Real-life Interior Design Dilemmas

Ever asked yourself the questions, ‘how do I pick the pieces that go well with the rest of my interiors?’, ‘how do I optimise my tiny space?’, ‘where do I begin with choosing the right artwork’, or even ‘how do I work with an all timber interior and make it look less old and more stylish’? 

Here are some real-life decorating dilemmas that most homeowners (or renters) encounter and how our Milray Park designers helped.

#1 How can I find the best layout and furniture given the small size of my apartment?

Space: Open Plan Living/Dining Room

In brief: “I want it to be functional so that it can sit 3-4 people but also be easy to lay down and watch tv after work. The space is somewhat small so multi-functional items would be handy. ”

Here’s what our designer Danielle Wilson came up with:

Danielle's Visualisation Board

Danielle's Room Layout Board

‍Designer's Tip: Opt for a more ‘leggy’ than chunky furniture. This allows your space to look a bit more ‘free-flowing’ and spacious. 

Struggling with an interior design dilemma? Our Designers can help! Get started now for just $299/room!

#2 How do I select furniture to match the material finishes of my renovated home?

Space: Open Plan Living/Dining Room

In brief: “I’m renovating my apartment, and would like some layout & furniture ideas that will go with the overall look of the new interiors."

Here’s what our Milray Park designer, Sarah Khoury pulled together. 

Material Finishes

Sarah's Visualisation Board

Designer's Tip: ensure that there’s some sort of design correlation among all the elements of your interiors and furnishings for a cohesive look. 

#3 My place is timber all around, from the floors to the ceiling. How do I make the space look less old and more vibrant? 

Space: Living Room

In brief: “We would like the space to look more comfortable and inviting. We would love some mid century inspired occasional chairs by the wood heater and lower backed couches so as not to block the view.”

Here’s what the talented, Megan Pasierbeck designed:

Image of room (before)

Megan's Visualisation Board (after)

Designer's Tip: If working around plenty of woods and warm rustic timber, you can opt for more fun, colourful and interesting pieces to draw the eye to, like a statement sofa, along with lighter neutrals or whites to break things up and allow other elements to shine. 

#4 How do I deck out my alfresco into something fun and entertaining?

Space: Alfresco

In brief: “I'm moving into a new place and would like a refresh on my outdated dining set and more ideas on how to fill the rest of the space.”

Here’s the look that designer, Emilyrose Fitzpatrick mixed together:

Emilyrose's Visualisation Board

Emilyrose's Product Board

Designer's Tip: Consider outdoor mirrors - they're a great addition to add an interesting dimension to your outdoor space; it also adds a more spacious and sophisticated look. 

Need some help sprucing up your space? Get started with our Style Quiz!

#5 I'm struggling to find the right décor for my bedroom - how do find the right pieces for a cohesive look?

Space: Master Bedroom

In brief: “ I’d like the feel to be tranquil but warm and inviting. I love white, grey and blacks, with some wooden elements for warmth.” 

Designer, Danielle Wilson came up with this relaxed, modern look: 

Danielle's Visualisation Board

Danielle's Mood Board

Designer's Tip: 

For a cohesive look, stick to a restricted palette. Choose art and décor that somewhat mimics the shapes and line features of your furniture, bed linens and cushion patterns. 

#6 How do I style my all-white wall to ceiling apartment?

Space: Open Plan Living Room

In brief: “My space currently feels bare, half done, lacks character, artwork and attention to detail as all the white & neutral tones are feeling a bit lifeless. I would like it to feel comfortable, finished and cohesive, with a bit of personality coming through.”

Here’s Madeleine Taper’s brilliant design solution:

Image of Living Room (before)

Madeleine's Visualisation Board (after)

Designer's Tip: to add that bit of character and interest in your space, whilst sticking to a more neutral palette, go for textured artwork and rugs with patterned finishes. 

#7 I’ll need to decorate my space with pets & toddlers in mind.

Space: Open Plan Living Room

In brief: “With my toddlers and dog running around the living room a lot, I'd like a space that's safer for them to do this, easy to clean but still overall stylish and colourful.” 

Designer, Sarah Van Berkel's solution:

Sarah's Visualisation Board

Sarah's Room Layout Board

Designer's Tip: For kids-friendly furniture, think round edged and rather than sharp ones, and also sofas with removable slip covers for an easy wash. Going for darker colours also won’t hurt much when it comes to stains!

Check out our complete Designer Directory.

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