5 Interior Design Questions I Get Asked Most Often (And How I Answer Them)
After 15+ years as an interior designer in Ireland and helping hundreds of homeowners, I've noticed the same design questions come up again and again. Today I'm sharing the 5 questions I hear most often - and my expert answers that can help you get unstuck immediately.
*Spoiler alert: If you're nodding along thinking "That's exactly my problem!" - I now offer quick video advice for just €49 to solve these design dilemmas in 5 minutes or less.*
Question 1: "What Color Should I Paint My Living Room?"
This is hands-down the most common question I receive! Irish homeowners are obsessed with getting their paint color perfect (and honestly, so am I).
My Quick Answer Method:
First, I always ask: What's the light like in your room? North-facing rooms need warmer colors, while south-facing rooms can handle cooler tones.
My Go-To Safe Colors for Irish Homes:
Cherished White by Colourtrend - works in 70% of Irish living rooms.
Whites with warm undertones - the biggest tip I can give you is to avoid stark whites in our climate. A great colour to use is Milk Teeth by Colourtrend.
Soft greens and beiges - they complement our natural landscape. My favorite, which I often return to, is Kathleen’s Garden by Colourtrend. You can see it showcased on the feature wall in this kitchen makeover.
The 3-Sample Rule: Never choose a colour from a tiny sample. Paint large swatches (A4 size minimum) and live with them for a week.
Need help choosing between 2-3 specific colors for YOUR room? This is exactly what my Quick Fix Design SOS service solves in 5 minutes - no more weeks of overthinking!*
Question 2: "How Do I Arrange Furniture in My Small Living Room?"
Irish homes often have compact living spaces, especially in apartments in big cities, like Dublin and Cork. The trick isn't buying smaller furniture - it's arranging what you have strategically.
My 3-Step Formula:
Create conversation zones - not everything against the walls. Try to have at least one floating furniture.
Use the corners - corner seating maximizes space.
Keep pathways clear - 60cm minimum walking space.
Common Mistakes I See:
Pushing all furniture against the walls (it makes the room feel smaller, believe it or not).
No coffee table or side tables.
TV mounted too high (eye level when seated, please!).
The Float-the-Furniture Rule: Pull your sofa 30cm from the wall and add a console table behind it. Instant sophistication and better flow.
Struggling with your specific room layout? Send me photos and get a personalized furniture arrangement plan in my Quick Fix Design SOS service.*
Question 3: "What Window Treatments Go With My Sofa?"
This question usually comes after someone bought a gorgeous sofa and suddenly realized they need curtains or blinds that don't clash!
My Never-Fail Approach:
Pick up an accent color from your sofa cushions.
Go neutral if your sofa is already a statement color.
Avoid shiny fabrics if you can.
Add texture rather than pattern, for a look that won’t date for years to come.
Irish Home Reality Check:
We need curtains or blinds that actually work, not just look pretty. Consider:
Thermal lining for our climate.
Full-length curtain panels even for small windows (but never in tiny rooms).
Ceiling-mounted tracks or blinds installed on a wall above the window recess for maximum light.
Can't decide between 2-3 curtain options? Get my expert recommendation in 5 minutes with Quick Fix Design SOS.*
Question 4: "Should I Keep or Replace This Piece?"
Usually asked about inherited furniture, old dining tables, or that sofa you're "tired of, but it's still good.
My Keep-or-Toss Test: Ask yourself:
Is it structurally sound? (Wobbly = replace).
Does it fit your lifestyle? (Family with toddlers + bright fabric sofa = rethink).
Can it be updated? (Painting is often cheaper than replacement.)
When to Definitely Keep:
Solid wood furniture (it's built better than most new pieces).
Anything with good bones that just needs styling.
Pieces with sentimental value that can be updated.
When to Let Go:
Anything uncomfortable (life's too short).
Pieces you actively dislike looking at.
Furniture that doesn't fit your space properly.
Torn between keeping or replacing something specific? Send me photos and get a clear recommendation in my Quick Fix Design SOS.*
Question 5: "How Do I Make My Room Look More Expensive?"
Everyone wants that "expensive" look without the expensive price tag. I call it champagne taste with a beer budget. Good news - it's totally achievable!
My Budget Luxury Tricks:
Add coving - instant sophistication.
Layer your lighting - table lamps, floor lamps, and even wall lamps. Only use warm white light bulbs in all of them.
Invest in good window treatments - they transform any room immediately. Never leave bare windows.
The 80/20 Rule: Spend 80% of your budget on things you touch daily (sofa, bed, dining chairs) and 20% on everything else.
Free Expensive-Looking Updates:
Declutter ruthlessly - luxury = spacious and calm.
Style your shelves - books, plants, pretty objects only. No clutter!
Make your bed beautifully. Avoid patterned, busy-looking bedding at all costs for those instant hotel vibes.
Want specific advice for making YOUR room look more expensive? My Quick Fix Design SOS gives you targeted suggestions for just €49.*
Still Stuck on Your Design Decision?
If you're reading this thinking, "I have the same question but about MY specific room," you're not alone! These are the design dilemmas that keep Irish homeowners awake at night. That's exactly why I created my ‘Quick Fix Design SOS’ service. For just €49, you get a personalized 5-minute video answering your specific design question - no more endless Pinterest scrolling or asking friends who "aren't sure either."
Perfect for questions like:
Paint color decisions,
Furniture arrangement help,
Window treatment choices,
Keep-or-replace dilemmas,
Budget luxury upgrades.
Ready to get unstuck? Book your Quick Fix Design SOS here and have your answer within 48 hours.
Need more than quick advice? Check out my complete room design packages starting at €299.
What design question is keeping YOU up at night? Let me know in the comments!
