Timeless interior design tips
Make your home your own with this expert interior design advice
If you think downsizing and retirement living in a new build equals bland and boring, think again. Moving house is a time to reflect on your personal design style and offers the chance to create a gorgeous new home that truly reflects your individuality.
These expert interior design tips from McCarthy Stone’s in-house Interior Design Team will help you to create an elegant timeless space that defies short-term trends.
Five steps to a great layout
- Choose a focal point – for each room i.e. a fireplace or television and arrange your furniture around it.
- Find balance – don’t group similar-sized furniture together as it will make a room appear lopsided. Use a variety of shapes i.e. round coffee table with a straight sofa.
- Create a clear path – so people can walk through the room easily
- Lighting – use a mix of overhead lighting, floor lamps and table lamps for ambience.
- Carefully check measurements – to ensure furniture will fit. Sketching your furniture onto a floorplan helps.
Six considerations when using colour
- Get the ratio right – the dominant colour should cover approximately 60% of the room and the secondary colour around 30%. Accent colours should make up the final 10%.
- Accent colours – introduce an accent colour through items such as cushions, throws, feature painted wall, artwork or accessories.
- Don’t overdo it – use in small quantities around the room to prevent an overkill of colour and to draw your eyes around the room.
- To go subtle – select an accent colour that is in the same colour family as the predominant wall colour i.e. a few shades lighter or darker.
- For a bold look – choose a complimentary colour from the opposite side of the colour wheel.
- Keep curtains neutral – curtains should last you around 8-10 years so neutral colour palettes that blend in work well. That way you can change the colour scheme in the room through cushions and accessories, without having to change the curtains as well.
Inspiring interiors from McCarthy Stone homeowners
A McCarthy Stone retirement apartment is like a blank canvas – the space can be made as unique as the homeowner that lives there, as these stories illustrate…
“WHY BE BORING WHEN YOU CAN BE INTERESTING?”
Gilly’s apartment reflects her diverse influences and interests.
“My style is an eclectic mix of traditional, antique and modern – like my fashion sense. I’d describe my space as warm, comfortable and happy. When people see it, they instantly say, ‘oh yes this is very Gilly!’”
“I’VE BROUGHT THE SPANISH SUNSHINE WITH ME”
Ann Carroll’s cheery McCarthy Stone apartment is as colourful as her character.
After living in Spain for 15 years, fun-loving Ann was keen to bring the sunshine to her new home, adding bright shades and bold art. “Life’s just better in colour!”
“EVERY MAN NEEDS A MAN CAVE!”
John Pritchard wanted family and friends to immediately know it was his home.
“I wanted my apartment to reflect my character. Although I’m not necessarily one for bright and bold, I’ve brought my own style into the design using complementary colours, chrome touches and modern furniture.”
Meet McCarthy Stone’s inhouse Interior Design Team…
The team are responsible for the look and feel of the communal spaces in every development, including the beautiful lounges and welcoming restaurant/bistros.
“Life at McCarthy Stone is reflected in the interior design. We bring a sense of togetherness and empowerment by creating multi-functional spaces that people love living in. We always design with the customer in mind, aiming to enrich people’s lives. We are not quick to follow fast-moving trends. When I think of design at McCarthy Stone developments I think of comfort, style, and relaxation.” Sara Jacks, Head of Interior Design.
…at McCarthy Stone’s Home Styling Events this Summer
You’ll get the chance to meet McCarthy Stone Interiors Design experts and receive design advice to help solve your styling woes at FREE interior design workshops up and down the country. Find a workshop near you.
Book a guided tour and get a £20 John Lewis Gift Card
Book onto a guided tour at a McCarthy Stone development by 31st July 2022 and you’ll receive a £20 John Lewis Gift Card* as a thank you! Search properties here.
