When buying curtains or decorating materials take a cushion from the sofa shopping with you to ensure you get the right color.

Use string covered with chalk to mark straight lines on walls for shelves, wallpaper etc.

When planning a child's room get down to their level to see if from a child’s perspective.  This will prevent placing hooks etc. too high for them to reach.

Never get a tall person to hang pictures for you as this will result in them being fitted too high.

Colors - in a dark room go for bright not light.

·         Terracotta (orange based) colors = warm

·         Pink based colors = vibrant and dramatic

·         Yellow for dull rooms which lack sunlight

·         Green = calming

·         Blue = cool and restful

When painting corridors remember dark colors will shorten.

To see how much room a piece of furniture will take up before buying, take a piece of newspaper and a tape measure and make a template the same size as the item in question.  Place paper on floor to give some idea as to the amount of space needed.

Clever use of mirrors can give the illusion of more space.