How to Face an Empty Room: Interior Design Tips for Beginners
The Blank Canvas: Transforming Spaces with Purpose and Passion
As we step confidently into 2025, many of us are embracing fresh starts and new projects. For me, this year began with a reflection on past work and the most resonant themes in my podcast. One particular episode, titled “The Blank Canvas: How to Start with Nothing”, emerged as a listener favourite. It resonated because it touched on a universal experience—standing before an empty space and wondering how to transform it into something meaningful.
Today, I want to revisit this theme, enriched by more experiences and a deeper understanding of what it means to create spaces that truly reflect our essence. So, whether you’re an enthusiast dreaming of your next project or a high-net-worth individual (HNWI) seeking bespoke interiors in London, this journey is for you.
Starting with Nothing but Ideas
Imagine an entirely empty room—bare walls, unadorned floors, a blank slate waiting to become a sanctuary, a hub of creativity, or a serene retreat. That initial emptiness can be both intimidating and exhilarating. It’s akin to an artist standing before a blank canvas, brush in hand, pondering the first stroke.
Even if you feel clueless about where to begin, the truth is, deep down, you already know more than you think. Your preferences, memories, and aspirations are all swirling around, waiting to coalesce into a vision. This inner dialogue is the foundation of any design journey.
The Guiding Thread: Finding Your Design Set
The first crucial step is identifying your Design Set—the central idea, motif, or inspiration that will guide the entire project. This isn’t merely about choosing a colour scheme or a style; it’s about pinpointing a concept that resonates deeply with you, something that will steer every decision from furnishings to finishing touches.
For instance, in one of my recent projects for a well-travelled couple, their love for global adventures became our Design Set. This thread wove through every choice we made, from the earthy tones reminiscent of desert landscapes to oceanic blues reflecting their favourite coastal escapes.
Defining the Space’s Purpose
Once you have your guiding inspiration, the next step is to define the purpose of each space clearly. Whether it’s a multifunctional living area or a serene reading nook, every room should serve a specific function that aligns with your lifestyle. This clarity ensures that the design remains cohesive and practical.
Building a Story Through Design
Interior design isn’t just about filling spaces with beautiful objects; it’s about telling a story. Your home should narrate who you are, your journeys, passions, and even your quirks. This narrative approach turns a house into a home, filled with personal significance and warmth.
Take, for example, the aforementioned couple’s industrial-style loft with towering ceilings and expansive windows. To soften the starkness, we infused the space with rich textures and colours drawn from their travels. Photos from their adventures inspired the palette, leading us to incorporate deep greens, earthy browns, and oceanic hues that brought nature indoors.
Mixing Luxury with Accessibility
Luxury doesn’t always equate to exorbitant prices. In my projects, I often blend high-end pieces with more accessible finds. A well-placed vintage bookshelf or a reclaimed wood table can add character without overshadowing the space’s elegance. It’s about balance—juxtaposing opulence with everyday comfort to create spaces that are both aspirational and livable.
The Emotional Connection
When choosing elements for your home, it’s essential to ask yourself: “Does this piece resonate with me? Will I feel connected to it every time I enter the room?” This emotional connection is a litmus test for authenticity in design. If a piece feels right, it’s worth incorporating, even if it means adjusting the budget elsewhere.
Navigating Budget and Priorities
Budget constraints are a reality in any project. However, it’s vital to prioritise elements that you’ll cherish long-term. If a particular material or piece is out of reach now, ask yourself whether you’ll regret not including it in the future. Sometimes, it’s worth waiting or reallocating funds to ensure that the design truly feels complete.
The Art of Layering
Designing a space is much like creating a layered artwork. Every detail matters—from the texture of the cushions to the gleam of a door handle. Thoughtfully curated accessories like framed photographs, candles, and throws can transform a room, adding layers of comfort and personality.
The Joy of the Process
Embracing the design process as a journey rather than a destination can make the experience profoundly rewarding. It’s about finding joy in each decision, from the grandest concept to the tiniest detail. This approach not only creates beautiful spaces but also makes the process enjoyable and fulfilling.
Your Story, Your Space
Design is deeply personal. It’s an opportunity to weave your life’s narrative into the spaces you inhabit. By starting with a clear inspiration, defining purposes, and making choices that resonate with your identity, you create a home that is uniquely yours—a place that feels right every time you walk through the door.
As you face your own blank canvas, remember: every choice should reflect your story, your style, and your spirit. And if you ever feel stuck, return to that guiding thread—it will lead you to a space that feels not just designed, but truly lived in.