Form refers to the shape of a room as well as the objects within it. It can be geometric or organic and, when used thoughtfully, it brings structure and balance. A well-composed room uses repeated forms to create visual harmony while mixing shapes sparingly to add interest without chaos.

Design reference: One of the pioneers of modern architecture, and an absolute favourite of ours, Le Corbusier is a great example of embracing clean geometric forms, believing that form should always follow function.

Lines guide the eye and define shapes and forms. They can be horizontal (creating a sense of stability), vertical (adding height), or dynamic/diagonal (suggesting movement and energy). Lines are evident in architectural details, furnishings, and even the silhouette of objects in a room.

Design reference: Elsie de Wolfe, often credited as America’s first professional interior decorator, broke away from the heavy Victorian style to use clean lines and symmetry, bringing a light, airy feel to her rooms.

Light, both natural and artificial, is critical in interior design. It affects how we perceive colours, forms, and spaces, and it influences much of the mood. Well-lit rooms feel open and welcoming, while dim lighting can evoke intimacy or drama. How do you design lighting in a space? By layering it, using a mix of ambient (general), task (functional), and accent (decorative) lighting. The interplay of light and shadow can dramatically alter the mood of a space.

Design reference: Jean-Michel Frank, known for his minimalist interiors in the 1920s and ’30s, often emphasised the importance of natural light, using pale tones and reflective materials to enhance brightness.

Colour sets the emotional tone of a room. Warm tones (reds, oranges, yellows) are stimulating and cosy, while cool tones (blues, greens) evoke calm and serenity. Colours are not just for decor, they can be used to define zones in open spaces or to create focal points. A well-designed colour palette brings unity and rhythm to an interior and can link to nature, art, or cultural influences.

Design reference: British designer Terence Conran championed modern living with vibrant colour schemes that reflected post-war optimism. He believed colour was key to energising a home.

Patterns are the elements that create rhythm—they bring energy, movement, and life to a space. They appear everywhere, from wallpaper to fabrics, rugs, and accessories. The key is balance: there’s no right or wrong pattern, but it’s important to mix patterns of different scales and styles while maintaining a unifying colour palette.

Design reference: William Morris, a central figure in the Arts and Crafts movement, was a master of pattern. His richly detailed wallpaper and textile designs emphasised nature-inspired motifs, craftsmanship, and harmony.

Texture refers to the surface quality of materials, how they feel and how they look like they might feel. Combining different textures (smooth, rough, soft, hard) adds depth and tactile interest to a room. A room with a single texture can feel flat; layering textures creates richness, especially in monochromatic designs.

Design reference: Dorothy Draper, known for her bold, theatrical interiors in the early 20th century, expertly used texture through lacquered furniture, plush upholstery, and ornate mouldings to create dramatic contrast and personality.

Choose foundational pieces (sofas, beds, etc.) in a cohesive style for 70% of the space, then add contrast with 30% through statement elements like chairs or artwork.

Blend 70% of the room with consistent materials (wood, metal, fabric), and for the remaining 30%, introduce complementary textures to add depth.

Divide the space into three sections to guide furniture placement and art arrangements, ensuring balance.

Allow breathing room between objects to prevent a cluttered look.

Use 80% of the materials in neutral, timeless finishes, and incorporate 20% with bold or unconventional textures to make the design stand out. For example, in a kitchen, this could mean using 80% neutral cabinets with 20% accent kitchen backsplash or countertop in a bold colour.

Blend 70% of the room with consistent materials (wood, metal, fabric), and for the remaining 30%, introduce complementary textures to add depth.

Apply the 20/80 rule by making 20% of the space a striking focal point, like a dramatic piece of art or a bold furniture choice, while the rest remains more balanced.

80% of the space should remain clean and open, while 20% can be filled with objects or features that create a sense of emphasis or interest.

When choosing fixtures, selecting compact or multifunctional items tailored for small spaces is the best approach. This includes opting for a vanity with built-in storage but also using rounded edges, where possible, to prevent bumps in tight quarters.

Example: create a walk-in shower with a frameless glass door instead of a bathtub, this will make the space feel bigger and will allow you to get away with a slightly smaller shower width.

If possible, adding a skylight or increasing the window size, will help to create a feeling of space. Incorporating layered lighting such as overhead lights, wall sconces, and recessed lighting is also a great way to enhance the space.

And for the windows? We tend to maximize natural light by keeping windows uncovered or using light and simple window dressing.

Every bathroom needs some sort of storage, even if it’s a tiny one, and when the room is small, it can feel quite overpowering. One solution is to think vertically and incorporate smart storage like floating shelves or tall cabinets. How about integrating recessed shelves in the shower or above the toilet? Or use hooks or rails for towels and robes instead of bulky towel bars?

Example: A built-in cabinet with a mirrored front provides storage and the mirror will enlarge the perception of the space.

Does the bathroom have a high ceiling? Bringing the tiles all the way up is a nice way to enhance the space. Also carrying the same floor times into the shower is a good solution to have a floor space that looks bigger.

Colour-wise, the most common advice is to go light, using a neutral palette, but we like a bit of colour and texture and think they both can add lots of value. But how? We usually go for a contrast between the floor and the walls: dark and light or bold and simple.