Keeping it simple, keeping it personal…
Beth Harrison, founder of Beth Harrison Design has been designing spaces since 2020.
She wears many hats in her life but her love of interior design and creating homes true to us as individuals is a driving force.
Beth believes that we should all have access to beautiful spaces uniquely designed, just for us. Here’s her thoughts on how to achieve it…
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There are many reasons why we might feel like a change. Perhaps something major has ended and a new start is the next step on the road. Or, we are going through the wintering periods of life and need a little something to help keep us going. Or maybe, we just need to claim something for ourselves, to make truly our own. And, where better to start than at home and in our gardens.
We often underestimate the effect that our homes and gardens have on us. They have an impact on our minds and therefore, our mmod and our ability to rest and restore ourselves. Our environment can have a direct impact on the energy we keep in store for the everyday. For me, I am hugely affected by clutter. It affects my ability to think straight and feel calm. But, I know that for others, a tidy house can feel sterile; for them, having more things out and around provides them an important sense of identity and what is going on in their life. No matter who we are, when we are designing a new space, it’s important to take these considerations into account.
What you decide to do for a new home interiors project can vary from a full scale renovation of a room or rooms including a change of colour scheme and furniture. Or, it can be about the little changes that have a big impact. Perhaps it’s as simple as re-painting the exterior (or interior) of your house to better suit you personality and breathe fresh life into tired walls. You can’t underestimate the power of simple acts. For instance, changing the colour of your front dooor can transform the look of your home. I even find that a change in accessories such as cushions, candles, vases, art and prints can also be enough.
It can be hard to know where to start. When I design spaces, I don’t encourage my clients to throw everything away and start again. This is because I care about the planet and the waste that we produce. But, it’s also because our possessions tell the stories of our lives, of us. And, they can create a home. They can also give us inspiration for a colour scheme.
Colour from art and prints are often used as the basis for a colour scheme by either repeating a colour from their chosen piece or object, or choosing colours that complement the art and make it stand out. I once used the colours in a handmade patterned tile to creat a colour scheme. Just ask yourself… what the things that you love about your room; that includes your accessories, furniture and room layout. And, then consider what you’re able to change (budget can often be a major factor here). What would you need help with?
Choosing colours and, in particular, wallpaper designs, can feel daunting. There is so much information out there, so many design possibilities! But, our reactions to colours and prints can often be instant, strong and deeply personal. I would suggest that you trust yourself. If you fall in love with a wallpaper print or a particular paint colour, then go for it!
You can also use image-based social media platforms, magazines and books as a source for ideas and inspiration. If an image catches your eye, even if you aren’t sure why, ask yourself what attracts you to it. From there, you start to build an idea of the space you want to creat. Be mindful of following the latest trends, mainly because they can feel outdated quickly and can feel a little removed from your own instinctive style. Instead, create your own style and express your bold, beautiful self!
As Natalie Wilson says in her book, ‘This is Home’… “When we create a place that meets our needs on many levels and expresses our character, we can enrich our lives.”
To get you started, here are a few companies that I regularly use for inspiration & products:
Paint & Wallpaper:
www.farrow-ball.com
www.littlegreene.com
www.grahambrown.com/uk
Interiors:
www.roseandgrey.co.uk
www.grahamandgreen.co.uk
www.stjudesprints.co.uk
www.pooky.com
Good Luck!
Love Beth x
