Using samples for interior design when creating your perfect home!

When it comes to planning your designs, utilising samples can truly revolutionise your creative process. These small pieces of materials and paint hold immense power in helping you visualise and conceptualise your ideas.

My 3 must-know tips will guide you through the process of effectively using samples for interior design to enhance your interior design projects. From selecting the right textures and colours to experimenting with different combinations, samples provide a hands-on approach that can elevate your design game.

Exploring samples allows you to not only see but also feel the materials, giving you a tactile understanding of how they will work in your space. By working through the samples, you can immerse yourself in a world of possibilities, sparking inspiration and creativity along the way.

Take a look at my 3 top-tip videos below to find out:

1️⃣ How samples prevent design regret

2️⃣ Why they help you feel the materials in real life

3️⃣ The best way to test colours, textures, & more!

And don't forget to check out the final video, where I demonstrate how to create a mood box – a personalised visual representation of your design vision. This simple yet powerful tool can help you bring all your ideas together in one cohesive and harmonious concept.

With the guidance of my interior design samples tips and the hands-on experience of working with samples, you'll be able to transform your design process and create spaces that reflect your unique style and personality. So, dive into the world of samples and unleash your creativity as you embark on the journey of designing your dream space!

Using samples for interior design

Top tip 1

When choosing a paint colour, it’s always a good idea to order a few different shades or variations of the colour you have in mind. This helps you see how the colour will look in context with other tones and lighting conditions.

For example, if you're considering blue for your space, ordering multiple samples allows you to compare them side by side rather than relying on a single choice. You might initially think a pale blue, like Good China Blue, from Coat paints, is the perfect fit. However, when placed alongside other shades, you may realise it’s too light and that a grey-blue or a teal might be a better match.

Having all your samples in one place makes it much easier to compare, ensuring you find the perfect shade without needing to make multiple trips to the shop or order more samples later. This approach saves time and helps you make a more confident colour choice for your space.

Top tip 2

Just like with colour, it’s important to experience textures in real life to see how they interact with your space. Different fabrics respond to light in unique ways and can dramatically influence the overall feel of a room.

For example, I’ve gathered a selection of green fabrics to demonstrate how light plays across different textures. Velvet and silk reflect light beautifully, adding a sense of depth and luxury, while boucle absorbs light, creating a softer, more muted effect. Your choice of texture can help shape the mood of the room—whether you want it to feel bright and airy or cosy and intimate.

Beyond aesthetics, texture also affects how a fabric feels and functions in daily life. Velvets and boucles are plush and inviting, while silks, though luxurious, can feel cooler to the touch. Linen offers a balance of softness and practicality, making it a great option for homes with pets or children. Seeing and feeling these materials in person ensures you choose a fabric that not only looks good but also suits your lifestyle.

Top tip 3

To create a cohesive design scheme, it’s essential to see how all your chosen elements work together. Whether you’re starting from scratch or introducing something new to an existing space, bringing everything into one place helps you visualise the final look.

If you're designing a room from the ground up, assembling a mood board or a mood box with all your samples—paints, wallpapers, fabrics, and materials—allows you to compare them side by side. This process helps you identify what works well together and what might need replacing.

It’s also important to test how key elements interact with your space. For example, if you're considering adding wallpaper, place a sample in different areas of the room to see how it responds to natural and artificial light throughout the day. Over time, you’ll get a sense of whether it truly works with your existing scheme or if adjustments—like a different colour, pattern, or texture—are needed. Taking this step ensures that every choice contributes to a well-balanced and harmonious space.

Example mood box creation

Bringing different elements of a room together is key to creating a cohesive and well-balanced design. In this space, I’ve combined a statement wallpaper, rich earthy tones like rust and cream, and natural wood textures to introduce depth and texture. Layering in fabrics such as corduroy and linen not only adds colour but also enriches the tactile experience of the space. For a playful touch, I’m incorporating pops of blue and yellow, injecting a sense of fun into the scheme.

By assembling these elements together in one area, you can visualise how they harmonise as a unified design concept. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also ensures a balanced and engaging room atmosphere.

And if you're still feeling overwhelmed by the wide array of colours and fabrics, don't worry! Reach out to me for assistance, and I'll be absolutely thrilled to guide you through it all!

Ready to bring your vision to life? Get in touch to create a space that’s uniquely yours!

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