Top interior design tips for your new home

John Lewis Home Design Stylists Tracy, Ellie, Jade and Ruth give their five top design tips for new build homes

Start big

Ruth says: “When tackling a whole new room design, start with the biggest expense first be it carpet, curtains or furniture, then work backwards from there often finishing with wall paint. It is so much easier to find a paint colour to compliment the scheme than it is to find carpet or curtains to match the paint.”

Let In The Light

Tracy says: “When designing any room, it’s important to think about how the light works. If the window or doors are south facing, then most paint colours will work, but if it is north facing, be careful not to use colours with too much blue or grey, as on a gloomy day they can make the room feel darker. To add extra light to rooms, think about adding floor, table and mood lighting. This will enable the room to feel cosier and can be used as directional lighting if you have a piece of artwork or a bookcase you want to illuminate.”

Add some colour

Jade says: “Most new builds will be painted white, providing you with the perfect blank canvas to get creative and add your own stamp. It can be intimidating not knowing where to start, but a good place to begin is by looking at the colours within your own wardrobe. Using colours that you already feel comfortable wearing will make starting a room scheme much less overwhelming. Speak to one of our Home Design Stylists to find out more.”

Small Office Spaces

Ruth says: “Many of us are spending more time working from home and discovering the need for a dedicated work space. Small spaces with a power socket nearby can easily be adapted into a smart study area – a pokey corner, under the stairs, an alcove beside the fireplace:

• Throw in a small desk, chair, shelving and lighting to compliment the surrounding design, making sure to carefully match the woods and metals
• Accessorise with stationary, books and room scents that fit your colour scheme
• If you are prone to clutter, strategically placed baskets or decorative boxes may be useful
• Hang something cheerful on the wall, you’re going to spend a lot of time in this space so it’s always great to look at something that makes you smile”.

Invest in Design

Tracy says: “Any room in your home could benefit from this kind of design investment, be it an iconic piece of furniture, or a wonderful piece of designer lighting. These statement items will give year on year enjoyment. At John Lewis, we have our own Design Project furniture range, showcasing versatility and style, and we also have an array of lighting from Tom Dixon and Tom Raffield, both of which will add that wow factor.”

Home Design Services at John Lewis

If you’d like to create your dream home, why not book an appointment with one of our Home Design Stylists? We have an array of different appointments available to suit your needs. 

Refresh For Less – A free, 45 minute consultation, virtually or in-store

Want to transform your space without making permanent changes? We can help you find the perfect pieces to turn your house into a home in an instant, whatever your budget. 

Step 1: Meet your Home Design Stylist over a video call or in store, depending on what appointment you book. 

Step 2: We’ll discuss your space, what you want from your interiors and how we can help. 

Step 3: You’ll receive a personalised list of all the products discussed on the call for your reference

Style Advice – Up to 60 minutes, free, virtually or in store

Ideal if you’re looking to update one room and need a little advice and inspiration. We’ll develop your ideas and bring them to life, helping you create a look that works for you.

Step 1: Meet your Home Design Stylist over a video call or in store, depending on what appointment you book.

Step 2: We’ll discuss ideas, inspirations and requirements for your room.

Step 3: To help you imagine your potential new space, a moodboard, floor plan and 3D visualisation will be created.

Step 4: You’ll receive a personalised list of all the products discussed, and we can organise fabric samples, chosen products and more.

Design Consultation – A 30 minute initial virtual consultation, free

Create your dream home – after an introductory video call where we’ll get to know your space and requirements, we’ll work with you to help you create a custom scheme you’ll love for up to three rooms. 

Step 1: Meet your Home Design Stylist over a video call where you’ll discuss ideas, inspirations and requirements.

Step 2: To understand your interiors fully, and depending on the scale of the project, we could organise home visits, in-store walkthroughs and more.

Step 3: To help you imagine your potential new space, a moodboard, floor plan and 3D visualisation will be created.

Step 4: You’ll receive a personalised list of all the products discussed, and we can organise fabric samples, estimators, chosen products and more.