Ideas & Guides - Interiors Industries

Interior Design Cost Guide

Understand the main factors that affect interior design costs.

Planning your interior design budget before starting a project helps you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary expenses. The total cost depends on the size of your home, the materials you choose and the amount of work required.

What affects interior design costs?

Room size: Larger rooms may require more materials, furniture and lighting.
Materials and finishes: Flooring, paint, countertops and cabinetry vary in price.
Furniture: Custom-made pieces can cost more than ready-made furniture.
Labour: Installation, electrical work, plumbing and carpentry affect the final budget.
Design complexity: Detailed ceilings, custom storage and decorative features can add expenses.

How to plan your budget

List your essential improvements first, compare material options and keep a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. Measure your room before purchasing furniture or estimating paint requirements.

Use our interior design tools to help estimate room area, paint quantities and preliminary project costs.

Room Size & Layout Guide

Learn how room dimensions influence furniture and layout planning.

A well-planned room layout makes everyday activities easier and helps your home feel more spacious. Start by measuring the room, including its length, width, doors, windows and permanent fixtures.

Steps to plan a room layout

Measure accurately: Record the room dimensions and note doorways and windows.
Identify the purpose: Decide which activities the room needs to support.
Choose a focal point: Plan around a bed, sofa, dining table or main feature.
Allow clear walkways: Avoid placing furniture where it blocks movement.
Check furniture dimensions: Compare measurements before buying large items.

Make small rooms feel more open

Use appropriately sized furniture, vertical storage, mirrors and layered lighting. Keep frequently used pathways clear and avoid filling every available corner with furniture.

Calculate your room measurements with our room area calculator.

Interior Colour Guide

Learn how to choose balanced colour combinations for different rooms.

Colour can influence the atmosphere, visual balance and perceived size of a room. A coordinated palette helps walls, furniture, flooring and accessories work together.

How to choose interior colours

Start with a base: Choose a main neutral or colour that suits your style.
Add complementary shades: Select colours that work well with your main choice.
Consider natural light: Test colours in the room at different times of day.
Balance warm and cool tones: Use undertones that complement your furnishings.
Test paint samples: Check the actual colour on your wall before committing.

Ideas for different rooms

Soft greens, creams and warm neutrals can create a calm atmosphere. Deeper colours can add drama to a feature wall, while light shades may help a compact room feel brighter.

Choose colours that suit your lighting, existing furniture and personal preferences rather than following trends alone.

Home Lighting Guide

Understand ambient, task and decorative lighting.

Good lighting improves the functionality and atmosphere of your home. Instead of relying on one ceiling light, combine different types of lighting to suit the activities performed in each room.

Three useful types of lighting

Ambient lighting: Provides general illumination throughout a room.
Task lighting: Helps with focused activities such as reading, cooking or working.
Accent lighting: Highlights artwork, architectural details or decorative objects.

Lighting tips for your home

Make the most of daylight by keeping windows unobstructed where possible. Use focused lighting on kitchen worktops, comfortable bedside lights in bedrooms and suitable desk lighting in home offices.

Consider the colour temperature and brightness of each fitting. Dimmers can provide greater flexibility in living rooms and bedrooms. Have electrical installations completed by a qualified professional.

Furniture Planning Guide

Plan furniture placement without making your rooms feel crowded.

Choosing the right furniture involves more than appearance. The size, shape and placement of each item should support the room's purpose while leaving enough space to move around comfortably.

Before purchasing furniture

Measure the available space: Include the routes used to enter and leave the room.
Check access: Make sure large furniture can pass through doors and stairways.
Prioritise essentials: Select the main furniture before adding smaller pieces.
Consider storage: Choose pieces that help keep everyday items organised.
Match proportions: Avoid oversized furniture in small rooms.

Create a balanced arrangement

Arrange seating to encourage conversation, keep bedside tables within reach and position dining chairs so they can be pulled out easily. Leave enough clearance around drawers, wardrobes and cabinet doors.

Choose materials and upholstery based on your lifestyle, maintenance preferences and the way each room is used.

Interior Materials Guide

Learn about common materials used in modern interior design.

Interior materials affect the appearance, durability, maintenance and cost of a room. Choosing materials based on where they will be used can help you create a practical and cohesive design.

Common interior materials

Wood and engineered boards: Used for furniture, cabinetry and storage.
Natural stone: Adds distinctive patterns to selected floors, counters and feature areas.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles: Popular for floors and walls, including kitchens and bathrooms.
Glass and metal: Used in partitions, fixtures, hardware and decorative details.
Paint and wall finishes: Offer a wide range of colours and surface effects.
Fabric and upholstery: Add comfort, texture and colour to furniture and windows.

How to select the right materials

Consider moisture, cleaning requirements, wear, maintenance and installation costs. For example, wet areas need suitable water-resistant materials, while high-traffic floors benefit from durable surfaces.

Compare product specifications and follow the manufacturer's installation and care instructions before making a final choice.