Interior designer Sara Wallander-Ross, founder of Oxford’s Studio Wallander, shares three key tips to keep in mind when refreshing your home.
“Just like people, every building has its own behaviour, and the homes that function best are the ones that work with that.
“When thinking about a home, whether it’s a period property or a newer house that needs more character, I always start with its personality and potential”, said Sara Wallander-Ross, founder of Oxford’s Studio Wallander.
As spring approaches, homely quirks become more visible: here are three angles to keep in mind as you prepare for the lighter days.
Lead with personality, not trends
Great homes show your personality as well as the character of the space and feel both comfortable and beautiful. Colour, pattern and texture are the elegant tools of timeless rooms and nothing to be nervous about.
Use them to your advantage. Antiques and vintage pieces in real wood and natural fabrics bring character and patina, so look to your local antique and secondhand shops as well as auction houses for small side tables, lamp bases and well-made chairs. They will age well; most flat-pack won’t. In a narrow Victorian hallway or a newer semi-detached home, a few solid pieces do more for character than a car boot of ornaments.
Look to the light
If you constantly feel irked by the colour and mood of your room, start by finding out which way it faces. Is it a cool north-facing space that needs warmth, or does it get strong westerly evening sunlight? Pinning down how much light you get, when it is at its brightest, and the colour temperature will help you with both mood and function.
‘I have seen dark, north-facing rooms go from dingy and lifeless to impactful jewel boxes when the light is allowed to steer the colour palette,’ Sara says. ‘If you try to fight the light, you will lose the battle. The right colour scheme can turn the gloomiest room into something cosy and welcoming.’ The upcoming seasonal shift is perfect for comparing the cooler winter light with the warmer days ahead and choosing colours that thrive in both.
Plan before you buy
Before you start buying new furniture or getting the paintbrush out, make a plan: storage to keep clutter at bay, lighting so you can see to read, and a furniture layout before committing to a larger sofa.
Shopping is often the starting point for many people, but a home that feels ’off’ rarely needs more cushions. Understanding the spatial strengths and constraints of a room cuts down on stressful returns and helps avoid a house that no longer knows who or what it is. This is exactly when working with a designer can help.
If you want to take a fresh look at colours, furniture layouts or plans for change as spring arrives, visit studiowallander.com for consultations and concept design.
