eclectic hallway design

creating an eclectic interior!

The art of creating an eclectic interior design scheme…👩‍🎨 We’ve all seen beautiful room designs where different styles, patterns and colour schemes are nonchalantly mixed up to create an interior design masterpiece.  All the interior design rules seem to be broken and yet the scheme is so fresh, stylish and cool.  You know it shouldn’t…

basement bedroom with pastel colours

decorating a basement bedroom

Decorating a basement bedroom can sometimes be a challenge. Your bedroom is where you sleep, relax and unwind from your day, so you wake up refreshed and recharged for the new day ahead.  It’s your sanctuary and a place to feel completely at ease.  This can be hard to achieve in an airless basement room…

Melanie Barnes Elixir Interior Design

why hire an interior designer?

If you thought hiring an interior designer is hugely expensive and only reserved for the elite well think again!  Interior design is more accessible than ever, thanks to online interior design services. Click here! Or perhaps you would like to meet with an industry pro to kickstart your project or get some ideas and inspiration?…

pattern combing in room design

maximalism: the art of combining pattern

The trend for maximalist interior design has seen an increase in our love of patterns.  In particular combining pattern and different colours / designs together.  Are you a fan?  Or do you prefer to keep things simple? 🤔 combining patterns in your room Combining patterns can make a stunning visual impact which looks both opulent…

interior design books

interior design books

I’m an interior design addict and self proclaimed bookworm!  Therefore it can of no surprise that I’m often found leafing through interior magazines or with my nose stuck in one of my interior design books. why are interior design books important? Knowledge is power and it is so important to never stop learning! I get…

biophilic interiors at the skygarden

biophilic interior design

Biophilia is one of the most written interior design trends from recent years, but… what actually is biophilic interior design? The word ‘biophilia’ originates from the Greek ‘philia’ meaning ‘love of’ and ‘’bio’ ‘life.  It literally means ‘Love of life’ or living things. Biophilic interior design attempts to connect our homes / workspaces with nature…

Vintage style mood board

finding your interior style

What’s your interior style?  Simple enough question right?  However, there are A LOT of beautiful interiors out there and I understand how overwhelming that question can sometimes be to answer! When working with clients, I need to identify how they want their space to look & feel pretty early on and I have a simple…

selecting paint colours for interior design

tips for selecting interior paint colours

I understand it can be quite overwhelming when choosing paint colours for your interior design project.  There are some wonderful shades and colours out there and it can feel a struggle narrowing down your favourites. This is my tip which I find incredibly helpful when presenting and choosing paint colours for my room design schemes.…