Less is more

As the old saying goes, less is more. And this is almost always the case, especially when it comes to home décor. It’s worth keeping those words in mind when designing a room, from the light fittings right down to the carpet. But sometimes we need it spelling out for us, before we get carried away with different coloured walls and layer upon layer of fabric. So here are a few specifics for keeping your home design in check:

1. A tri-colour scheme is enough

When you’re choosing a colour scheme for a room, think minimal – even if nothing else will be minimalist. Choose a basic colour scheme of two complementary tones, for example, navy and white. Then pick an accent colour, which might be yellow. At a push, you could pick a second accent colour, similar to the first – for example, orange. And then, that’s enough. You might have dozens of favourite colours, but that’s what the other rooms in your house are for.

2. One feature wall is better than four

So, you’ve found a patterned wallpaper that you absolutely adore, and you want to see it everywhere. But do you really? The more you have of something, the less of a novelty it becomes. Plus, a boldly patterned wallpaper on all four walls is a very unique look and can sometimes make a room feel crowded and overwhelming. A feature wall, on the other hand, turns your beloved wallpaper into, well, a feature. It will be more noticeable, without overwhelming the room, and gives a sophisticated look that guests will love.

3. Less furniture, more space

There’s nothing guaranteed to make a room feel small more than too much furniture. Stuffing a room with everything you can possibly fit in might seem like you’re making the most of your space but it’s just the opposite! Space isn’t just for putting stuff in – it’s for fitting people in and for feeling relaxed and calm. Few of us feel relaxed and calm in a room with twenty bits of furniture in. Do you really need a coffee table either side of the armchair when you’ve already got one in the middle of the room? And perhaps that bench would be better suited to a different room? Think it over. We bet there’s something you could move.