Ask the designer: Revamping walls and rooms

Q I’d love a feature wall in my living room but am not a fan of wallpaper. Do you have any other suggestions?

A. Although the trend for wallpapering the entire room is big this summer, feature walls are here to stay. As part of a considered design scheme, they add drama to any room. You don’t have to go for wallpaper — other options include paint effects, vinyl wall stickers, chalk board, leather tiles, acoustic felt panels or even a living wall of indoor plants! Alternatively, you could assemble a collection of different sized and shaped mirrors or framed photos on the wall.

Sculptural pieces add depth to the space, so consider using wall art instead of wallpaper — some artfully arranged driftwood pieces would look amazing.

Q. I’m trying to sell my home but so far there’s been no movement. Any tips?

A. The house should be as clean as possible, especially the bathroom. If there are any lingering smells from smoking or pets it’s worth getting the carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned. Likewise, wash windows and curtains — and pull them back as far as possible to allow light to flood in. Make any minor repairs to ensure there are no damp/mould patches visible. De-personalise rooms by removing personal items like photographs so that the buyer can envisage living there. Finally, arrange the furniture to maximise space, add fresh flowers to the main rooms and leave all the lights on.

Q. I’m restyling my bathroom and wondering if you have any advice on a suitable window dressing?

A. As condensation is often an issue here, first you should ensure that your bathroom has adequate ventilation. Luckily, many shutters and blinds are now available in water-resistant synthetic versions especially designed for bathrooms. Depending on the style of your bathroom, you may choose to highlight the window area — for instance, colonial shutters would look great in a classic-style bathroom. If your bathroom has a neutral palette, liven it up with a neat roman blind in a colourful fabric. A more contemporary bathroom may require nothing more than opaque or frosted glazing for privacy.

Q. My living room always feel dark. I’ve tried playing around with the lighting, but to no avail. Help!

A. From centre pendants to spotlights, task lighting to strip lighting, the lighting you choose plays a huge part in illuminating a room. However, there are other factors to consider. Primarily, you should reconsider the existing colour of the walls, floor and ceiling, keeping in mind that dark colours absorb light and light ones reflect it. The surface finish is also important as glossy surfaces will further bounce light into the room. Look at your window treatment — a roller blind that can be raised fully or curtains that can be drawn back to the windows edge will allow more light in than a dark wood venetian. Lastly, place a large mirror opposite this window.