Pippa Foster is a professional interior designer who has worked in the industry for over 7 years. Her experience in the high-end residential sector is extensive, working for notable companies in the north of England and across high-end projects from start to end. She oversees the entire process from the initial builds; collaborating with various teams; creating technical and 3D drawing work and her favourite, designing the interior scheme with fabrics, furniture, artwork and accessories. We are delighted to have her share her professional knowledge and expertise with us, read below!

1. PANELLING

Ok, so we are starting with a slightly bigger DIY design task… but it's worth it, we swear! Have you seen BBC’s Interior Design Masters? Panelling always works design wonders (when it’s done right).

“Panelling can easily transform a room or staircase, and can be done at a low cost if you tackle it yourself. Wooden panelling can be bought from any DIY store. Pinewood is the most popular and affordable option, and it is a timeless classic. I would highly recommend sketching out on your walls first where you want the panelling to go - as sometimes it might look better on a wall you hadn’t considered before. Depending on your colour scheme, leaving the panels in their natural wood state can add a beautiful texture and warmth to your room, and painting the panels the same colour as the wall can be a really simple way to elevate a plain space.”

The best way to finish wooden panelling depends on the style you want to achieve and the type of wood you're working with. We have provided some options below:

Stain: Staining brings out the natural beauty of the wood while adding colour. Various shades are available, allowing you to match the shade of the panelling to complement the existing items in the room. Testing a few stain options on the back of the panelling first is generally a good idea, before applying it to the entire surface.

Paint: Painting wooden panelling can give your room a fresh, modern look. Lighter colours can make the space feel larger and brighter, while darker colours can add drama and cosiness. Use a high-quality primer before applying the paint to ensure better adhesion and a smoother finish.

Clear Finish: Applying a clear finish, such as a polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer, can protect the wood while preserving its natural appearance. It provides a durable and resistant finish and can usually be used on both bare and stained surfaces. Clear finishes come in various sheens, from matte to glossy, allowing you to customise the level of shine.

Whitewash or Pickling: Whitewashing or pickling involves applying a thin layer of white paint or whitewash solution to the wood and then wiping it off, leaving a subtle white finish that still allows the wood grain to show through. This technique is great for achieving a rustic or beachy vibe.

Wallpaper or Fabric: If you’re feeling adventurous and prefer to take a non-traditional approach… you can cover the wooden panelling with wallpaper or fabric. This allows for endless design possibilities and can easily be changed to update the room's look over time.

Before applying any finish, it's essential to properly prepare the wooden panelling. In many cases, sanding isn’t necessary as long as a high-quality primer is used, overall a smooth surface is key.

Considering the overall design scheme of the room and how the finished panelling will complement other elements you plan to include (such as furniture, accessories, as well as artwork and framing) is an important part of the design process, and if executed well, will make for a very beautiful space.

2. ACCESSORISE

Sometimes, the devil is in the detail, and Pippa is passionate about this. Taking care to include parts of your room design that are usually seen as an afterthought can actually be key in upgrading your overall design.

“Accessorise coffee tables and shelves with books, sculptures and vases that complement your colour scheme and textures. Add artwork, and always frame it to complement both the artwork and the fittings of the room - for example a black metallic frame to complement the black iron-edged coffee table and black furniture legs, or a natural wooden frame to fit the natural wooden beams and wooden window trims. Sometimes on my projects at work, we use artwork to bring in textures rather than colour. Many clients are wanting plastered and plain textured pieces, these are very popular. Abstracts remain popular, and can be used in almost any space.

Small details you wouldn’t tend to think about can be elevated, like a brass light switch or matte black plug socket, and these can generally be bought cheaply at a DIY store. It seems insignificant at first, but actually makes a big difference.”

3. FLOWERS & GREENERY

Bringing nature into your home helps in many ways, not just aesthetically, but mentally too. Exposure to nature, even in indoor settings, can be very beneficial in promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.

Biophilic design, an approach which connects people to nature within built-up environments, incorporates the use of natural elements like stones, wood, plants and natural light where possible. It is becoming ever more popular, especially for those living and working in cities, and creates a sense of harmony and well-being by mimicking outdoor spaces. Try it if you don’t believe it!

“Faux flowers & greenery add life and colour to a room without having to remember to water plants or buy new flowers every week. I recommend buying these in person if you can, there are now some brilliant faux greenery products out there, your guests will have no idea they’re fake!”

If you opt for fresh plants and flowers, lilies and certain seasonal flowers can make an entire room smell delightful. Fresh plants improve the air quality and studies also show that they can actually stimulate creativity, reduce anxiety and enhance cognitive function.

At WOMNN, we are currently building a large nature artwork collection for this exact reason, check out our Mother Nature collection here.

4. CUSHIONS

A simple way to bring in colour and texture, cushions are a perfect way to decorate without spending a lot of money. The bigger the cushion, the better.

“Cushions can bring an extra level of comfort and warmth to a bedroom or living room. You can bring in various textures, and go bold with cushion colour choices - bringing out an accent of a colour rather than using it throughout the full room. Also, if you want to refresh your colour scheme in the future without a full redesign, switching just the cushion covers is a simple and affordable way to do so.”

Cushion textures and colours can be combined with throws, rugs, curtains and artwork when tying a room’s design together.

5. REUPHOLSTERING & LAMPSHADES

At WOMNN we are all for reducing waste, so when Pippa talked to us about reupholstering and reusing, we were delighted.

“If you already have table or floor lamps in your space, sometimes simply changing the lampshade is enough. If you have found a certain fabric that you want to use in your space but you aren’t sure how, reupholstering the lampshades can be a brilliant way to add extra texture and colour (just make sure the fabric isn’t flammable!). It’s worth also keeping in mind the level of light diffusion you would like. Your wall lights and pendants can also feed into the colour scheme of the room.

Reupholstering a sofa or chair can be a little on the expensive side, but if it's especially comfortable and you don’t want to get rid… it’s a great option. Make sure to use a durable fabric (that has a high rub test and meets residential fire safety regulations) that won’t fade or wear with time. You can also get stain-resistant, easy-clean fabrics which are great for busy households with kids, pets or a generally high-use area.” 

We hope you found this useful ❤️ Shop our new collections here or if you are interested in getting artwork made, get in touch with us.