Eclectic Decorating Tips From A Top Interiors Blogger

Katie Woods, interior blogger behind Come Down To The Woods, shares the secrets behind her eclectic style.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE QUICK AND EASY DESIGN TRICK?

Even the simplest of rooms can be transformed by simple accessories. An oversized vase or a bold cushion, a unique lamp or a piece of art. Adding accessories is a quick and easy way to trick a room into a revamp. And don’t forget the detail, the things you touch are so important. Light switches, handles and sockets, these are all the things that should be invested in.

Dowsing and Reynolds offer an incredible selection of switches dimmers and plug sockets.

See Also:CHRISTMAS STYLING TIPS FROM COME DOWN TO THE WOODS

WHAT THREE THINGS ARE ESSENTIAL TO CREATING A BEAUTIFUL SPACE?

1.Really consider the space and the people in it before you start. Take into consideration what you will be doing in it and how the space will serve you. Think carefully about the pieces that you will fill the space with. Scale drawings are great for planning the footprint of the room and making sure the proportions are spot on. Make each room a reflection of the people that will be using it.

(Image credit: Helen Williams)

2.Layer everything. If the space is visually flat it will never look beautiful. Layer lighting by using ambient, accent and task lighting. Lighting can completely alter the feel of a space. Layer fabrics by using different textures and patterns, textiles will make a room feel warm and welcoming. Make the space a feast for the eyes by ensuring there are focal points at all levels.

3.Fill the space with things that make your heart sing. Pick pieces, patterns and designs because YOU love them and not because they are popular or safe. Trends will come and go but what you love will stick around for much longer.

WHERE DO MOST PEOPLE GO WRONG?

By not taking enough risks. Our minds are buzzing with incredible ideas but so many of us bottle out when it comes to the crunch. I get it, there are so many considerations. Is the velvet sofa practical? Will I regret painting the ceiling dark? Am I going to tire of that bold pattern. Well, you’ll never know until you take the plunge and quite frankly, I would much rather have the velvet sofa with sticky fingerprints than no velvet sofa at all. By taking those risks you will guarantee to inject a healthy dose of personality into your home.

WHICH DESIGN RULES DO YOU LOVE TO BREAK?

Clashing patterns. I love to mix bold prints and experiment with bright colours. Pattern makes me happy and the possibilities are endless. A great way to start is with accessories, don’t be afraid to sit cushions of differing designs side by side.

WE'RE STRANDING YOU ON A DESERT ISLAND WITH A BLANK ROOM TO DECORATE . WHAT WOULD YOU PACK TO CREATE YOUR DREAM SPACE AND WHAT LOOK WOULD YOU GO FOR?

I love this question! If I was stranded on my own then my number one priority would be to make the room cosy. I would start with wallpaper and choose one of my all time favourite brands, House of Hackney. I would add lighting with fringing from Beauvamp and sumptuous velvet furniture. Foliage would feature high on the agenda which would also give me something to talk to. I’d add huge Crittal windows to look over the ocean (money is no object right?) and a gin bar, there has to be a bar. Lastly, a gallery wall of photos of all the folk that I love.

See more of Katie Woods' style on her Instagram page