Ever walked into a room and just felt something? The kind of feeling that makes you think, "Wow I could live here forever"? That's the magic of a well-designed space. But here’s the thing: designing a room that feels special doesn’t have to be a mystery. It’s all about knowing what to look for, and more importantly, how to make it your own.
We asked our designers what they notice first when they step into a room, from lighting to layout, their answers reveal how the tiniest details can make all the difference. And don’t worry, we’ve also got some tips for making your space feel like it’s been crafted just for you. Let’s dive in!
What Do Designers Notice First When They Walk Into a Room?
You’d think a designer would immediately look at furniture, right? Well, it’s actually a bit more complicated than that. Here’s what our team had to say:
Flow is Everything.
“I always notice the flow of the room, the furniture arrangement. How does it work? Can people move around without bumping into things?” - Rhian Barker, Group Design Director
And she’s right, the layout is key to making a space feel welcoming and functional. It’s all about ensuring your room flows with ease, so it’s not just pretty, but livable too.
Lighting Sets the Mood.
“The lighting is what sets the tone for a room. It can completely change the atmosphere.” - Esra Kumbasar, Senior Design Director
"Natural light is great, we all love a room that gets plenty of sunlight, but artificial lighting also plays a huge role, especially the colour and temperature of it. Well-placed lighting, like task lights or lamps to highlight artwork, always signals that a room has been professionally designed to me.” - Izzie Nelson, Interior Designer
Thoughtful layers of light and careful placement transform a room’s mood and dimension.
It's All About That Feeling.
“Is the room warm and welcoming? What does the colour and pattern say about the person who lives here?” - Lauren Lear, Associate Design Director
And she's onto something. The little details, like the colours you choose, how they work together, and the overall vibe, give you a pretty good insight into someone's personality. Your home should feel like a reflection of you.
Small Things Matter.
“I always notice if the cushions have been squashed or not, like if someone has sat on one!” - Sophie Wilson, Senior Design Director
Sometimes, it’s the small things that make a room feel lived-in, like squashed cushions. It’s a quirky little observation, but that kind of detail really gives a room that “lived in” warmth and personality.
Our Designers' Picks
How to Make Your Room Feel Special: Designer Tips for a Truly Unique Space
Now that we’ve learned what catches our designers’ eyes, it’s time to dig into some tips for making your space feel just as special.
Mix It Up.
Rhian’s advice is simple: don’t go for the full matching set. “Don’t buy a whole suite of furniture, mix and match. It feels so much more interesting!” We couldn’t agree more. A room that’s too perfectly coordinated can end up feeling a little too staged. The best spaces are those with personality, those that feel like they’ve been thoughtfully curated, rather than mass-produced.
Layering Lighting and Texture.
Esra's secret to a cohesive, designer-approved room is layering: “Layer textures and lighting while paying attention to the details. It helps give the space a cohesive feel.” The idea is to create depth and interest, whether it’s a cosy throw, a bold rug, or the way lighting is placed around the room. Layering your lighting also adds versatility, task lighting for the desk, mood lighting for the couch, and decorative lighting to set the tone.
Bespoke is Best.
Lauren’s go-to tip? Always consider bespoke pieces. “If you can, go for something custom. A piece of furniture that’s made specifically for your space is the sign of a well-designed room.” There’s something so special about a custom piece, it’s tailored to your needs and fits perfectly into the room, making it feel uniquely yours.
At Bazaar London, we believe in the power of bespoke design. Whether it’s a custom-made sofa that fits your living room just right or a unique coffee table crafted to your taste, our pieces are designed to make your space feel truly one-of-a-kind. And with our extensive range of fully customisable furniture, we make it easy to create the perfect statement piece for any room.
Get the Scale Right.
Sophie’s tip is all about proportions. “Pay attention to the size and scale of your furniture. Is your rug big enough? Is the coffee table too high?” Getting the right proportions ensures that everything in the room feels balanced. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about creating harmony.
Find Your Match?
If any of these tips resonate with your personal style, why not take a look at our designers' favourite pieces? You might just discover a shared taste or inspiration. Explore their designs and see how their style can complement yours.
Your Dream Room Is Just a Few Details Away
A truly special room is defined by its details, the thoughtful touches that elevate the whole space. Whether it’s the flow of your furniture, the layering of textures and lighting, or the choice of bespoke pieces, these small touches come together to create a space that’s more than just a room. It becomes your sanctuary. Your place.
So go ahead, experiment with these tips, make your space feel uniquely yours, and remember: your dream room starts right here. After all, it’s not about having the perfect space; it’s about creating a space that feels perfect for you.
If you’d like us to help you bring your vision to life and create a future heirloom for your home, we’d love to design a bespoke piece that’s made just for you, one that will be treasured for years to come.
