I’m an interior designer & here’s the mistakes you’re making in your home…plus the error that turns your pad into a cage
AN interior designer has revealed the mistakes that many people make in their homes.
So if you want your home to impress your guests, then you’ll need to listen up and take notes.
Kelly Hoppen, an Interior Designer, Author, Entrepreneur and Product Designer, who was also a ‘Dragon’ on BBC Two’s Dragons’ Den, has taken to social media to share her ‘do’s and don’ts’ when it comes to interior design.
Posting online, the curly-haired, South African-born star explained why your front door is key, as well as the mistake many people make in small bathrooms.
Not only this, but she also revealed the carpet error that she can’t stand, as well as the fireplace trend that will make your home look like an altar.
FRONT DOOR
According to Kelly, it’s key that you pay attention to your front door.
She explained: “Very important, do make it an absolute star piece, so whatever colour you choose is really important.
“Don’t crowd it with plants that are too big or don’t put plants that are too small. Everything has to be balanced and in perspective.”
WALLPAPER
As well as this, Kelly shared her wallpaper advice, as she advised: “Only hang it on one wall – make it a feature.
“Don’t hang it on the ceiling, and the walls, and the skirtings.”
MARBLE
When it comes to marble, Kelly added: “If you’re going to do marble on a wall, in a kitchen, always bookmark it so that it’s exactly the same.
“Don’t – not bookmark.”
CARPETS
Where carpet is concerned, Kelly shared her tip for choosing the right colour.
She explained: “Always make sure you choose the right colour, it always looks darker in a sample so get a larger piece.
“Don’t use a patterned carpet up the hallway or up and down the stairs because it will make you dizzy.”
FIREPLACE
If you’ve got a fireplace in your home, you’ll need to listen up, as Kelly shared: “Fireplaces need to have something above it, so use a texture or a colour, make a feature of it.
“Don’t make it into an altar. Don’t have candlesticks on either side and a vase in the middle. You’re not going to pray.”
2024’s Top Trending Colours for Interior Design
Homebase has revealed the official trending colours for this year.
To predict the top shades of 2024, sales data at Homebase analysed 5 colours that have surged in popularity with customers.
Copper, pink and black are predicted to be the hottest colours on Brit’s walls this year, while bathrooms are seeing a surprising rise in terracotta colour schemes.
The top five trending colours for 2024 are:
- Copper (+57%)
- Pink (+38%)
- Black (+34%)
- Green (+29%)
- Orange (+27%)
Copper has replaced rose gold, whilst blush is the new magnolia, and Brits are also going bold by slapping black paint all over their walls.
Green is always popular colour, but the shade ‘Fresh Herb’ – a versatile, pale grey-toned green – is hitting hundreds of customers baskets.
Meanwhile, terracotta is taking over with ‘Frosted Papaya’, a peachy orange shade dominating bathrooms.
SMALL BATHROOMS
And if you want to make your small bathroom appear bigger, Kelly recommended: “Do paint it all one colour, including the skirtings, the ceilings and the door.
“Don’t pick out the skirting boards, the door and the ceilings in white, because you will frame it and it will look much smaller and will feel like you’re in a cage.”
CURTAINS
Finally, Kelly shared her curtain advice, as she concluded: “Always follow where the window ends. If it’s a window that’s high up, make sure that your curtains finish where the window finishes.
“If it’s a full length window, have the curtains down to the floor.
“Don’t block out all the light. If you’ve got a pole, make sure that it goes much wider than the window itself, so that you can draw the curtains, because we all want natural light.”
SOCIAL MEDIA DIVIDE
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @kellyhoppen, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has amassed 144,700 views.
But social media users were left totally divided by Kelly’s tips – whilst some were thankful for the advice, many were keen to disagree.
Your advice is much appreciated
TikTok user
One person said: “Great tips!”
Another added: “Love this! Excellent advice.”
A third commented: “Your advice is much appreciated.”
Interior Design expert advice
- Expert reveals the colours you should avoid when painting your house
- Top space-saving tips from a home expert if you live in a small house
- Simple ways you can spruce up that lonely corner in your house
- The interior items to avoid that will make your house look cheap and tacky
- Interior designer’s top tips on spotting bargain gems for a cheap home transformation
- Expert advice to make your bedroom a relaxing environment for better sleep
- Make your cheap IKEA furniture look classy and expensive like a styling pro
- Interior expert shares best ways to make your home look more expensive
At the same time, one user clapped back: “Noooo do what you want.”
A second chimed in: “Do have your own opinion and style. Do live in a home that you love and do suit your own personal taste and style.”
Whilst someone else wrote: “Do.. what you want. Don’t.. listen to Kelly Hoppen.”
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