5 Common Interior Design and Styling Questions

Decorating your home can be an exciting yet daunting experience. With countless decisions to make, it’s no wonder our Interior Stylists are frequently asked the same questions by customers seeking to transform their spaces. 

From choosing the right living room layout to finding pieces that balance style with functionality, these questions often revolve around the desire to create a home that’s not only beautiful but also practical and personal. 

In this article, we’ll dive into the most common questions our Interior Stylist received and provide expert insights on how to approach each one. 

1. Layout and space planning: How to arrange furniture for the best outcome?

One of the most common questions is about layout and space planning. Homeowners often wonder how to arrange their furniture to maximize both function and aesthetics. 

“The key to successful space planning is understanding the flow of the room and the way people will move through it,” says Adrika. This not only improves the flow and functionality of a room but also enhances its visual appeal. A well-planned layout ensures that every piece of furniture serves a purpose and contributes to the overall balance of the space.

Here are some tips from Adrika on layout and space planning:

Assess the function of the space

Is the room a space for social gatherings, a quiet reading nook, or a multifunctional area? The function will dictate how you arrange the furniture. 

For example, in a living room, the sofa should be positioned to encourage conversation, usually around a central focal point like the TV. 

Create zones

If you’re dealing with a larger space, divide it into zones to make it feel more intimate and purposeful. Use rugs, lighting, and furniture placement to define areas for lounging, dining, or working.

Maintain clear pathways

Ensure there is enough space to move comfortably between furniture pieces. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 46 to 61 cm of space between the sofa and coffee table and 91 cm for the main walkways.

2. Design and style: How do you mix and match different furniture pieces?

Another frequent question our Interior Stylists get revolves around design and style, particularly when it comes to mixing and matching furniture pieces. 

Several people feel that matching furniture is outdated, while others find that it introduces a cohesive and balanced look to their home. 

“No matter the opinion, the main problem homeowners worry about is how to combine different styles, colours, and textures without creating a disjointed look.”

Here are some tips from Adrika on mixing and matching furniture:

Find a common thread 

The easiest way to mix and match furniture is to find a common element that ties the pieces together. This could be a colour, material, or style. For example, if you have a modern sofa, you might pair it with a mid-century modern chair in a complementary colour.

Balance proportions

Ensure that the proportions of your furniture are balanced. Mixing a heavy, oversized sofa with delicate, lightweight chairs can create an imbalance. Aim for harmony by choosing pieces that complement each other in scale.

Play with textures

Don’t be afraid to mix different textures. A smooth leather sofa can look stunning alongside a plush velvet armchair and a rustic wooden coffee table. The contrast in textures adds depth and interest to the room.

3. Functionality and practicality: How to choose the best furniture for kids and pets?

When it comes to functionality and practicality, Adrika also often gets asked how to choose furniture that can withstand the wear and tear of kids and pets while still looking stylish.

Here are some tips from Adrika on choosing furniture for busy households:

Durable materials

Opt for materials that are easy to clean and resistant to stains and scratches. Contrary to popular belief, leather furniture is a good choice for households with children and pets. Leather is inherently resistant to dirt and liquid penetration, unlike fabric materials, which means hassle-free cleanups and no damaging stains. 

Additionally, performance fabrics are another option to consider. These fabrics are specifically designed to withstand the demands of everyday life with their stain and spill-resistant properties.

Rounded edges

When designing a child-friendly home, safety is a top priority for many parents. One of the most common concerns is the risk of injury from sharp furniture edges, so consider furniture with rounded edges.

This is particularly important for coffee tables, side tables, and other pieces at a child’s height in high-traffic areas like living rooms and playrooms where children are most active.

Rounded edges are not only safer but also more forgiving in everyday use. They are less likely to chip or show wear compared to sharp edges, making them a durable choice for busy households.

Low-profile pieces

Low-to-the-ground furniture significantly reduces the risk of injury, especially with little ones who like to climb and crawl around. Lower profile pieces like sofas or platform beds also make it easier for children and pets to get on and off safely. 

To add on, low-to-the-ground furniture can make a room feel more open and spacious, which is particularly useful for smaller spaces. By lowering the visual weight of furniture, these pieces create the illusion of more space.

4. Budget and value: How to get the look you want within your budget?

Budget is always a concern, and homeowners often ask how to achieve the look they want without breaking the bank. “The good news is that stylish interiors don’t have to be expensive,” says Adrika.

Here are some tips from Adrika on creating your dream home without breaking the bank:

Prioritise your purchases

Your sofa, bed, and dining table are the foundation of your home, and it’s worth investing in high-quality options for these items. These pieces get the most use and are often the focal points of your rooms.

That said, start by investing in these key pieces that will anchor your rooms. You can then layer in more affordable accessories and decor items to complete the look.

Consider longevity

Choose pieces that have timeless appeal rather than trendy items that might go out of style quickly. Classic designs in neutral colours are always a safe bet and can be easily updated with accessories.

Additionally, Adrika recommends investing in high-quality materials such as leather or solid wood. While the upfront cost is higher, these pieces tend to stand the test of time, giving you more bang for your buck. 

Shop smart

Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and clearance items. Don’t be afraid to shop second-hand or at discount stores where you can find high-quality pieces at a fraction of the price.

DIY and upcycle

If you’re handy, consider upcycling existing furniture or creating DIY decor. A fresh coat of paint or new hardware can transform an old piece into something new and stylish.

5. Creating a home that’s yours: How to make the space personal to me?

Incorporating personal touches into your decor is something Adrika often gets asked about, particularly from homeowners who want their space to reflect their personality and experiences.

Here are some tips from Adrika on creating a personalised space:

Incorporate personal items

Use items that have sentimental value, such as family heirlooms, travel souvenirs, or personal collections. Place them on shelves or sideboards in the living room, or in spaces you frequently hang out in such as the kitchen or study.  

These items add character and tell a story about who you are.

Customise where possible

If you have the budget, consider custom furniture or bespoke decor that’s tailored to your taste. This could be a custom-made coffee table, a unique piece of artwork, or even custom upholstery.

Use colour and patterns

Your favourite colours and patterns can be a great way to personalise your space. Don’t feel constrained when you want to follow a certain interior design style but don’t like the colours. 

Whether it’s switching out the colours to ones you like or using different patterns, don’t be afraid to experiment! These elements can make your home feel uniquely yours instead of creating a cookie-cutter space.

Navigate interior design and styling like a pro

Whether you’re reimagining a single room or tackling a full home makeover, the questions you ask can significantly impact the outcome of your project. 

Our Interior Stylists are here to help you navigate these decisions with expertise and creativity. From layout and space planning to mixing styles and working within a budget, their advice can turn your vision into reality. 

Remember, the key to successful interior decorating is to balance functionality with personal style, ensuring that your home is both beautiful and livable.