into your room and pattern on light shades in particular. It's not a big commitment, but it does make a big difference. 

Love Frankie.com is a lampshade maker and if you have a piece of fabric you love for not a lot of money you can send it to them and they will make you your own custom lampshade so there's lots of options there 

Mm-hmm. 

So what are the best ways to add value to my home through interior design 

mmm 

And you know, This is a really good question because obviously, especially if you're thinking of moving soon, is it worth doing it in the first place to add value to your home? Well, of course it is, as long as the amount you spend on it doesn't outweigh the amount you're gonna get back. 

I would definitely think about the big ticket items. They're always the big sellers, aren't they? We're gonna say kitchens and bathrooms, aren't we? And they are, if you have the budget, the way to really add some value to your home. 

Yeah. 

Yeah, Definitley! So I think if you're going to stay put, definitely invest in your kitchens and your bathrooms because these are the places, well, the kitchen especially, where you'll spend quite a lot of time. But your bathroom now, we actually want a bit more from our bathrooms. We want a bit of luxury. So install your... 

Early. 

Underfloor heating for example in the bathroom is a lovely thing to have not expensive these days It doesn't have to all be attached to a manifold. It can be an electric system for example, which is very easy to install under tiles But you know Go for a lovely vanity unit lovely lit mirrors There's a sort of recipe of what you can do in a bathroom. which will definitely add value and 

Thank 

Deborah (24:02.381)

Mm hmm. Yeah. 

that high end feel but you want to enjoy it for yourself not just do it to sell. So if you're going to stay and enjoy it yourself then yeah Think about the handles, think about the taps, they're really important. You don't need to spend so much on the sanitary wear so the toilet itself unless you want a named brand and the vanity sink you don't have to spend a fortune 

Taps are really important in bathrooms, so that's a big one. And then in the kitchen, same sort of scenario really. You don't have to spend a fortune on the cupboards themselves. The carcass, how it's made, how strong it is, is really important. But it doesn't have to be a branded name kitchen to be a good kitchen. So do your homework. 

I think so and look at the trends so you're choosing the right you know in in kitchens there is trends if you're about to sell the house so you keep it on a neutral trend but it's something that's in vogue if you are going to sell look at what's selling at what price in the way of styles and colours for kitchens 

but it is all about what's the tactile parts. That's the bit where you spend your money, like work tops and the handles and the taps. Everything else can be quality, but  doesn't have to be as high end. But colours and things like that, It's a good thing to have a look on like Zoopla or any of these sites if you are going to sell on what's selling. And that will give you a guide on what colours to go for. If you go for colours, or keep it neutral. 

in kitchen area but if it's just for you do what you love but knowing that if you do these other elements it will still add value to your home. 

Yeah, I think one of the main things, walk into a home and fall in love with the kitchen, I have to have this house, more than, than perhaps any other area. But another, another area I would say is important to do to add value is the, master bedroom. If you can add in an en suite there just to make that almost like that boutique hotel feel. 

Hmm 

Yeah. 

gone away for the weekend, it's a beautiful bedroom and bathroom combo where you can probably in many situations create that in your own home. But another thing, I think, just Choose a colour scheme really. If you're doing it for yourself, then obviously go with anything and everything you love. But if you were doing it to sell, don't put in... 

Thank 

Susan@novointeriors.co.uk (26:49.306)

outlandish colours or very strongly patterned wallpapers because you don't want any opportunity to put anyone off do you? You want to have as many people as possible liking it. 

Absolutely and look at the layout of the house see if you can improve it if you are looking at that kind of area because there's a lot of ways that we can improve existing homes just to make them flow better and be more practical so do have a look at the floor plan as well that's an important one. 

Mm. 

Yeah, definitely, and add storage where you can. I think it's typical, isn't it? Sometimes you'll do work to get your house sale ready and then probably fall back in love with it again and think, why didn't I do this five years ago for myself to have enjoyed it? I think we've, definitely done that before 

Upgrading your lighting. 

Get some good scale lighting in 

Yes, I see. 

in there, a 

a beautiful pendant will draw the eye These things actually make people go, wow, instead of just be like, ooh. So, they're worth spending a little bit of money on, if you are thinking of selling, but also just do it for yourself, just to really enjoy your home and dress those architectural areas that you've got. 

Another thing you can do is add an office space and that doesn't necessarily have to be in the home, it can be in the garden. 

Susan@novointeriors.co.uk (28:36.836)

it doesn't have to be an office space, it can be a workout space, can be anything, but it's more floor area, so that's always good. And if you're needing it practically anyhow, it will add value in the future to your home. 

