Interior Design Secrets That Everybody Should Know About

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links, at no cost to you. I only recommend products from suppliers I genuinely love and use, as an interior designer.

Today I wanted to write a blog post on all of my top interior design secrets that can totally transform the look of your home.

So whether you’re just getting started with decorating a new place or you’re thinking of becoming an interior designer, here are some things to keep in mind when designing!

1.Don’t be Afraid of Colour

One of the best interior design secrets I can share with anybody is to stop being afraid of colour!!

I know it’s so easy to lean into neutral colours but brighter colours can make all the difference to the vibe in a room.

Speaking of colours, we also shouldn’t be afraid of including patterns. Patterns can really elevate the home when done well and add SO much more depth to a room.

If you’re drawn to a specific colour, really try to incorporate that into your home because it can also help to improve your mood too.

If you are new to adding colour to your home then start small. Opt for pastels or calmer colours such as teals and lilac!

Photo: Farrow and Ball via Sleek Chic 

2. Always Choose Timeless & Classic Furniture

One of the best things you can do is stop buying into micro trends and instead choose timeless and classic pieces.

Not only do these pieces add much more of a luxury effect to your home, but they will also last a far longer time which means you’re going to spend a lot less on purchasing new furniture each time you move.

These products can also go with you from home to home and be passed down to other generations in your family!

Andrew Martin has timeless classics that will stand the test of time. This is the Truman Junior Sofa. 

3. Utilise Mirrors

This may be less of a secret and is way more well-known now, but I had to include it anyway!

Utilising mirrors is so important to open up a space and I would highly recommend having a mirror in every single room.

You should always use mirrors in spaces in your home that don’t have large windows as they can make the space feel larger.

Cox & Cox have some fabulous mirrors, like this Ludlow Mirror. 

4. Hide Radiators With Cabinets or Shelves

Radiators can throw off the entire design of the room.

So instead, get specific cabinet covers that go over radiators to give them a much more classic and calming feel. 

You can even then create a little book nook for yourself that has the perfect view of the outside.

This custom made console from Etsy makes the perfect use of additional storage space above a radiator. 

5. Don’t Be Afraid To Make Your Own Art

You can save 1000s of pounds by deciding to create your own art instead of purchasing pieces of art.

This is a really fun activity and you don’t have to be that artistic to be able to hop on Pinterest or YouTube and get inspired by some of the designs that people create over there!

This is such a fun way to add a personal touch to a room and you get to design the art exactly how you like it.

Try your hand at pressed flower artwork with guidance from the brilliant Stevie Storck.

6. Mix Vintage & Modern Decor

One of my favourite things to do is to mix traditional and older pieces with modern decor.

At first, you may not feel like this is such a good idea, but once you see them paired together it will change your mind! It just adds so much character!

Style Curator has some excellent tips on how to achieve this. 

7. Wicker Adds Personality to a Room

If you feel like your room is lacking personality, adding a wicker basket or some form of wicker furniture can inject a little personality into a room.

I don’t even know what the secret was in this one but it really works!

These wicker log baskets from Cox and Cox add texture and warmth and are just so lovely!

8. Finishing Touches Make All Of The Difference

Switching out your light switches or updating door knobs on cabinets make all of the difference when bringing to life a room.

Make sure to check out my selection of affordable door knobs and door handles!

Check out the beautiful Tenebrae collection in polished chrome. 

9. Don’t be Afraid to Paint

Have you ever walked into a room in a home and it just feels like it hasn’t been lived in? That's probably because it’s lacking some form of colour on the walls.

If your room is really struggling to feel homey, then try painting the walls a warm, rich colour!

Photo: Oka via Homes & Gardens

Key Takeaways on Interior Design Secrets That Everybody Should Know About 

Those were all of my top interior design secrets!

From utilising mirrors to adding wicker baskets these simple touches will elevate the rooms in your home.

Will you implement any of these? Let me know in the comments!