Last Updated on February 12, 2025 by Kravelv
What I love most about working in home renovation and design is creating beautiful, functional spaces that look amazing but can also be lived in. At Northside Developments, we take on projects with one goal in mind, to turn our clients’ visions into reality. Recently, I completed several exciting interior design projects that offered some valuable insights into what works (and what doesn’t) when transforming a home. Whether you’re planning a full remodel or simply refreshing your interiors, these tried-and-true tips can help make your space feel both welcoming and look divine.
Emphasise Natural Light
One thing I always stress to clients is the importance of natural light. It doesn’t just make a room look bigger, it makes everything feel fresher and more inviting. In a recent kitchen remodel, we installed large windows along two walls, letting in loads of natural light that changed the space from dark and enclosed to bright and open.
For those without the luxury of big windows, mirrors are your next best friend. A strategically placed mirror reflects existing light, bouncing it around the room and creating an airy atmosphere. Another way to incorporate light into your space is considering glass doors or even skylights as options to let in that extra light, this allows real sunlight to touch the space.
Choose the Right Colour Palette
Choosing colours can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that the colour palette chosen can set the mood of a room. When I’m working on a project, I often start by asking clients how they want to feel in each room. Do they want it to be calm, energising, or cosy? We just did a living room in soft greys and whites with pops of blue, creating a peaceful, beach-inspired vibe that felt fresh and relaxed.
If you’re unsure about bold colours, try incorporating them in small ways. Accent walls, artwork, or soft furnishings cushions or rugs maybe even vases or bowls in bold hues, these can add personality without overwhelming the room. For a timeless look it goes without saying soft neutrals like beige, white, and grey as a base makes the space versatile easy to change things up with accessories when you want a change. This neutral base is perfect for clients who love changing up their space often, as this allows them to switch up furniture and accessories to completely transform their space.
Invest in Quality Flooring
Flooring sets the foundation for a room’s look and feel, and it’s one area where I always advise clients to invest wisely. Wood floors are a classic choice, they are durable but adds warmth and can suit various styles. In one home renovation, we used rich oak flooring throughout, which provided both elegance and resilience, making it ideal for a busy family home full of children, pets and activity.
If hardwood floor isn’t an option, quality vinyl or laminate can offer a similar aesthetic at a more budget-friendly price. For your bathrooms and kitchens, porcelain or ceramic tiles are an excellent choice, they’re water-resistant, durable, and come in a wide variety of colours and designs. Carpet is a popular choice for bedrooms as it adds a cozy feel in the bedroom, especially during winter times.
Focus on Functionality with Storage
I believe that practical storage solutions are the backbone of any well-designed space. Nothing ruins a room’s look faster than clutter. On a recent project we added custom cabinetry that blended seamlessly into the design while maximising storage for the owners. Having clever storage solutions, like built-in cabinets, floating shelves, or multi-functional furniture with hidden storage under chairs or benches will give you the space to keep things organised and out of sight.
One of my favourite storage tips is to make use of vertical space. Tall shelves, wall-mounted cabinets, and hooks can all free up valuable floor space while keeping essentials within easy reach. For smaller spaces, storage ottomans, layered clothes hangers and under-bed drawers are lifesavers.
Add Warmth with Texture
Texture is an element that many people can overlook, but it creates depth and warmth in a room. Mixing materials like velvet sofas, woven baskets, or wooden tables, can give a space a cosy, layered look. Try combining a soft wool rug with linen bedding and a reclaimed wood headboard can create a rich, inviting warm look and atmosphere.
Texture isn’t just limited to soft furnishings, though. Consider textured wall treatments, such as wallpaper with a subtle pattern or shiplap panelling it can bring some character into a room. Even a mix of metals like brass, bronze, and iron will make a space feel more dynamic and bold.
Create a Cohesive Style with Thoughtful Decor
One of the best ways to make your home feel “put together” is by sticking to a cohesive style. While it definitely feels tempting to buy that trendy item, I recommend starting with a base style, whether modern, rustic, or eclectic then choosing decor that complements it. You can take a modern approach with clean lines and neutral tones, then add warmth through wood and metal accents for a bit of contrast.
If you’re unsure of your style, take a look at your favourite furniture pieces or artwork as a starting point. Like I mentioned before decorative items like cushions, vases, or framed photos or artwork add personality to a room without a huge commitment. And remember, less is often more, pick a few well-chosen pieces to make a bigger impact.
Incorporate Greenery for a Fresh Touch
Plants breathe life into any space, adding a touch of nature not only looks pretty but literally helps you breath better, try putting a fiddle leaf fig in the corner it will instantly make the room feel vibrant and welcoming. For those without a green thumb, there are plenty of low-maintenance options like succulents or snake plants that still add that fresh, organic feel.
Don’t forget greenery also works beautifully in bathrooms and kitchens, a small herb pot on the kitchen counter or a hanging plant in the bathroom can make these areas feel more inviting and a lot prettier.
Layer Your Lighting for Ambiance
Good lighting makes all the difference to any space, and layering is the key to getting it right. In each room, aim for a mix of ambient (general), task (focused), and accent (decorative) lighting.
Try added lights under kitchen cabinets, it will provide great task lighting for cooking while also giving the room a warm glow. For living areas, a statement pendant light can be combined with floor lamps for balance. Dimmer switches are also a fantastic addition, allowing you to adjust the brightness based on the time of day or the mood you want to create. You can have a bright, productive space for the morning and then dim the lights for the evening to create a cozy vibe.
Customise Your Space with Artwork and Personal Touches
Finally, personal touches are what make a house truly feel like home. Artwork, family photos, and meaningful decor pieces tell your story and create a space that feels uniquely yours. Adding a gallery wall of family photos, will make it look warm and charming.
If you’re looking for affordable art, loads of sites offer a range of prints and original pieces from independent artists. Or frame that piece the kids gave you from back in their school days, always display what you love, and remember don’t be afraid to mix it up with textures and colours.
Keep Things Flexible
Your style might change over time, and that’s okay. One thing to remember is to keep it simple and adaptable by using timeless furniture pieces and make the more “trendy” changes through smaller decor items that can be updated with ease. That way, you can change things without having to redesign and refurnish your whole home.
Whether you’re starting small or going for a full renovation, Northside Developments are here to help by bring your vision to life. We’re dedicated to delivering high-quality results and personalised service every step of the way. Contact us to learn how we can help you transform your home into a place you will truly love.