Yeah. 

it's like when you meet a person for the first time, when you meet a house for the first time, maximise that first impression. When you open the front door, what are they going to see? So, the hallway sets the tone. think about the flooring, think about the colour scheme, think about lighting, think about storage. 

these are all things that add value and also probably get you a quicker sale. Lots of mirrors, reflective surfaces. You We want our homes to feel light and fresh and bright. And we don't want them to feel cold and grey and a bit echoey, do we? 

I know we're talking about interiors but the interiors start like you said with the first impression so 

Think of your front door, think of just around that porch area, whatever you have, celebrate it. But also what I like now is, it's a prelude to the colours in your home. So your front door can be a colour that just works and invites that person and starts the journey as well. Your front door can be reflective colour of what's in the home and it starts the thread of design. So that's something to consider. 

Mm. 

Those sort of things create an atmosphere as well, don't they? As well as things like plants. I know faux plants great in many ways, but they do have their place, so you could mix those in with some real plants, and that gives a really lovely feel in your home. 

I think yeah, It's about giving a cohesive design. That's what I think brings value to a home. thoughtful, cohesive design with textures and finishes that work in harmony. 

But the most beautiful homes aren't just style beautifully, they're designed beautifully, 

Yeah, I think value has to come through good design and like you said space planning, built-ins, all these other practical things like a lovely kitchen office that's built in and hidden, dual purpose, a lot of us don't have massive homes but we make them work and if they can function in different times of the day at different levels but still be practical that definitely would add value. 

So this is a good one. Any tips for making a rental flat feel like home without breaking the tenancy agreement? 

It's a bit like MC Hammer isn't it? Can't touch this but you can. You can touch this. There's lots more things on the market that are renter friendly. you know, it depends on your rental agreement. Sometimes you are allowed to paint walls, sometimes you're not. But you know, you do have to have a dialogue and if you've got a good relationship with the landlord that's the first thing. 

Yeah, very good. You can, but as long as you can take it away at the end, yeah. 

Mm. 

Mm. 

paint because it's it's not a hard thing to change but if not then you have to be very careful but there are products out there that can help you achieve a more personal interior without having to actually damage anything in a home that you don't actually physically own. 

One of the best innovations I've seen in the last few years is these hanging strips we talked about earlier, you can create your gallery wall or hang your artwork without having to get the drill out. Obviously, if it's too heavy massively heavy mirror or something, take advice or think twice. 

and then all you do at the end is take them off, peel off the other part of the fixing and off you go again. you can also put these adhesive wall hooks on for hanging your bags or hats, it doesn't just have to be artwork or mirrors. So these houses work for you 

Okay. 

Absolutely, and there are really good quality temporary wallpapers and tiles that you can put down. Gone are the days of it a bit tacky. The market's definitely opened up, so have a look into that. even if it is creating just a little bit of a kid's environment in a kid's room, a bit more friendly to them. 

There's ways of making it work. So just have a look at the market and research into things that can work for you. 

things like a big area rug, for example. it depends on what sort of flooring you've got down. But if it's not really to your taste, just hide it with a big area rug. Great for living rooms and bedrooms, it hides a multitude of sins. And that's a great starting point for putting your colour scheme into a space that's already got something that's trying to lead you a different direction. If you don't like that carpet, don't let it 

hijack everything else in your scheme, put a great big rug on top of it, off you go. 

Absolutely and window treatments are the same there's lots of clipping designs now even in like faux shutters that you can put into your windows but they don't drill that's the key so you know again they're all on the market again that's a privacy thing or the film works as a privacy thing that's rented friendly and I have seen that in situ and it doesn't look bad at all and then curtains 

Yes. 

Hmm. 

go for it. you know, if you want that might be your opportunity for a bit of pattern, a bit of design that combined lampshades and things like that. Just suddenly bring it up. 

if you've got a boring ceiling light pendant, you can change the pendant easily. You can bring in a nice floor lamp. You can bring in your table lamps. You can take those with you. keep those more on the neutral side, cause you don't know where you might be ending up next. Then they'll work in your next interior. Lots of lovely plants and greenery. They add life and softness and colour. And also they're great for disguising and hiding. 

I know you do. 

weird corners or something that you perhaps don't like in the house or the apartment that you're renting. 

I think maybe I should have said this at the start, but take stock of what you already have in this rental. So how can you make it work? Don't be so sort of stuck to what you'd like in your head, what you'd like in the way of design. 

What can I work to enhance what I've got? That's a good way to make it work better. 

Yeah. 

Definitely actually moving on from what we said about the rug as well if you've got the sofa if it comes furnished and you hate it Get a big chunky throw again like Dunelm, The Range massive throws plain textured herringbone Whatever you want throw it 

over your sofa It almost looks like that's what is now and then your cushions can go on top of there And it's like a completely new story, so definitely something to try 

And Things like, the standalone leaning mirror, that's become a thing. You can just have a mirror that's standing and it basically, brings the light in, but it also can cover up a multitude of sins and still looks stylish. 

