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6 Tastemakers Share Their Ultimate Interior Design Tricks

The Designer Collection at The Whiteley by Maoliosa Murray

Making your home feel more elevated doesn’t require a major renovation. Here, six leading interior designers share the small shifts, styling secrets and design instincts that can instantly transform a space from basic and tired to extremely inviting. By NATASHA BIRD

Lifestyle
Copenhagen-based Louise Roe suggests juxtaposing materials, such as metal and wood, to create balance

Focus on the dining room

“The most important room for me is the dining room. It is a room that brings everyone together for a moment of presence, free of distractions. In a sense, it is very democratic, where everyone sits around the table, just sharing your day or even bigger things.

“I am currently loving wood with amber tones. I really like the warmth it adds to a space – and it pairs really well against colder materials and reflective surfaces, such as metal and glass. The thermo-treated pine wood we use for our ‘Spina’ chair and ‘Pillabout’ dining table is a good example. Getting that balance right is really important and is what creates an interesting space.” – Louise Roe, founder and designer of homeware brand Louise Roe

De Rosee Sa’s Mayfair residence marries mid-century elegance with layers of textural depth. Photograph: Kensington Leverne for De Rosee Sa at 60 Curzon

Master the art of layering

“My ultimate trick is the power of three. Interiors feel most resolved when surfaces are layered rather than treated as single planes. A wall shouldn’t just be painted plasterboard; it’s a skirting in one tone, a textured finish like a linen wallpaper, and then a bead or trim picked out in another color. It’s about decomposing the structure of the wall, ceiling or floor and letting each element have its own identity, rather than leaving it as one flat plane. Even something as simple as a hemp wallpaper introduces depth. That layering of color, texture and finish is what gives a space richness and makes it feel considered rather than monotone.” – Claire Sá, interior architect and co-director of De Rosee Sa

Embrace natural light

“One of my favorite ways to make a room feel more elevated without a major renovation is to bring in more light. Skylights or sun tunnels can sometimes be installed in a single day and instantly make a space feel brighter and more expansive. If that’s not an option, you can create a similar effect by using lighter, see-through materials like glass tables, woven rattan, mirrors, or even airy plant stands. These pieces allow light to move through the room and keep the space from feeling heavy.” – Justina Blakeney, designer, artist and founder of creative studio Jungalow

Update your metallics

“If I could recommend one change for 2026, it would be to update your metallics. Bronze and stainless steel are having a moment and making a statement in 2026. Replacing brass accessories with these ‘new metallics’ is a way to integrate this style feature. Taking inspiration from the 1970s homes of Yves Saint Laurent and François Catroux, this look can be achieved with a solid brushed-steel table lamp, side table or a simple touch with a Louise Roe x Sophia Roe metal cup and saucer from the S.R. collection. Brushed steel, nickel and bronze accents are something I incorporated into an apartment at The Whiteley development in London, creating a modern living space that still feels warm and inviting.” – Maolíosa Murray, founder of interior architecture and design studio Maolíosa

Designer and artist Justina Blakeney emphasizes the importance of natural light, which can make smaller rooms feel more expansive
Adding a statement piece is an easy way to elevate the space, as exemplified by the apartment Maoliosa designed for The Whiteley

Don’t dismiss the details

“Three things working together will immediately elevate a space: lighting, materials and positioning. Swap out overhead lighting for something warmer and more considered – table lamps, wall sconces – creates atmosphere. Introduce one beautiful material, even small-scale – a stone bowl, a linen throw, something with texture and soul. Then reposition what you already have. Move a chair to catch better light, elevate an object onto a plinth or create breathing room around your best pieces. These small shifts completely transform how a space feels without requiring a renovation.” – Bari Jerauld, founder of interior design studio Blank Slate

Incorporate vintage treasures

“My signature styling approach revolves around incorporating standout vintage pieces into my rooms. These elements may not always match perfectly, yet they bring a sense of charm and character to the space. The result is a deliberately unintentional aesthetic – effortlessly relaxed, yet cohesive and harmonious in its overall design.” – Linda Boronkay, founder of Boronkay Studio

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