Creating a space that looks straight out of a professional designer handbook is easy with a little confidence and some insider tips and a little confidence. Anyone can create a space that looks polished, inviting and truly personal. A great place to start is with versatile, high-quality surfaces that offer durability and timeless appeal, like your home’s flooring. These foundational elements make it easier to build a cohesive look that can grow and evolve with your style.
From there, the real magic happens when you layer textures, experiment with colour thoughtfully, and select furniture and accessories with intention. It’s about balancing form and function, mixing timeless elements with contemporary touches, and creating a space that feels curated yet comfortable. Here’s a detailed guide on how to bring professional interior design principles into your own home styling.
H2: Start with a neutral and cohesive base
Professional designers often begin by establishing a neutral foundation. This base sets the tone for the entire room, creating a flexible backdrop that allows you to introduce various styles and colour schemes over time without clashing. Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP), with their natural wood-inspired tones and textures, are an excellent choice to create warmth and cohesion across your floors.
Choosing neutral shades for flooring, walls, and large furniture pieces helps keep the space feeling open and calm. Think soft greys, warm beiges, or creamy whites. These hues serve as the canvas on which bolder colours and interesting textures can be layered later. By investing in a neutral base, you also future-proof your space, making it easy to update smaller elements without a complete overhaul.
H2: Master the art of layering textures
Texture is one of the most powerful tools in a designer’s arsenal. It adds depth and tactile interest, preventing rooms from feeling flat or one-dimensional. Experts often layer a variety of textures in different materials, mixing soft fabrics with hard surfaces and shiny finishes with matte ones.
Consider combining plush velvet cushions with woven jute rugs, smooth ceramic vases with rustic timber furniture, or crisp linens with brushed metals. Luxury Vinyl Planks offer a subtle woodgrain texture that pairs beautifully with these layers, adding natural warmth while remaining easy to maintain.
By thoughtfully layering textures, you create a sensory-rich environment that feels inviting and thoughtfully composed.
H2: Play with colour strategically
While it’s tempting to fill your space with an array of colours, professional designers tend to take a more strategic approach. Usually, this involves establishing a restrained palette: a neutral base, a few complementary tones, and one or two accent colours for added personality.
Accents might appear in soft furnishings like cushions, throws, artwork or decorative objects. This allows you to inject colour without overwhelming the room and gives you flexibility to swap out hues as your style evolves or seasonal trends emerge.
For example, a neutral living room can be instantly refreshed with jewel-toned cushions or a statement rug. This approach keeps your space looking fresh and personalised without costly or time-consuming updates.
H2: Choose furniture with form and function
When it comes to furniture, professionals carefully balance aesthetics with usability. The key is investing in quality basics that are both comfortable and visually appealing, with clean lines and appropriate scale for your space.
Think of a sofa with simple, timeless shapes or a dining table crafted from durable timber. These foundational pieces set the stage for your room’s style and will serve you well for years.
On top of that, layering in trend-led or statement pieces, such as a sculptural chair or an artistic coffee table, adds personality without compromising function. Multifunctional furniture, like ottomans with storage or extendable tables, also maximises practicality while maintaining style.
H2: Use lighting to create mood and highlight features
Lighting is often underestimated but is crucial in professional styling. It influences the atmosphere and highlights architectural or design features, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Layer your lighting by combining ambient sources (like ceiling fixtures), task lights (reading lamps or under-cabinet lighting), and accent lighting (spotlights or LED strips). Using dimmers gives you the flexibility to adjust brightness and mood throughout the day.
Statement light fixtures—such as pendant lamps or vintage chandeliers—can act as focal points while adding character. Position lights strategically to draw attention to artwork, textured walls, or key furniture pieces.
H2: Edit accessories for impact
Professional designers know that less is more when it comes to accessories. Instead of cluttering surfaces, they carefully curate pieces that complement the overall style and add meaningful interest.
Select a few standout items, whether a large piece of artwork, a sculptural vase, or a collection of plants, to anchor your styling. Group items in odd numbers or varying heights to create a natural visual rhythm.
Rotating accessories seasonally or when you want a refresh keeps your home feeling dynamic and lively, without overwhelming the space.
H2: Keep balance and proportion in mind
Balance and proportion are vital for creating harmonious interiors. Consider the size of your furniture relative to your room’s dimensions and ensure there’s a good mix of visual weights.
Symmetry can bring calm and order, such as matching bedside tables or paired armchairs, while asymmetry adds a casual, lived-in feel that reflects personality.
Mirrors and artwork help balance walls, reflect light and enhance the sense of space, making rooms feel larger and more inviting.
H2: Don’t forget the power of negative space
Negative space, the empty areas around furniture and décor, is just as important as what fills a room. Leaving breathing room avoids clutter and allows each design element to stand out.
Professional stylists purposefully leave gaps between pieces and avoid overcrowding surfaces. This creates a calm, organised feel that elevates your styling.
H2: Your space, professionally styled
Styling your home like a professional interior designer involves combining intentional choices around colour, texture, furniture and lighting to create a balanced and inviting space. Starting with a versatile and durable base like Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) gives you the freedom to build a cohesive look that can evolve as your tastes change.
With careful layering, thoughtful editing and attention to scale and proportion, you can transform your home into a beautifully styled sanctuary that’s uniquely yours, without needing to hire a professional.
