Home is for each of us his refuge. He wants to feel comfortable and beautiful in his spaces and rooms. That is why the way the different spaces will be designed is of crucial importance for the final feeling it will exude. If you are moving or want to renovate your home, you should know some basic things to ensure a satisfactory result.

Experts answer Google’s eleven most popular interior design questions:

  • What is the best way to design a kitchen?

“The starting point for any successful kitchen design is understanding who uses the space and how. People’s lifestyles vary, so being clear about what will be done in the kitchen and how it relates to the rest of the house will help plan it right. The budget you will have largely determines the result. Additionally, you should define which devices are required and which are optional. Think about the flow of the day and how the people of the house will move in this space. Also consider how much storage space you need,” suggests Amy Hicks, head designer at Blakes London.

  • What are the best countertop materials?

“Choosing the right materials is a critical decision and often the starting point of any kitchen design. Benches are decisive for the functionality and final configuration of a space. It is important to consider factors such as durability, appearance and ease of maintenance. The best hardware should align with your vision, lifestyle and budget. Each option offers a unique combination of aesthetics, durability and maintenance requirements,” explains Claire Sa, co-founder of De Rosee Sa.

  • What is the best way to separate a living room from a dining room?

“The best approach is to create a different focal point for each of the two parties. For example, she placed a rug in the living room and a pendant light above the dining room. Details like this clearly separate spaces. However, it is important that the choices you make for two parts of a single space match each other,” points out Christian Bense.

  • How long can a sofa be expected to last?

“If the budget allows, invest in a piece with a hardwood frame, as this is expected to last for decades. Regarding the details, choose foam or down pillows, depending on the level of support or comfort you desire. If you already have a comfortable sofa, but it shows some wear and tear, then a new fabric cover is the ideal way to refresh it. Replacing the cushions is also an affordable touch of change,” says Jojo Bradley, founder of Jojo Bradley Interiors.

  • Does it take talent to choose the right wallpaper?

“A good rule of thumb is to let the size of the room dictate the scale of the wallpaper. Large scale prints tend to suit larger rooms better as there is more space to fill. Large prints usually have bolder designs, which will “suffocate” a small space. On the contrary, smaller scale prints usually have a more subtle effect, which suits small spaces, as in a large room it can be “lost”. In any case, wallpaper looks best when used across a wall or room to create a complete picture. I would recommend experimenting with samples. He examined the sample at different times of the day, taking into account how much light “bathes” the space and how the appearance of the room changes with the addition of the wallpaper. It’s an expensive decoration, so it’s important to make sure it works and is something you’ll enjoy looking at every day,” emphasizes Maddalena Minerva.

  • How should a living room be lit?

“It’s important to configure the lighting according to three criteria – environment, accent and task – so that you can adapt it to different times of the day, for different moods and functions. Think about the layout of the room. Start with the ambient lighting, taking into account where you want to place the lamps. Accent lighting is what creates interest in a room and is often used to highlight different features. In a living room, this can include wall lights, LED strips and more. Dimmer switches are also very important as they allow you to ‘play’ with different levels of light, creating a different mood,” reveals Maxwell Barlow.

  • Is there a way to make a small room look bigger?

“When decorating a small room, it can feel difficult to include all the essentials and still make it look spacious. The most important tip is not to cram too many things, as this will make the room feel crowded and chaotic. Choose a few pieces well and try to leave as much space as possible. To keep the room organized and spacious, create “smart” storage spaces. Versatile and layered lighting is also great at enhancing a space and highlighting certain areas to make it appear larger. Pendant lights will illuminate the room during the day, while wall lights will create ambiance during the night. Finally, I firmly believe that a curated color palette of dark blues, greens, and grays can create the illusion of a larger space, especially when paired with soft, tactile textures. Symmetry also helps: It makes everything look easier on the eye,” emphasizes Naomi Astley Clarke.

  • How long does a bathroom renovation take?

“A bathroom can be completely renovated in two weeks if there is a clear plan and defined desires. There’s a lot of work to be done on the walls before any finishing is applied, so it’s a good idea to have a detailed plan of the bathroom, recording all the piping, tap locations and general highlights, before the experts start work. “Having everything ordered in advance is also vital as it will ensure nothing delays the work. Plan everything in advance and you’ll have a brand new bathroom in a matter of days,” says Cathy Dean, founder & CEO of Studio Dean.

  • How often should you change your mattress?

“It is good to change your mattress every 7-10 years to ensure proper support and comfort. You should also turn the mattress every 3 months and clean it regularly. If there are bumps, dips or protruding points, you should change it. The cover is also important. As good as a mattress is, a wool, cotton or down cover will make everything better. It is very important to keep the place where you sleep and rest in good condition, as it directly affects your health in many ways,” emphasizes Mark Winstanley, creative director of The White Company.

  • What thread count is best for bedding?

Thread count refers to the weave of one inch of fabric. It is generally believed that a higher thread count is associated with better quality. For most, a thread count ranging from 300 to 500 is considered optimal. Bedding in this category achieves the right balance between durability, comfort, but also ease of washing and maintenance. Sheets with a lower thread count have a lighter and cooler feel, making them more suitable for warmer climates or those who get hot at night. They are also easier to wash and dry faster. Bedding with a higher thread count is considered more luxurious and smooth, but it breathes less, so it traps more heat. They are also bulkier in the wash and much heavier when wet.

“Thread count is not the only determining factor when choosing bed linen. The type of weave also plays a role, such as whether it is cotton or satin. Cottons are of higher quality, as they are characterized by greater integrity and are less prone to wear. Ultimately, personal preference should guide your choice. However, I recommend thread count around 400 and pure silk or 600 thread count pillowcases,” recommends Georgia Metcalfe, founder of French Bedroom.

  • Is there a “smart” way to paint kitchen cabinets?

“There are many ways to paint kitchen cabinets and keep them looking nice and new, but I firmly believe that spray painting gives the best result, ensuring a smooth, bubble-free finish. By choosing the right paint, the result will last longer. The right paint is a low VOC water based paint as it is more environmentally friendly and the colors look great. Also think about how you can add texture to the space by combining different materials that will complement your choice. You can, for example, use colored wood, corrugated glass, open shelves, wooden or stone floors, patterns, etc.,’ suggests William Durrant, owner at Herringbone.