How to Furnish Your Space Like an Interior Designer

Have you ever walked into a beautifully designed space and wondered how everything just works? Well, it's a mix of clever planning, thoughtful choices, and a few tricks that interior designers swear by. And the best part is that you don't need a design degree to make your home feel polished and put together. So, whether you're starting from scratch or refreshing a room, our expert-approved tips will help you furnish your space like a pro.

1. Start with a Mood Board (yes, before you shop!)

Interior designers never start shopping without a plan, and neither should you.
A mood board helps you:

    o Define your colour palette

    o Identify textures and materials that work together

    o Avoid impulse buys that won’t suit your space

Tip: Use Pinterest, Canva, or even a folder of saved Instagram posts to curate your style before you go shopping

2. Think in Layers, Not Just Big Pieces

Great design is all about layering - combining different textures, heights, and materials to add depth and dimension.

    o Start with foundation pieces (sofa, bed, dining table).

    o Add secondary layers (rugs, coffee tables, sideboards).

    o Finish with accent layers (cushions, throws, art, lighting).

Tip: A room without layers can feel flat. Mixing materials can add depth. Wood, glass, metal, fabric, and stone can all work beautifully together.

3. Get Your Scale & Proportions Right

One of the biggest mistakes in home furnishing is choosing pieces that are too big or too small for a space.

    o Rugs should be big enough that at least the front legs of your sofa and chairs sit on them.

    o Sofas should leave enough breathing (and walking) room. It’s best not to cram an oversized lounge into a tiny space.

    o Dining tables need at least 90cm of clearance around them for easy movement.

Tip: Before buying, use painter’s tape to outline furniture dimensions on the floor. It’s an easy way to visualise how things will fit in your space.

4. Balance Matching and Mixing

Too much matching can make your space look like a showroom and too much mixing can make it seem chaotic. The secret? Controlled contrast to keep you space cohesive.

    o Keep one unifying or similar element (e.g. a warm colour palette or a common material like oak).

    o Pair opposite textures - smooth with rough, soft with structured.

    o Mix old and new - modern pieces with vintage finds create character.

Tip: A plush fabric sofa looks stunning next to a raw timber coffee table.

5. Lighting is Everything (seriously, everything)

Interior (and Lighting) designers swear by layered lighting - a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting makes a space feel cosy, functional, and elevated.

    o Use ambient lighting (ceiling lights, floor lamps) to set the mood.

    o Task lighting (table lamps, pendants over benches) for function.

    o And accent lighting (wall sconces, LED strips, spot lights) to highlight key areas.

Lighting Designers tip: Swap out harsh white bulbs for warm-toned ones (2700K - 3000K). It will instantly make a space feel more inviting.

6. Invest in Key Pieces, But Still Have Fun with Trends

Not everything in your home needs to be a splurge, but some items are worth the investment.

Splurge on Sofas, dining tables, mattresses - anything you’ll use daily. Save on cushions, artwork, décor - easy swaps when trends change.

Tip: A classic, high-quality sofa paired with seasonal decor swaps keeps your home looking fresh without a major overhaul.

7. Don’t Skip the Final Touches

A home never feels ‘done’ until it has character. That extra layer of styling (and your vibe) that makes it personal.

    o Greenery (real or faux!) instantly softens a space.

    o Personal touches - coffee table books, framed photos, meaningful bits and bobs.

    o Textiles - cushions, throws, and rugs make everything feel soft and inviting.

Tip: Group decor in odd numbers (3 or 5) for a more natural and balanced look.

The Design Should Feel Like You

The best interiors reflect the people who live in them. Don’t be afraid to mix it up and create a space that makes you happy. With these designer-approved tips, your home will feel intentional, polished, and unmistakably yours.

And if you’re after some new pieces, check out our collections online or visit one of our showrooms.