Why Great Design is About More than Furniture

Dancing with Spaces: The Key to Creating Interiors that Truly Connect

When I arrived in London back in 2011, I encountered something that stayed with me. In a shared flat, I met a woman who, during a phone interview, spoke about herself with a confidence that took me by surprise. It wasn’t arrogance; it was clarity. She had this rare ability to articulate what she was good at without hesitation.

That moment stayed with me because, back then, speaking confidently about your skills wasn’t as common – at least not in my circles. Even now, I sometimes find it challenging to talk openly about what I excel at.

Yet here I am, embracing it, because after more than a decade designing luxury interiors for High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) in London, I know this: sharing what you’re good at can help others. And that’s the purpose of this space – to share what I’ve learned, so you can create interiors that inspire, connect, and transform your life.

So, let’s dive in. Close your eyes for a moment and imagine a space where colours are not just seen but felt, where light kisses every corner with intention, and every piece of furniture seems to sit exactly where it belongs. It’s like dancing with a partner who knows how to guide you effortlessly through every step.

That’s what great interior design feels like.

The Trap of Designing in Isolated Layers

One of the biggest mistakes people make in interior design – whether it’s a living room, bedroom, or home gym – is treating decisions as islands. Let me explain with an example from this week.

After months of waiting, I received a design proposal for a private home gym. When I opened it, I was greeted with a space that felt completely disconnected. Machines were crammed into corners, visual barriers blocked natural light, and the layout failed to consider the breathtaking views outside.

What went wrong? The designer had worked solely in 2D plans, focusing on fitting the machines to meet regulations without considering the bigger picture. Designing in 2D might work for ensuring things fit, but interior design isn’t experienced in two dimensions – it’s a three-dimensional world.

This is a mistake I see far too often: layouts that seem functional on paper but fail in real life because they don’t account for how we actually move, see, and feel in a space. It’s like writing a poem by picking random words – the pieces are there, but there’s no rhythm, no soul.

Designing in 3D: Bringing Stories to Life

Designing in 3D goes beyond placing objects; it’s about creating a dialogue between every element in the space. Take the gym example again: instead of just shuffling machines until they fit, I reimagined the entire experience:

Flooring that tells a story: Rubber flooring in the weights area for safety, transitioning to warm laminate for the cardio and stretching zones.
Walls that amplify the mood: Strategically placed mirrors to enhance light and space, complemented by warm wooden accents to soften the atmosphere.
Ceilings that work harder: Acoustic panels to absorb sound and subtle lighting installations to create a sense of calm.

And then there’s the connection to the outdoors. Those stunning views were completely blocked in the original design, so I repositioned the larger machines and ensured that the cycling stations faced the windows. This simple change transformed the experience, allowing users to feel as though they were cycling in the open air.

Why Every Detail Matters

The principles that apply to a gym are universal, whether you’re designing a lounge, dining room, or home office. Every element contributes to the overall experience:

The flooring: Is it both functional and aesthetically pleasing? How does it transition between spaces?
The walls: What emotions do the materials, colours, and textures evoke?
The ceiling: Is it just an afterthought, or does it play an active role in the design?

Great design isn’t just practical – it’s emotional. It has to make you feel something. And that’s what elevates a house into a home – a place where every corner feels intentional and personal.

The Perfect Dance: How to Achieve It

Designing a space is like choreographing a dance – you need connection, rhythm, and purpose. Here are some tips to get you started:

Think in 3D: Don’t just focus on the floor plan; consider how vertical elements like walls and ceilings interact with the space.
Create dialogue: Ensure every element – furniture, lighting, finishes – works in harmony.
Invest in transitions: Smooth shifts between materials and zones create a sense of flow and unity.
Connect to the outdoors: Make the most of natural light and views to enhance the sense of space.
Design with emotion: Remember, interior design isn’t just a science – it’s an art. Let your personality shine through.

Design as an Act of Generosity

Designing for others – whether it’s for a client or your own family – is an act of generosity. It’s about creating a space that doesn’t just function but transforms the way people live.

It can be exhausting, as I said earlier, but it’s always worth it. Because in the end, design isn’t about objects; it’s about people. When you put people at the heart of your process, the spaces you create come alive.

From London, I continue to learn, share, and love this dance every week. If this post inspires you to see your space with fresh eyes, then it’s all been worth it.

MPx

Why Great Design is About More than Furniture

Dancing with Spaces: The Key to Creating Interiors that Truly Connect

That moment stayed with me because, back then, speaking confidently about your skills wasn’t as common – at least not in my circles. Even now, I sometimes find it challenging to talk openly about what I excel at.

That’s what great interior design feels like.

The Trap of Designing in Isolated Layers

One of the biggest mistakes people make in interior design – whether it’s a living room, bedroom, or home gym – is treating decisions as islands. Let me explain with an example from this week.

After months of waiting, I received a design proposal for a private home gym. When I opened it, I was greeted with a space that felt completely disconnected. Machines were crammed into corners, visual barriers blocked natural light, and the layout failed to consider the breathtaking views outside.

This is a mistake I see far too often: layouts that seem functional on paper but fail in real life because they don’t account for how we actually move, see, and feel in a space. It’s like writing a poem by picking random words – the pieces are there, but there’s no rhythm, no soul.

Designing in 3D: Bringing Stories to Life

Designing in 3D goes beyond placing objects; it’s about creating a dialogue between every element in the space. Take the gym example again: instead of just shuffling machines until they fit, I reimagined the entire experience:

Flooring that tells a story: Rubber flooring in the weights area for safety, transitioning to warm laminate for the cardio and stretching zones.

Walls that amplify the mood: Strategically placed mirrors to enhance light and space, complemented by warm wooden accents to soften the atmosphere.

Ceilings that work harder: Acoustic panels to absorb sound and subtle lighting installations to create a sense of calm.

Why Every Detail Matters

The principles that apply to a gym are universal, whether you’re designing a lounge, dining room, or home office. Every element contributes to the overall experience:

The flooring: Is it both functional and aesthetically pleasing? How does it transition between spaces?

The walls: What emotions do the materials, colours, and textures evoke?

The ceiling: Is it just an afterthought, or does it play an active role in the design?

Great design isn’t just practical – it’s emotional. It has to make you feel something. And that’s what elevates a house into a home – a place where every corner feels intentional and personal.

The Perfect Dance: How to Achieve It

Designing a space is like choreographing a dance – you need connection, rhythm, and purpose. Here are some tips to get you started:

Think in 3D: Don’t just focus on the floor plan; consider how vertical elements like walls and ceilings interact with the space.

Create dialogue: Ensure every element – furniture, lighting, finishes – works in harmony.

Invest in transitions: Smooth shifts between materials and zones create a sense of flow and unity.

Connect to the outdoors: Make the most of natural light and views to enhance the sense of space.

Design with emotion: Remember, interior design isn’t just a science – it’s an art. Let your personality shine through.

Design as an Act of Generosity

Designing for others – whether it’s for a client or your own family – is an act of generosity. It’s about creating a space that doesn’t just function but transforms the way people live.

It can be exhausting, as I said earlier, but it’s always worth it. Because in the end, design isn’t about objects; it’s about people. When you put people at the heart of your process, the spaces you create come alive.

From London, I continue to learn, share, and love this dance every week. If this post inspires you to see your space with fresh eyes, then it’s all been worth it.

MPx

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