Eleanor Cording-Booth, founder of A Considered Space

Buy the furniture you’ll use, not the furniture you think you’re supposed to have

“Always create spaces that work for the way you actually live and not the way you live in a fantasy version of your life. That might mean the rooms in your home don’t serve a traditional purpose, which is far better than precious space being wasted. Don’t feel obligated to create a guest bedroom and ensuite that no one will ever use when the thing you desperately need is a giant walk-in wardrobe full of shoe racks and concealed storage.”

Matilda Goad, designer

Don’t be afraid to reimagine an existing piece

“Don’t always feel you have to respect the colour of a natural material, whether it be a piece of furniture or lighting. Be brave and bring a new lease of life to a piece by painting it in a fun colour or by highlighting little details with a softer tone.”

Sandrine Zhang Ferron, founder of Vinterior

There’s no reason wooden furniture has to “match”

“A mixture of wood tones can look great if you ensure the pieces clash enough to create an eclectic feel. For example, a ’20s oak ladder-back chair can look right at home next to a mid-century teak dining table as long as both pieces are of beautiful quality, and the other items around them tie the space together.”

Anissa Kermiche, designer

Forget about trends – especially when it comes to big purchases

“So many of us have these gorgeous Pierre Paulin sofas on our moodboards, but you live in a house, not a showroom. I bought one, and my couch is now pleasing only to my eyes; my back, my legs and the rest of me all despise it. It’s worth compromising on aesthetics to have something you’re actually keen to sit on.”

Laura Jackson, founder of Glassette

Choose pieces from different design eras