Mm. 

Yeah. 

Yeah, 

And it might even have something really ugly, like an old radiator that's a little bit rusty you just don't like. And again, it's down to cost. But if you think I'm going to be here for a couple of years, that's really going to annoy me. Invest in the radiator cabinet. They're not expensive and they give you almost an architectural finish in that space. Great for putting bits and pieces on photographs, vases, so on. 

obviously you're not going to go to the expense of changing that radiator because it's not your house or your flat. radiator cabinets are great thing to do. 

Mmm. 

Bring in your stylish storage. I love big wicker baskets things like that which obviously are not attached to anything. So you take them with you your candles objet d'art and suddenly you make it your own. It's you know easy when you sit back and think about it logically as you said assess what you have at the beginning and then 

go from there. 

Absolutely and you can make it work, don't be daunted by it, just be realistic, it's the same principles, have a layout, work with it as well. 

This is a great question from Kelvin and Ian in Stratford. How do you make a new build home feel less boxy and more characterful? 

I love 

Deborah (39:30.544)

this. And I love the fact that I've seen more and more people not scared to put what we'd call historic-y features into the new build. So people are not wanting a box anymore. So I would say, yeah, get into panelling, get into architrave. It's the scale of it that you have to work with. So the ceilings may not be as high, but you can still use them and they will. 

Yeah. 

brings something a bit more like he said another architectural feature to the home and they really do give you more than just just a flat surface you know just the scale you don't want it to be too heavy you don't want it to be too large but there's so much product out there at the moment that you can make it work for your interior 

I think you're right, when you do install a picture rail or a dado rail, play with colour blocking perhaps. Have, patterned wallpaper above and the colour below or paint the architraves different colours. around the door frames or the skirting boards just to bring in something that's not that as I said before, show home, magnolia and plain white. 

Susan@novointeriors.co.uk (40:49.301)

And then, bring in those vintage and eclectic pieces that represent you. So suddenly no one's really looking at the boxy rooms anymore. They're looking at, wow, beautiful sideboard or that gorgeous lamp. Bring in the bits that inspire you and make you feel like this is my space, no one else's. 

Things like finishes you you might replace the work tops in the kitchen to something a bit more natural, a bit more organic, where you're bringing those textures into those hard surfaces that suddenly changes it from feeling quite boxing, you know mass-made into something a bit more personalised and lighting of course that makes such a difference 

Mm. 

Yeah. 

because a lot of these new homes come with very limited lighting so again think about the room what it needs and then upgrade from there. 

Yeah, create moments in every room. So building little pockets of personality wherever you have the opportunity. Look for the nooks and crannies. Nooks and crannies in a house are actually what does give it some character. You could even almost pretend and create, I don't know, a set of shelves that's got a different coloured back or some mirror to it. And then you curate a selection of lovely objects. 

Mmm. 

Thank 

just gives your room a focal point, something beautiful, somewhere you can display things you've found on your travels or some beautiful photographs. it gives that room a reason and a focal point. 

Absolutely, you can achieve it, you can definitely achieve it. There's so much product out there panelling everything that you just, instigate in your home and it makes such a difference. Have a look into it and don't be scared to do it. There's nothing wrong with that. You know, I think people do get a bit worried about, well, it's not an old house. It's not about that. It's giving that house identity. It's giving that, you know, 

Yeah. 

level of texture and difference to make it your home. 

There are other things you can do to the exterior of the home and it's how far you want to go again like with anything in interior design. But you know you can change the colour of the front door. There are UPVC paints now you can actually change if you've got white windows and you want to go for that beautiful French grey or pale beige which is very sort of en vogue people now are sort of changing from the bright white UPVC to coloured tones. 

It's an investment in your time and you've got to do it right you've got to have a good finish on it. You can change the colour of these, what we didn't have a choice about. You can now change them. But just start with your front door. Change the colour of that. Think about how you approach the house. Some beautiful planted containers outside. Maybe a metal trellis outside the front door with a gorgeous scented... 

plant. as you come home, it's how it makes you feel about your space. So just tell your story and what talks to you 

Absolutely agree, soften the lines, isn't it? 

Yeah. 

Fill the walls with meaningful art. Again, the gallery walls we talked about, books that you've collected through your life, even if you've still got, I mean, a lot of people won't even heard of a CD or a DVD, but you know, these are the things we've collected because we love the music of somebody or we love somebody's beautiful book. They display who you are. So have them out. Don't put everything away. But again, it's fine line between clutter and 

Hmm. 

display. 

Exactly, but you can colour block with those as well. That's quite a trend using books in colour blocks. So it becomes a kind of design technique as well. So, you know, look into that with CDs like you've just suggested and actually use them because of their colours. that's kind of a fun way of getting those pieces in and they work and they're a bit of fun as well. 

