Interior design basics: a beginner's course in five steps

1. Measure and plan

   Measure walls, windows, doors, radiators and sockets. Draw the room to scale on squared paper or in a planning tool, and mark how people move through it.

2. Define the purpose and style

   Write down what the room is for and who uses it. Collect pictures you like and find what they have in common — lines, materials, colours.

3. Build the palette

   Choose a main colour, a secondary colour and an accent, plus a wood, a metal and two or three fabrics.

4. Arrange the furniture

   Start with the largest piece and the focal point. Keep clear paths, group seating for conversation, and check sizes on the plan before buying.

5. Light and finish

   Add ambient, task and accent light. Finish with textiles, art and objects — fewer, better pieces.

Common beginner mistakes

• Buying furniture before measuring.
• Rugs that are too small for the seating area.
• Hanging art too high — its centre is usually best at about eye level.
• Relying on a single ceiling light.

Tools for this

• Space styling
• Style guide
• Colour palette