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A simple room may be transformed by colour, but choosing the right tones can be difficult. Consider these suggestions when choosing a colour scheme for your house.

Avoid choosing the paint colour first when choosing a room’s colour scheme. Start with pieces that are less adaptable, such as furniture, textiles, tiles, and wallpaper, as the paint is affordable and can be matched to almost any colour. Then choose a paint colour based on those components.

It’s not necessary to have a long-term relationship with the colour you choose when adding colour. There are various methods to add colour with subtle accents or bursts of your preferred colour scheme if you prefer a neutral background. Fabrics and textiles, such as those found in carpets, pillows, blankets, and window coverings, are ideal for bringing colour as well as pattern and texture to a space.

Having an accent wall is a popular trend but how do you know which wall to accent? Choosing the correct wall would result in an eye-catching room but choosing the wrong wall and you’ll have a room that just seems off. There are no definitive rules on which wall to choose but in general, it would be the first wall that you see as you walk into the room. There could also be architectural clues such as a fireplace or built-in bookcase.

Always choose a wall that is symmetrical. Solid walls are also best, ones that aren’t interrupted by doors, windows or anything built in. You’ll also want to consider any existing furniture, an accent wall isn’t going to add anything to your room if it’s hidden by furniture. If you can’t find a wall that feels right, consider the ceiling.

You do not need planning permission to convert an attic in most cases. However, there may be other legal and building codes to consider. These can include soundproofing and fire regulations.

You don’t need your neighbour’s permission to convert your loft, but you may need a wall fix if you’re converting your attic in a semi-detached home.

When you have fully completed your conversion, not only can you call an attic room an extra bedroom, but you can also enjoy the added value it can bring to your property. When a two-bedroom home is converted to a three-bedroom house with a fully signed, compliant loft providing an extra bedroom, the property can be fully rated as a three-bedroom home.

A loft conversion is especially suited to homes in confined urban areas where space is at a premium, or a conventional two-story extension doesn’t make financial sense. 

BWithin the UK some properties have basements.  Normally seen as dreary places, they can be converted if you need more space but don’t want to move home.

This blank canvas gives you usable space that could be used in a basement conversion project.

Firstly think about what additional space you need within your home, this will help you come up with ideas. Do you want more living space? Have you always wanted a music room? Are you in need of an extra bedroom? There is so much versatility in a basement room.

Once you have decided on what the room will be, you need to choose a contractor to complete the construction project. Choose someone who has experience in basement conversions.  You will need damp proofing, structural reinforcement and a lot of vision. For period properties, it is even more essential you choose someone experienced.

Sometimes you cannot see the potential in a room, so hiring an interior designer can help you make the most of a space no matter what the theme.

When searching for an interior designer, ask for recommendations from people.  Knowing that someone has already worked with them and what they were like is vital in choosing your designer.  When you pick a designer, ensure that your vision and thoughts align and comfortable communicating with them.

At the initial discussions, ensure that the designer knows what the budget is and a contingency.  Make it clear if this is the maximum you can spend.

Ensure your chosen interior designer has the necessary qualifications and insurances in place before hiring them. This will help should there be any issues throughout the process.

Once you have hired, communicated your ideas and agreed on a design with your interior designer, it’s time to sit back and watch the room take shape.

One of the most trending interior design styles, in the UK, is going Monochrome. A monochrome interior offers a sleek, minimalistic yet elegant look, that is sure to ‘wow’ your guests. If you are considering on going monochrome, remember these tips:

• Think simplicity and opulence- with monochrome looks, keep things simple but beautiful. Keep it clutter-free.

• Symmetry is key- monochrome looks are best when there is balance, keep things symmetrical.

• Traditional yet trendy- modern designs typically offer less of the straight lines and sharpness that help a monochrome design pop.

• Prefer patterns- incorporate patterns to add definition and character.

• Don’t forget foliage- minimalism is key but you still can add an alluring burst of colour through strategically placed planters.

Creating the perfect monochromatic look means that you are not afraid to be bold yet can keep things simple. You will need to be creative and use patterns and lines wisely to keep from having a bland sea of white, black or grey.

One way of arranging living spaces that has been growing in popularity the last few years is Feng Shui. Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art that seeks to manage and increase the flow of “qi” or energy throughout a structure. Many people seek to use this method to increase their productivity and success. One important area, where you spend a great deal of time, is your bedroom. Even though you are typically there to sleep, the bedroom is an important space as it is the first thing you see in the morning and the last thing you see at night.

Quick tips for Feng Shui in the bedroom are:

• Bed placement- ideally you should be able to see the door, whilst in the bed, without being directly in front of or in line with it.
• Electronics- any electronics such as tv or computers should be hidden when not in use.
• Minimise clutter- clutter is distracting and blocks qi.
• Mirror placement- do not put a mirror on the opposite wall as the bed and if you aren’t sleeping well, try rearranging any mirrors in the room.

Feng Shui encompasses so many more aspects but these are a few simple things you can do to help the qi in your bedroom. Beautiful or ‘lucky’ objects in the room can also help to stimulate qi.

It is widely known that our mood and behaviour can be affected by the colours around us, so it is important that when you are considering the colour scheme for your home office you go for colours that are going to help you be focused and productive.

Blue
The colour blue helps to stimulate the mind and help people stay focused.

Red
Red stimulates energy levels and evokes a sense of urgency. Too much red could make you feel anxious so it might be best when balanced with a more calming colour.

Yellow
The colour yellow evokes creativity. It helps to lift spirits and stimulate happiness.

Green
Green brings balance, calm and reassurance.

Orange
Combines the happiness of yellow and the high energy of red.

Purple
Combination of red’s energy and blue’s productivity and has commonly been associated with royalty and power.

A balanced combination of a couple of these colours could help evoke several different moods at once and different cultures can have different feelings about certain colours, so it is really down to figuring out which colours make you feel the best. Even the different hues or intensity levels (saturation) of any one colour can have different affects.

Bathroom lighting can be a difficult thing to get just right. Vanities, tubs and showers all require different lighting choices but there needs to be style and cohesion in the overall design. Here are some of the top recommendations to help you choose what will work for your space:

• Plan for layers of light. It is beneficial to have three layers of light in a bathroom. A combination of ambient light, task lighting (for daily grooming) and accent lighting will ensure that the light is distributed evenly.

• It is not mandatory for the style of the different fixtures to be exact, however you should ensure the fixtures have the same finish, to maintain unity. Brass or Chrome are the most versatile finishes as they can easily complement other bath accessories.

• Size is another thing to keep in mind. Make sure that the fixtures are not too large or too small. If the bathroom is a good size you can accentuate its size with a chandelier, for example.

Fresh flowers in your home can bring in many benefits aside from the aesthetic appeal they give your home. We have listed the top 5 benefits that having fresh flower displays in your home can bring.

1. Reduce stress – Studies suggest that fresh flower displays can reduce your stress levels.

2. Mood-boosting – research suggests that simply having fresh flowers in your home can boost your mood.

3. Air-purifying – certain types of flowers can clean the air around them and reduce toxins.

4. Compliment your interior – flower displays tend to be a focal point of any room and will improve the interior of your room. Placing brightly coloured flowers in a plain room can completely change the feel of the room.

5. Health benefits – we often give flowers to sick people but have you ever wondered why? Aside from the morale boost, some studies suggest that certain flowers can reduce anxiety, blood pressure levels, and reduce feelings of pain.