Yeah. 

And the last big one for modern homes is to soften the windows. go for that multi-layered effect So you might have some blinds matched with some curtains. Or if you're going for a Roman blind, consider doing a pelmet top to it still that returns to the wall. It just gives it another more tailored. 

element Look at each room and think of it as a film set and just go for it like Deb said 

How do I make my home feel cosy in winter and airy in the summer? This is from Zoe. 

Mmm? 

So I think you mentioned fashion before, didn't you? So your home is a bit like your wardrobe, what you're wearing. So obviously in the summer you'll wear lighter area, maybe different coloured items. And in the winter you tend to get the knits out and the dark colours and layer up the textures. And it's a bit like that in your home, 

and 

Yeah. 

I think you've just got to think about a UK kind of environment because everywhere else it really does change doesn't it? Whereas in the UK you have jeans and a top and you just work it for summer or winter that is the way you've got to do it and exactly what you're saying you know cosy elements for winter fur, wools, chunky, warm, cosy even the rug in your room you could change up to something a bit more you know cosy and 

Yeah. 

the 

Yeah. 

Mm. 

with a higher pile. And in the summer you could have a sisal which brings those kinds of elements of being in a warmer climate, and linens and things like that. So, you know, the materials changing up and they're not big changes. They're things that you can easily turn over in, into your home. But cushions are definitely a key, aren't they? We always say You can have seasonal cushions that, you know, bring different styles in and 

Yeah. Yeah. 

Mm. Yeah. 

different feels like the colours, the textures, might want warm, you know, warmer colours in winter to bring that warm element then, you know, kind of we talk about the jewel box of colours, or you might want those more hot feeling and you know, the summer tones, but you need the basics to work both colours. So that's something to consider when you're doing your interior. 

Yeah. 

Yeah, definitely. you need a canvas to work either way without having to change everything out. It's all about creating that cocoon in the winter where you want to just go in and hibernate a little bit. And then in summer you want to throw open the doors and just appreciate the fresh air. 

Hmm. 

You're right, tones in accessories, maybe cushions and throws in the winter and in the summer, lighter linens, lighter colours, maybe you go saturated of the same colour that you will then go for a pastel of in the summer so you've not... 

you 

Thank you. 

your colour scheme overall isn't different but you might have a deep terracotta in the winter and you might have a sandy pink hue in the summer. 

Hmm. 

appreciate your home and find those areas that you will restyle. You might find certain rooms that you use less in certain seasons. 

Absolutely, and I must say, hue lighting again, Phillips, absolutely. It's almost like having set design, how you change the mood at the moment. That's exactly how I could describe it, which works. So you can add that warm light, that cool light. You can work it to make it feel warm or cool. 

Philip sponsor this lady. 

Yeah. 

Another thing is to add natural elements, especially in the summer months. So greenery, fresh flowers, woven baskets, lovely terracotta pots, natural textures, You want your home to feel cool and fresh in the summer and cosy and nurturing in the winter. And also don't forget how the summer scents, the sort of sea. 

citrus, mint, eucalyptus, lovely summer fresh scents that you might find on a Mediterranean hillside. So those are sort of things that evoke a summery feel as well. 

So easy things that you can store and swap by season, things like cushion covers, your throws, table linens, bedspreads, artwork prints, and you could just keep a seasonal swap box under your bed or in a cupboard and one Sunday afternoon, swap it over, Bob's your uncle. 

So this is a great question. How many cushions is too many cushions? So it does depend on where you are and what they're for and who the client is. I am going to be a little bit controversial and say that most men don't actually want or understand why you have bed cushions. They tip them on the floor at the earliest opportunity. 

They may stay around in the lounge a little bit longer on the sofa, but still the ladies understand the aesthetics perhaps a little bit more. But cushions not only finish the scheme beautifully, they are practical and they are one element that can pack a real punch and ring the changes very quickly in a scheme. So they definitely need to be included. And it depends on the overall design. You may need symmetry in your life. So balancing a mirror image of cushions on the sofa. 

could be what ticks your box, but an asymmetrical eclectic selection could also be what you are more attracted to. So it's very personal choice and places like Dunelm, Next, John Lewis, anywhere you can get a full refund, go and buy lots of different cushions, lots of different styles and sizes, take them home and keep trying the arrangements until you get that sort of eureka moment and it will come if you persist, I promise you. 

I think the golden rule is if you have to move more than half of them to sit down or sleep, you've gone too far. 

Well, that's it. We're at the end of our Q &A house clinic and thank you so much for all your amazing questions. Deb's and I have really enjoyed being put through our paces. And if you have any other questions at all regarding your interior design, do get in touch. Our email is contact at allaboutdesign.online. Thanks again to Deb's for joining me and we'll be back very soon. Take care.