Looking to renovate or redecorate your home? We’ve got you covered with top tips and interior design rules each of the Topology designers swear by. From planning to finishing touches, this insider info will keep you from making costly mistakes and design regrets!
Athina
For me I think there are 3 key elements that will ultimately result in your home feeling polished, refreshed and beautifully designed if you give them attention. These are specifically your switches & sockets, radiators and skirting boards. Pay attention to these fine details and your space will instantly feel elevated – this is especially true in older properties.
Try a brand like Corston for modern switches & sockets – we particularly love their ‘antique brass’ range. For radiators, a modern column style radiator, a play on the traditional cast iron, look great in all properties. Buy them cheap from somewhere like Best Heating or Screwfix, but buy premium valves in an luxury brass finish to elevate them.
Amelie
When designing a space, it’s crucial to think about how you will use it. Ensure it’s not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional and matches your lifestyle. Consider the activities that will take place in the room and choose furniture and decor that support those activities. For example, if you love reading, create a cosy nook with a comfortable chair and good lighting. A beautiful space is great (we wouldn’t say otherwise!), but it needs to serve your everyday needs and enhance your quality of life.
Another interior design rule I swear by is adding plants to your space – it is a game-changer! They don’t just look beautiful; they also breathe life into your home, literally. Plants improve air quality and bring a calming, natural vibe. Adding greenery can instantly elevate your decor. Plus, plants are super versatile – they can soften hard edges, fill awkward corners, and add pops of vibrant colour.
Danielle
Artwork can make or break a space. Carefully consider what you want on your walls – the size, shape, colour and subject will all play into how the room feels. Generally speaking, the art should be 2/3rds the width of the item it’s above (e.g over a sofa or headboard). Art doesn’t also have to be right in the middle of a wall either – it can often look better off centre or used to ‘balance’ the space. For example, you may have a large plant on one side of the room, so a piece of art on the other will help to visually balance the room.
My top tip is not to rush into purchasing items for your home, even if you have a gaping hole where a large piece of furniture, eg. a dining table or sofa is supposed to be, it’s better for it to sit empty for a little while than rushing into purchasing an item that is too small, too big or that will dictate the rest of the design.
Charlie
Proportion and scale are crucial in interiors. This means selecting furniture and decor that fits the size of your room and complements other elements within the space. Oversized furniture in a small room can make it feel cramped, while tiny pieces in a large room can get lost in the space! One way to maintain balance is by creating a focal point, such as a fireplace, and arranging your furniture around it. Ensure there’s a variety of shapes and sizes to avoid monotony.
Wall lights! These little guys are so underestimated but can really make a space feel elevated and polished. Whilst they can be installed retrospectively, our advice would be to plan these ahead of your renovation to ensure a seamless installation if they require chasing into the wall or patching & painting over. Our favourite lighting brands for wall lights are Pooky, Lights&Lamps & Anthropologie currently.