This is your new home - and you've already made plenty of decisions.

A good place to begin is with the walls - they set the tone for each room. But it's your space, so do it your way. Here are a few helpful tips:

• 1. Choose a colour scheme
  1.

  Choose a colour scheme

  Pick a palette you love that suits your style. A simple rule to follow is 60-30-10:

  • 60% dominant colour - walls, floors, main furniture
  • 30% secondary - smaller furniture, curtains, textiles
  • 10% accent - accessories, plants, art

  Example:
  Cream walls and sofa (60%), warm-toned furniture (30%), green cushions and plants (10%).

  

  
• 2. Layer your lighting
  2.

  Layer your lighting

  Good lighting adds depth and atmosphere. Use a mix of:

  • Ambient - ceiling or wall lights for overall glow
  • Task - desk lamps, reading lights
  • Accent - lighting to highlight features or corners

  

  

  
• 3. Add house plants
  3.

  Add house plants

  Plants bring colour, texture and calm. They help clean some of the air, boost mood, and make a space feel alive. Don't worry if you're not green-fingered - many are low-maintenance.

  

  
• 4. Layer textures
  4.

  Layer textures

  Texture brings warmth and interest. Think: a velvet sofa, an oak table, a tasselled rug, matte ceramics, linen curtains. Mix materials and finishes for a more considered, balanced look.

  
• 5. Use soft furnishings
  5.

  Use soft furnishings

  Cushions, throws and rugs make a space feel lived-in and inviting. Choose them based on colour, texture and how you want the room to feel.

  

  

  
• 6. Create a focal point
  6.

  Create a focal point

  Every room needs one - maybe it's a feature wall, a large artwork, or a view from a window. Arrange furniture and accessories to draw attention to it. It doesn't have to be a TV!

  
• 7. Use art to show personality
  7.

  Use art to show personality

  Art adds soul to a room. Choose pieces that speak to you and work with your overall style - it doesn't need to be expensive to make an impact.

  
• 8. Try the 3-5-7 rule
  8.

  Try the 3-5-7 rule

  Odd numbers tend to look better. When styling shelves or tables, group items in threes, fives or sevens for a more natural, balanced feel. For example a shelf with three books, a vase and a small plant, or a table with seven candles of different heights and colours.

  

  
• 9. Use 2-3 rule
  9.

  Use 2-3 rule

  To keep a room cohesive, use two elements in one colour and three in another. For example, two blue chairs with three navy accessories. It helps tie things together without feeling overdone.