My Design Process
Creating a harmonious interior space involves a blend of thoughtful planning, aesthetic sensitivity, and practical consideration. For this project, my goal was to craft a cozy, elegant, and balanced living room design using a curated selection of items totalling £4,700. Here's a breakdown of my design process:
1. Concept Development
The foundation of any successful design lies in the concept. For this project, I envisioned a contemporary yet timeless space characterized by a neutral palette, accentuated with bold, artistic elements. The theme was "Sophisticated Serenity," balancing comfort with curated sophistication.
Neutral Base: Cream tones in the carpet, wallpaper, and fireplace set the stage for a calming environment.
2. Space Planning
With the layout in mind, I carefully considered the proportions and placements to ensure functionality and flow.
3. Color Palette and Materials
To achieve cohesion, I stuck to a palette of creams, blacks, and cobalt blue, with accents of pumpkin and natural textures.
4. Final Styling
Accessories play a critical role in tying the design together. I selected items that offered both utility and aesthetic value.
5. Budget Management
Sticking to a budget of £4,700 required prioritization. The sofa, being a high-use item, took a significant portion of the budget, but I balanced this by incorporating more affordable decor, such as the H&M stoneware sculpture and vases.
Conclusion;
This project reflects my approach to interior design: starting with a strong concept, building a functional layout, and layering textures, colours, and accessories for a cohesive and inviting space. Each element, from the cobalt blue bust to the cream fireplace, contributes to a harmonious balance of beauty and utility. The result is a space that feels both personal and timeless, perfectly tailored to the client’s needs.
Transforming the Bedroom: A Warm and Inviting Retreat
Designing a bedroom is about creating a sanctuary, a space that feels both comforting and luxurious. For this project, I transformed a plain, uninspired bedroom into a sophisticated retreat that you can’t wait to come home to. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of my design process.
1. Establishing the Vision
The goal was to design a room that exudes warmth and comfort while maintaining a polished, grown-up aesthetic. I chose a palette of teal, cream, and soft browns, blending calming tones with rich accents. The focus was to create a cohesive and luxurious space reminiscent of a boutique hotel, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
2. Key Furniture Pieces
The foundation of the room is the teal bed from Furniture Village, which acts as the focal point. Its bold yet serene color anchors the space, while the cream duvet adds softness and balance. Flanking the bed are light grey marble wooden bedside tables from Next, which introduce a subtle texture and sophistication.
On each bedside table, I placed crystal-clear round table lamps, also from Next. These lamps not only enhance functionality but also elevate the room’s ambiance, evoking the elegance of a high-end hotel.
3. Layering Textures and Accents
To enhance the sense of warmth, I introduced several layers of textures:
Transforming a Multi-Functional Room: Office, Lounge, and More
When designing this second room in the house, I aimed to create a truly versatile and dynamic space—one that functions as an office during the day, a cozy lounge in the evening, and even a guest room when needed. It’s a room designed for work, relaxation, and entertainment, offering both practicality and a sense of fun. Here's a breakdown of my design process and the choices I made to bring this vision to life.
1. Defining the Purpose
The concept for this room was all about flexibility and freedom. I envisioned a space that could effortlessly shift from a productive office during the day to a relaxing retreat at night. Whether for movie marathons, girls' nights, or as an impromptu party room, the design needed to balance functionality and style.
To achieve this, I focused on multi-functional furniture and decor elements that could adapt to various needs while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.
2. Furniture Selection and Layout
At the heart of this room is the grey high-arm sofa bed from Furniture Village. It provides a comfortable seating area by day and can easily transform into a bed for guests or a cozy movie-watching experience at night. Its high-arm design adds a sense of structure and elegance, fitting perfectly into the room’s multi-purpose theme.
The tan leather office chair with gold accents complements the desk setup while introducing a touch of warmth and luxury. For the desk, I selected an electric office desk by Fezibo, which offers adjustable height options, ensuring ergonomic comfort for long working hours.
To maximize storage and keep the space tidy, I chose a white wardrobe with Changhong glass from Litfad. Its sleek, modern design seamlessly blends into the room without overpowering the decor.
3. Color Palette and Textures
The color scheme was chosen to create a space that is both sophisticated and inviting.
4. Lighting and Decor
Lighting plays a crucial role in defining the room’s mood. A black and gold lampshade from Next provides a warm, inviting glow, perfect for evening relaxation or entertaining. The lampshade’s modern design enhances the room’s chic, functional aesthetic.
For decor, I focused on inspiring elements that reflect a sense of purpose and positivity. Custom-made wall art featuring definitions of Mindset, Ambition, and Success (framed using IKEA frames) adds a motivational touch, ideal for an office space.
The addition of a TV from Currys further enhances the room’s versatility, making it perfect for movie nights or gaming sessions.
5. Balancing Style and Function
This room strikes a careful balance between function and style. The multi-functional sofa bed and adjustable deskprovide practicality, while the luxurious accents—such as the gold detailing on the chair and lampshade—elevate the space’s aesthetic. The layout ensures an open and airy feel while offering distinct zones for work, relaxation, and entertainment.
The Result
The final design is a fun, adaptable space that feels like a getaway within the home. It’s a place where you can focus on work during the day, host friends in the evening, or retreat to for some alone time. The interplay of textures, colors, and functional elements creates a room that is equal parts cozy, stylish, and practical.
Furniture List:
This room encapsulates the perfect blend of style, functionality, and versatility, making it a standout feature of the home.