britishcollegeofinteriordesign

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A circular rug is always a great way to help make a statement, a little bit like a permanent spotlight. Use the rug to draw the eye to a feature piece, placed in the centre. Just make sure that the rug colour has enough contrast with the floor to truly demand attention!

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Kids rooms can be some of the most fun projects to receive as an interior designer. They allow you to use a bit more creativity in attempting to spark their curiosity and imagination. Just make sure that your design can be easily adapted as the kids get older - think wall stickers instead of a painted mural!

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Do you know the secretive history of this common decorative feature? The rose has symbolised secrecy since Roman times, and hanging a rose over a meeting table became a sign of confidentiality and free speech in the Middle Ages. This later led to rose designs being physically carved into the ceilings, and over time the phrase came to refer to this ornate moulding (whether or not a rose actually features in the design!) These days ceiling roses are great for adding a striking focal point, especially for spaces with lovely high ceilings.

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Sometimes all it takes is a creative mind to turn trash into treasure! For example, this old ladder might not be safe to use for it’s original purpose, but looks great used as a rack for throw blankets. Check out the Interior Design Academy’s Tips page for more helpful advice on designing your world: bit.ly/IDAtips

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Rounded edges and circular forms were a strong trend at the recent 2018 Salon de Mobile (a trade show in Milan that often sets worldwide trends). These plump ovular shapes give a friendly, comfortable appearance to any setting. The cartoonish quality of these forms also creates a great contrast with more angular pieces.

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Moving on from blushed hues, wine-inspired tones are the next big trend in the pink/red family. These colours all incorporate a dash of purple (the colour of the year) to add a touch of sophistication. Your inspiration can be anything from a peachy pink Rosé to a deep ruby Merlot.

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Smaller details like crockery are often overlooked - but the right choice can make a big impact. The current trend is towards hand-made pieces, using organic forms and imperfect finishes that celebrate the unique nature of handmade crafts. You can source originals from local potters, or even find look-alike styles in larger shops.

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Consider a very light grey as an alternative to the ubiquitous white wall. Grey gives the room greater depth and allows details such as white architraves to really “pop”. It also helps to draw out colours instead of creating a harsh contrast, while remaining universally harmonious with any colour scheme. Photo: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

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Need inspiration for your next statement wall art? We have noticed a recent trend towards close-up shots featuring cows and horses. A black and white version can give a moody, artsy feel (without invoking a country homestead!) Pic: Jenni Radosevich

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You’ve probably heard that what’s on the inside is more important than the outside, but when it comes to houses, first impressions matter! Steal this classic Palm Springs trick of painting the front door a solid, bold colour to instantly lift an otherwise plain facade. Photo: Matt Crump

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Need to make a bold statement but don’t have room for a sculpture? An armchair can make the same visual impact while also offering a practical purpose. Pic: ELTE

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This bathroom, in the home of actress Naomi Watts, proves that chandeliers are not just for living or dining areas. Together with other well-chosen gold accents, this light fixture brings a touch of decadence to an otherwise minimal black and white bathroom. Pic: Architectural Digest

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Across multiple studies and surveys, blue has always been the most popular colour. But what makes us favour blue? It reminds us most strongly of the ocean or a clear sky, and has hardly any negative associations. Blue can be a great safe choice when you need an interior to appeal to a wide range of people, but using a bolder shade can still make a statement!

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Styling a bedside table? Start by finding the perfect lamp then add in objects like an alarm clock, jewellery tray, artwork, framed photo or candle. Books can be stacked under other objects to add height and visual interest. Avoid overcrowding with too many knick-knacks though, as a cluttered bedroom can exacerbate stress! Pic: Carly Waters Style

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Lighting has sometimes been referred to as “the jewellery of the home”. Like a great pair of earrings instantly improves an outfit, a statement light fixture is the perfect place to add a touch of flair that elevates the entire space. Some key locations for your “jewellery” include entry and hallways, over dining or meeting tables, above kitchen islands, and bedroom lamps. Photo: Hannah Blackmore

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To be a great designer you must always feed your mind with inspiration, so that you don’t end up repeating the same ideas. Instead of scrolling through Pinterest, try using books and magazines, so that you don’t get distracted and can truly absorb what you’re looking at. It’s good for your brain!

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You might have heard of a statement bathtub, but what about a statement sink? Adding an oversized double sink like this one can be the perfect addition to an ensuite bathroom (if size permits), allowing a couple to share sink space at the same time. Just make sure you add in a wide enough mirror! Pic: Stoffer Photography Interiors