Fashions come and go, so deciding which styles will have long-lasting design power can feel overwhelming. Will creating that popular putty-pink focal point be a wise investment, or will it date the moment the upholsterer leaves? At Linwood, we believe good design should endure as well as feel of the moment, blending timeless quality with a confident, contemporary spirit, so we’ve gathered the interior design ideas that continue to guide design insiders today.
Go Big in Small Spaces
Interior designers often begin by considering proportion, yet rules are made to be bent. While it may seem logical to match a small room with petite furniture, choosing a generous sofa or bold chair can be a wonderfully unexpected way to create impact. In this narrow living room, oversized furniture against crisp white walls provides a soothing juxtaposition to the elegant window light. Natural timber floors, a cane chair and washed Elba linen bring warmth and effortless ease.
Play with Different Proportions
The use of pattern may feel like a task for the seasoned decorator, but even a modest motif can transform a space. Start small if you wish: here, two relaxed prints introduce interest without overwhelming, while walls in a muted yellow tie the look together. Natural textures give the scheme a gentle, lived-in charm and allow quirky furniture to shine.
Source Upcycled Furniture
Vintage and antique pieces offer silhouettes and craftsmanship rarely found in modern furniture. A weekend spent browsing markets can yield gems perfect for re-imagining. This traditional sofa has been revived in Linwood’s Kami fabric, with colours echoed in cushions for a confident scheme. Let the fabric inspire your palette – a foolproof way to build an elegant mood board.
Make the Most of Natural Light
Natural light is one of a room’s greatest gifts. Crisp white walls and soft summer sun feel instantly uplifting, so avoid heavy dressings. Semi-sheer linens curtains in generous folds create a buoyant, airy feel by day and privacy at night — layering practicality with poetic ease.
Incorporate Deep Pinks
Pinks continue to captivate. From terracotta tones to acid brights and jewel shades, this spectrum is beloved by designers. Deep pinks, in particular, feel rich and spirited. We Built this City in its bold pink colourway adds graphic punch — ideal for smaller spaces where a brave fabric can do all the work.
Opt for Expressive Patterns
One of the simplest ways to lift a scheme is to introduce something unexpected. A classic chair shape upholstered in the fresh aqua of Crystal feels joyful and modern. Likewise, a floral on dining chairs paired with a traditional table brings instant style — and breathes new life into preloved furniture.
Florals Are Forever
Unless you are a true minimalist, florals bring delight. Whether a blousy chintz like Albertine or a dainty repeat, they soften architecture and add decorative charm. Keep things modern with a simple silhouette or a lively contrast trim, as shown here in bright green on crisp block-colour cushions.
Choose Sustainable Materials
Sustainability is now central to good design. Linwood’s Omega IV — crafted with 28% recycled content and inherently fire retardant — offers a thoughtful yet luxurious choice. With 154 colours, it suits both bold and understated schemes.
Stay Classic with Stripes or Checks
Few prints are as versatile as stripes. They sit beautifully alongside plains, florals and geometrics, and can help adjust the sense of scale in a room. Croquet, with its coral detail pattern, blends stripe and motif for a fresh yet timeless look.
Wallpaper the Whole Room
Feature walls have had their moment. Today, decorators are returning to fully papered rooms for instant atmosphere. Bamboo Garden creates a bold, enveloping scheme; try pairing it with colourful paint on skirting and dado rails for a collected, layered feel.
Measure Twice, Buy Once
Professional results come from careful planning. Measure thoroughly – especially when investing in fabrics or upholstery — to ensure the finish you envision. It’s a simple rule, but an invaluable one.
Curate Your Clutter
A busy room can still feel calm when thoughtfully arranged. Choose a palette and build around it. This living room centres around creamy cabinetry and tones of orange and beige, anchored by Leckford in Ember, whose space-dyed yarns and water-repellent finish make it as practical as it is beautiful. Layer pottery, books and textiles for warmth and ease.
Add a Pop of Red
Red brings confidence. Whether muted orange-reds or jewel-bright tones, it energises a room like little else. Here, a relaxed linen in Elba in Lipstick warms the caramel and tan palette without overpowering it — a gentle reminder that material choice matters as much as colour.
Layer Upholstery and Rugs for Character
Rugs help define space and draw the eye through a room. Here, blue stripes lead towards a relaxed sofa, while pale turquoise walls add height and airiness. Simple, thoughtful layers – pattern on the floor, texture on the sofa – bring quiet personality without visual noise.
Timeless interiors aren’t static – they evolve gracefully. With thoughtful choices, quality materials and a touch of daring, your home can feel fresh today and beautifully relevant tomorrow.