Hello.

So, you’re either someone who loves interiors and the idea of creating a beautiful space, or you’re staring down the barrel of a daunting project and thinking, Can I actually pull this off?

Either way, you’ve come to the right place.

If you’ve got time on your hands, a knack for organisation, deep design knowledge and a willingness to learn by doing (read: trial, error, and the occasional meltdown), then why not give it a go?  Most of us in the design world cut our teeth this way - thrown in the deep end after being immersed in the theory and history of design - clutching a tape measure, and figuring it out as we went.

For those who fancy a DIY adventure, we’ve put together Interior Design 101 ( below ) to guide you through the process. From functional basics to tricks of the trade, it’s a starter course to help you tackle your project with confidence - and maybe even enjoy it.

But if you’re short on time, find the whole thing terrifyingly overwhelming, or simply want that seamless, curated finish only a designer can bring (while still managing to sleep at night), then why not reach out? We offer free consultations to see if we’re a fit for your project. Send us your plans, wish lists, or inspo images, and we’ll put together tailored advice for you to mull over at your leisure. No hard sell, no pressure. Just practical, professional guidance with a side of wit.

So, are you ready to roll up your sleeves, or shall we do the heavy lifting? Either way, let’s get started.

INTERIOR DESIGN 101

For those on the brink of a project, there’s a hard way and an easy way. The easy way? Call us. The hard way? Going it alone. But don’t panic—it’s not impossible. If you want a stunning space, it needs to be designed. By someone. So, if that someone is going to be you, let us show you how.

FUNCTION MEETS FANTASY

First, make it functional. That’s why we all swoon over 5-star hotels—they’ve thought of everything. But here’s the good news: you can do that too. Next, make it you. To avoid the dreaded “Pinterest explosion” (you know the look), pick a design direction and stick with it. Ruthlessly edit out anything that doesn’t fit. Less is more.

TWO HATS

You’ll need to wear two hats: designer and client. Luckily, you don’t need to wear both at once—designers have standards, after all. Let’s walk through the basics. Every project is unique, but this guide will help you hit the ground running (or at least crawling in the right direction).

THE BASICS

Step 1: Measure everything. The walls, the ceiling height, the doors, the windows. Leave no millimetre unaccounted for.

Step 2: Draw it out. Use apps like Procreate or SketchUp (or dust off your graph paper if you’re feeling nostalgic). And if precision isn’t your strong suit, apps like Measures let you photograph a room and mark the dimensions directly on the image.

💡 Tip: Always keep measurements handy while shopping—trust us, you don’t want to eyeball it.

THE FUN PART

Now, swap your designer hat for the client hat. Start by answering the practical questions:

• What’s this space for?

• Who’s using it, how often, and for what?

• Any special considerations like accessibility or safety?

Once you’ve sorted the practicalities, it’s time to have some real fun. Dive into Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration. When a theme starts to emerge (mid-century modern? moody maximalism?), you’re on the right track. Create a Mood Board using Canva to pull together your favourite images—think of it as your vision distilled. Order paint swatches, fabric samples, and hard material finishes to see how things work together in the real world (because no filter can save you from clashing shades of beige).

THE NECESSARY (AKA THE NOT-AS-FUN)

Now it’s time for floor plans. Start laying out your furniture (no, it doesn’t have to be the exact pieces yet). Consider:

• Access routes.

• Space around furniture for walking.

• Sightlines to the TV, fireplaces, or scenic views.

• Curtain placement and radiator clearances.

💡 Tip: Ergonomic design matters. A quick scroll on Instagram will teach you everything you need about counter heights, chair clearances, and table distances. Get it right, and your space will feel thoughtful—no bruised knees or “where do I put this drink” moments.

Then, layer in your lighting, for example:

• Background ambient light from dimmed wall lights or pendants.

• Task lighting from table lamps - on a separate dimmable circuit

• Accent lighting for artwork or statement pieces, again dimmable and on a separate circuit

💡 Designer Insight: Skip the overhead spotlights unless you absolutely must. And remember, shadows are free.

THE BORING BUT CRUCIAL

Here’s where a designer would whip out some “boring” documents, but trust us, they’re crucial:

• A Specification for costs.

• A Scope of Works outlining the construction or trade work.

• A Fixtures, Furnishings, and Electrics Schedule mapping out where everything goes.

Don’t panic—templates are available on Canva or Etsy, or grab a spreadsheet and channel your inner project manager.

PLANS ON PLANS

If you’re doing anything custom (kitchens, bathrooms, built-in storage), you’ll need detailed plans. Many companies (kitchen designers, joiners) will help with these—but remember, they’ll push their products, not necessarily your dream vision. Stay firm.

THE DREADED BUILD

If you’re tackling more than a quick refresh, here’s our heartfelt advice: move out. Seriously. Construction is messy. Within days, your home will resemble a post-apocalyptic wasteland of white dust. Trades don’t work “room by room”; they tear through your house like it’s a demolition derby. Walls down, floors up—it’s chaos. Save yourself the stress and find a temporary escape if you can.

💡 Tip: Pre-purchase all your fixtures and fittings before the build starts. Builders hate waiting, and delays cost money.

THE FINISH LINE

At last, the finish line. The pieces arrive, the dust settles (mostly), and the transformation takes shape. Hire a post-build cleaner—it’s worth every penny.

Plug in the lamps, dim the lights, light the candles, and exhale. You did it.

💡 Tip  Don’t forget to ask your contractors for a handover pack with all the boring-but-necessary details (guarantees, fuse box location, water shutoff, maintenance schedules and instructions).

But maybe sort that tomorrow. For now, feet up—you’ve earned it.

But if you’re exhausted just reading that……. you know what to do..