3 design tricks that never go out of style, according to an interior designer
Renowned designer Abigail Ahern has shared her 'simple little principles' for a well-styled room
Styling your home is such a personal process. However, it is always nice to know you're aligned with the advice of leading interior designers – that's why we're so invested every time Kelly Hoppen CBE shares her essential interior design tips.
Another interior designer I love following for advice is Abigail Ahern, whose distinct personal style instantly makes you think of cocooning spaces filled with colour-drenching, layered textures and dramatic lighting.
This week she shared her professional advice on the designer tricks that never go out of style, which I feel benefit every home. These are 'simple little principles' she encourages all homes to adopt to make any room feel more considered and refined...
3 simple design tricks that never go out of style
As a pioneer of decorating instinctively, Abigail has long encouraged homeowners to worry less about following conventional design rules or fleeting trends – choosing instead to create deeply personal homes they love while embracing the fundamental disciplines of interior design.
1. Soft edges
No matter the decor, using curves helps to soften the feel of any space by breaking up the linear constraints of straight lines – be it walls or bulky furniture pieces.
"First, always add circular pieces to a room, because we've got lots of straight lines in our rooms because they are either rectangular or square," Abigail begins. "Adding curvaceous pieces, whether that's a coffee table, a rounded lamp, or a little vase, always, always helps."
Rounded edges and curvaceous shapes were one of the main themes I saw running through every interior design preview collection for autumn/winter, as we strive to make our homes feel a little softer and more comforting as we transition into the darker months.
From statement furniture pieces to smaller accessories, curves are always a timeless style choice
2. Layered lighting
For me, layered lighting is essential, and seemingly Abigail would agree. She encourages all homes to 'overdose on lighting' to flood every room with a balanced warm, mood-enhancing glow.
"I have five pinpoints of light in just one small area," says Abigail as she demonstrates the importance of maximising lighting in any space.
From welcoming dimmable overhead lights to control light temperature to incorporating a mixture of different lamps, creating a generous layer of lighting ensures the perfect level of ambient illumination at all times.
3. Restricted colour palettes
Lastly, Abigail recommends restricting your colour palette. A considered colour palette is key for making a room look more expensive. That's not to say the colours have to be muted or neutral, just that they should feel cohesive throughout a room to make it feel uniform and refined.
"Echoing similar tones across your room feels super restful," Abigail explains. "And when you restrict the palette, you can mix anything with anything for an uber-sophisticated feel."
From matching paint finishes to coordinating accessories, a tonal colour palette creates a greater sense of flow throughout your home
Abigail is the author of five interiors books, has appeared as a judge on Interior Design Masters, and has built an international following through her interiors, retail business, content, and collaborations with brands including Crate & Barrel, Graham & Brown, Hillarys and Ruggable.
I've actually been lucky enough to visit Abigail's home and it is one of the most beautifully curated homes I've ever had the privilege of snooping around – don't worry, Abigail was the one giving me a guided tour; I didn't secretly go looking around. It was a career highlight for sure.
One of the main takeaways for me was how much her home reflects her personal style and how cohesive and comforting it felt throughout. Proof that sticking to the basic rules of interior design is always a winning combination.
