Trying to set the mood? Simply turn on a lamp. It’s incredibly easy yet you can create a completely different atmosphere with the flick of a single switch. How’s that for instant transformation? Here’s a quick guide to help you shed some light in your home.

Not to be solely thought of for nurseries and kids bedrooms, pastel colours can look elegant and sophisticated in your home. With the end of summer here, you can use their pale, pretty tones to make your home feel light and airy all year long.

When you think of Surrealism, you probably think of Dali’s melting clocks and dream-like images. However, this revolutionary cultural movement has many elements that can be used to influence interior design. The unexpected juxtapositions and the element of surprise seen in Surrealist art can inspire a bold and expressive modern style for your home. 

Try out a new, refreshing style this summer, with a chic nautical theme. Start with a palette of fresh white and coastal blues and mix with warm woody tones, reminiscent of old beach homes and wooden ships. Bring this fun and friendly aesthetic to life with traditional stripes and sailcloth. And you don’t need to over-do the nautical references with the inclusions of shells and pebbles – features such as baskets, oars, shutters and maps will give you the rustic chic look and capture the liveliness of the sea. A simple and clean look that will bring a breath of fresh air to any home.

Rustic modern interior design, as you might imagine, refers to the use of vintage or historical elements within a more modern design. It's a style that you often see in the restoration of older homes, as owners update their space for the modern day, whilst keeping it's original charm. What we love about rustic modern is its unrefined and cozy feel - and you don't need to have original wooden beams and floorboards in your home to achieve this beautiful style. Intertwining natural textures from materials such as wood and stone, with a modern colour scheme such as black and whites is a great starting point for creating this look.

Every couple of decades, elements from the world of design seem to make a comeback, often in a slightly better way. Retro is an eclectic mix of interior styles, from old to new, bringing together bold patterns, fabric and colors, from the wallpaper to the furniture. The great thing about this style of home decor is that it really can be anything you want. Mix and match your favourite quirks from the past, whether that's the psychedelic style of the seventies or the bubbly forms of the 50's. You can also mix contemporary styles with the antique, creating a trendy and unique design for your modern home. 

As the name suggests, classic contemporary style is a mix of traditional and modern elements. It’s a great way to bring new life to an old roon, particularly if it has a classcial backdrop. Large spaces, natural light and rounded furniture lines create an appealing and welcoming setting in this look. Colours tend to compliment one another, rather than contrast, creating a sense of unity in the spaces. This is topped off with intriguing pieces of furniture and lighting, and works of art, for that touch of personality.

Whether you live in the city or out in the country, there's something everyone can learn from the trendy New York interior style. Originally inspired by city living lofts, wide open rooms are important in creating this look. Positioning furniture around the edges of the room will exaggerate the open space and create a welcoming atmosphere. Neutral paint colours for the walls are typcial, which are then accented by eye-catching furniture and intriguing materials. To complete this modern aesthetic, add splashes of vibrant colour to add interest and a bit of fun.

This original interior design style comes from a British look made popular in the 80’s. With a base of minimal, white interiors, the style was completed with distressed and vintage items, dashes of pastel colours and floral textiles. More recently, people have mixed elements of the traditional shabby chic aesthetic with modern flourishes and cutting edge design, creating a punchier, less feminine style. Bring your white walls to life with distressed furniture and splashes of bright colour to create this modern, youthful and elegant look.

Originally inspired by the extravagant Empire and Federal style interiors in 18^th Century France, French inspired home décor today is warm, intricate and luxurious. Based on the original outstanding craftsmanship, there is an abundance of materials and luxurious furnishings and fabrics that can be incorporated in this style. Soft summery colours, curved legs and dark wood flooring complete the look.