interior design ideas

Interior Design Ideas

Learn the basics of home decorating, including where to find ideas, design principles.
41. Working it
No extra room for an office? We love the way this landing has been utilized as a desk space by designers Turner Pocock.
42. Tiny cottage kitchen
The great thing about a tiny kitchen? It can be so cosy. Here, a small sink Udden, ?105 at Ikea is paired with a William Yeoward linen curtain Khalana in marine, ?55 a metre.
43. Slope style
This glamorous chalet in the French Alps designed by Kate Earle of Todhunter Earle has plenty of tips for teeny tiny homes especially in the bedroom department witness exhibit A and exhibit B. In this room, a united colour scheme punctuated with a zigzag rug keeps everything looking sleek particularly the ample storage provided by the large wardrobe and matching nightstand. The wall mounted bedside light is another space saving trick.
44. Light it up
Careful consideration of every socket, shelf and lighting source has transformed a poky bathroom in to an inviting space. The designer Juliette Byrne enlisted lighting designer Sally Storey of John Cullen for the job, installing hidden LEDs to change the feel of the space. So often people consider these things after the carpentry has been done, but we were able to plan in advance which was a joy, says Sally. We used lights on top of mirrors, and illuminated the dead space beneath the floating shelves and the vanity unit, with creates a feeling of depth: the bathroom appears so much bigger.
45. Mix it up
The kitchen in interior designer Jane Taylors flat features storage ideas galore including this clever corner which mixes and matches shelving to brilliant, space saving effect.
46. Pattern in neutral
Wondering what colour scheme to use in a small bedroom? In this small Chelsea house, interior designer Philippa Thorp has ingeniously used every centimetre of space. The scheme revolves around calm neutral patterns and clean lines, highlighted by eye catching abstract paintings including this one by Lasse Skarbovik.
47. Hidden talent
Interior designer Jane Taylor has taken an awkwardly shaped little corner of the dining room in her London home, and hidden it behind a bookshelf, turning it in to a miniature study for her husband Simon containing a desk and shelves. Height has been utilzed with shelves all the way to the ceiling, accessed by a fold away step ladder.
48. Perfectly formed
In this tiny en suite, Gytha Bouchon of Nuttall Home has created an ingenious hybrid that can be used as both bath and shower. A custom made Corian tub has been installed with steps leading down from the bedroom. Taps have been kept at standing height for ease of use.
49. Su su studio
For The Bigger Picture photo shoot, our decorating team took on the challenge of a 17m? studio apartment. They gave the main studio room an injection of personality with a graphic rug and toile wallpaper, while the high display shelf draws the eye to create the illusion of height. Best of all? At night, the chairs which are actually sofa beds can be pushed together to become a stylish double bed. See the room in its bedroom form here.
50. Look for the light
Where does the light in the room come from, and how can you maximise it? These are the first things you should think of when decorating a small room. Interior designer Ann Boyds mirror panelling is a masterstroke. It adds a huge amount of depth. I suggest putting it near or opposite a window; youll be amazed at how much bigger the room feels, and how they bounce the light around, she says. Getting the spaces between the panels right is so important. This look is all about symmetry and it is imperative that the application is scrupulously neat. A fresh palate and delicate furniture are the finishing touches. A dark, poky corner, becomes a light, calm space.