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Flip through any glossy interior design magazine and it’s easy to get carried away by what’s trending; especially a collection of decorating ideas to inspire your creativity.
But it can be a bit of a reality check, and you end up asking yourself: How can I express myself so that it’s about me… like decoration?
With all this in mind—and depending on your design ethos—Lara Clarke Lara Clark Interior Design Says it’s a personalized approach with clients: “It’s a collaborative process – we don’t impose our style on you, we pull yours out.
“We work with you to try to create something that is essentially yours and unique, rather than copying everything else.”
The Surrey-based designer says things from the way you live your life, to the fabrics you like, to where you sit with your morning cup of tea, all matter.
“We get down to the nitty-gritty…how this home will serve you as a family and how it’ll be best for you, not anyone else.”
A champion of how simple styling tips can make a room feel more expressive, Clark shares her top tips for inspiring creatives and interior enthusiasts…
1. Layered lighting
One of the key things is lighting. “A lot of people may only have downlights; but if you layer lighting, it makes a huge difference.”
Clark recommends using rechargeable wall sconces—which are flexible and cordless and require just mounting brackets or strong adhesive—think brass wall sconces and decorative lampshades.
“You just put it on the wall and instantly you have some sconces… It’s a great way to layer lighting in your home.”
“Table lamps are another,” Clark suggests. “On the table, put a different lampshade.”
So if you buy a desk lamp john lewis For example, she recommends choosing a lampshade that you design yourself. “It enhances the effect of the lamp in a way that a regular plain white shade cannot.”
She also likes to add color. If you’re not painting the walls but want to refresh your space by affecting the mood, Clark says this is another tool for adding color and pattern.
“I love using colored lampshades in my designs and I feel a connection to this scheme… A plain white lampshade can be boring; but a patterned lampshade makes a big difference.”
2. Shelving and placement
To style your shelves and place accessories, designers say it’s best to mix in taller items like photos, books, and suggest adding some flowers to the scheme.
“Sometimes people tend to overstuff it, but really less is more.”
If you’re torn between symmetry and scale, it’s a balance. “So if you think of a shelf or bookcase as a hole, there’s some element of symmetry.
“But you don’t want everything to be symmetrical because that would feel too stagey, and there needs to be a balance between the two.”
Clark likes to mix. “I lay a lot of books flat and then put something on top and it’s nice.
“If you want to balance some books and they’re stacked on top of each other, put an object, vase or candle on top to balance them out.”
3. Tips for spreading cushions
“I think cushions are one of the big areas that can completely change the look of a room,” emphasizes Clark.
“The key is to get a good quality cushion with good fullness; you can buy cushions from the high street but they won’t have nice feather inserts.”
So if you’re buying a cushion cover, she says to get the next size up with a feather cushion. “So you tuck it in, and then your cushion looks fuller than if you purchased the corresponding insert, which usually looks a little flat.
“It makes the cushions look more expensive, and I like a very plump cushion, it’s more luxurious than something soft on a sofa,” she quips.
Plus, Clark says you can never have too many cushions. “It’s a great way to add color and interest to a regular sofa.”
4. Carpet Rules
When it comes to dos and don’ts, designers say many people always buy a rug that’s too small for the space. “In fact, if anything, it makes the space look smaller.
“So you want to upsize your rug…you don’t want it to look like a doormat under a coffee table.”
Ideally, she said, most of the furniture would be on top. “If possible, that’s your sofa, side table, accent chair—but when in doubt, bigger is better.”
“You want to divide the space by placing furniture in it,” she says confidently.