5 Styling Lessons I've Learnt From My Interior Designer Friend

1. Rugs can be used to separate areas of the home

More rug advice! Did you know rugs can be used to separate different areas of your home, particularly if it’s open plan? I didn’t – until Camilla pointed it out in the open plan living room of an apartment I once lived in. She suggested I place a rug underneath my dining table to separate it from the couch and TV area right next to it – brilliant.

And aside from making a room look more cohesive and framing a space, rugs can do a lot more I didn’t realise. “They’re a great solution to warm a space, or even provide character and texture to your area of choice,” said Camilla.

“For example, a round rug in a space that feels clinical, cold, or even a bit sharp provides softness and allows for a calmer thoroughfare when walking around or through the space. You may also wish to add a larger rug in your home office, framing the space but also for warmth underfoot as you work.”

3. Lighting can make all the difference in a home

“Everything in a room is impacted by the light source,” Camilla said. “And the colour temperature of your light can have a big impact on the way you live and work,” she added.

I had no idea what colour temperature of lights meant, but she explained as a general rule, I should steer clear of bright, fluorescent lights as they look sterile, and warm, yellow-toned lights, which create sluggishness and affect visibility – something you definitely don’t want if you WFH.

“Opt for a natural-lighting globe – cool white LEDs,” she said. “It’s a happy medium, and suits practical applications. When buying globes, think less yellow, more white.”

Lighting can also be used to provide focal points within a space, Camilla taught me. For example, a pendant light fitted over the end of a kitchen island bench can designate an area for guests to congregate in the kitchen.

5. Interior designers offer more than just their styling services

After chatting with Camilla about her job, I’ve learnt a lot about what interior designers and stylists do. Yes, they’re able to guide you in creating spaces that align with your practical needs and personal taste, but did you know they can get you industry trade discounts on furniture, linen, artwork, and accessories?

They also provide you with what Camilla calls “visual bibles”, mood boards of the look and feel of a space they’ll work with you to create, as well as visit suppliers with you. “We can ensure your supplier selections are aesthetically and functionally appropriate for the home or project,” said Camilla. In other words, they’ll stop you from getting items you’ll end up regretting because they either don’t work in the space or aren’t long-lasting.