I am taking a short break from writing and, as this will be my last Interior Design feature for a while, I have decided to summarise what I’ve learnt over the last few years.

I’ve loved keeping up with the latest interiors trends and learning about the intricacies of kitchen and bathroom design. However, what has really struck me is that most important of all is to create a welcoming, comfortable home that is reflective of your individual personality. So, here are my top tips for designing your perfect home.

Your lifestyle

Firstly, you need to understand how you want to use your space to make your home work efficiently for your daily activities and lifestyle needs – whether it’s a dedicated workspace, a cosy reading nook or a space for entertaining.

Define your personal style – this could be maximalist, country cottage, mid-century or contemporary – and develop a personal mood board to guide your design decisions and ensure you create a cohesive look.

Welcoming and comfortable

Create a great first impression to make your visitors feel welcome. Make an impact in your hallway with a bright rug and eye-catching artworks. Your living room should be a calming place to be, so don’t stint on seating – it needs to be comfortable and relaxing to sink into. Add some warmth and texture with cosy throws and cushions, and have side tables handy for drinks.

Be brave with colour and pattern

One thing I have learnt is not to be scared of colour – it really adds personality to a space. Surround yourself with colours that bring you joy. You don’t have to paint every wall bright pink, but you can create impact in a room with cushions, rugs and lampshades in your favourite hues.

Start your scheme by picking out the colours from a favourite rug or painting. You can even mix and match patterns if you keep to a harmonious colour palette.

Make it personal

Individuality is key. The best homes reflect the personality of their owners, so make sure your home is filled with a mix of objects you love and that are an expression of you. If, like me, you love reading, have bookshelves filled with your favourite books.

If you like collecting, arrange a curated shelf of much-loved objects. Maybe add a treasured vintage family item, a picture your child has painted, or a piece of pottery brought home from a memorable trip abroad. Surround yourself with things that tell your story and spark memories.

Enjoy your home

A home doesn’t have to be perfect – it just needs to be somewhere you can relax and enjoy being in. My final tip is to surround yourself with your favourite scents. Fill your home with candles and flowers that make you feel happy.

Now you can create a harmonious sanctuary that is reflective of your own unique style and individuality. Happy homemaking!