Design 101

The simplest of things can be the most illusive. We are here to give you a straight answer no matter how ‘silly’ the question


Mood boards from several projects in the award-winning luxury interior design studio, Kia Designs', London Bridge studio
Ask an Expert  ·  Design 101  ·  Design In Depth  ·  Interior Design
How to Choose the Right Colours for Your Home

Discover how colour psychology can elevate your home’s atmosphere and well-being! Learn how different colours influence emotions, from calming blues for relaxation to energising reds for creativity. This guide will help you choose the ideal hues for each room, creating a space that fosters productivity, comfort, and balance.

November 18, 2024

Client Inspiration  ·  Design 101  ·  Design In Depth  ·  Interior Design
Luxurious Home Office Design: Creating a Productive and Stylish Workspace at Home

Create a luxurious and functional home office that enhances productivity and reflects your personal style. With a focus on ergonomic furniture, elegant lighting, and calming colour schemes, you can design a space that promotes comfort and concentration. From high-quality desks and chairs to personalised decor and efficient layouts, transform your work-from-home environment into a space that fosters both inspiration and well-being. Explore these essential design elements to elevate your home office experience and optimise your workspace for long-term success.

November 8, 2024

Incorporating the client’s love of geometric and floral patterns, as well as her passion for colour, this Knightsbridge Master Bathroom is a really functional space with a very homely vibe, that doesn’t have the staid feeling of a hotel or second home.
Client Inspiration  ·  Design 101  ·  Interior Design
Personalised Interior Design That Reflects Your Unique Style

Transform your home into a reflection of your unique personality with personalised interior design. Our expert design process combines thoughtful colour palettes, custom layouts, and carefully curated materials to create spaces that not only look stunning but also function seamlessly with your lifestyle. Whether you’re after a serene sanctuary or an inviting, dynamic environment, our designs capture your taste, values, and preferences, ensuring every detail resonates with who you are. Let us help you craft a home that feels authentically yours—where every corner tells your story.

November 4, 2024

Luxury Knightsbridge Apartment Kitchen
Ask an Expert  ·  Design 101  ·  Interior Architecture  ·  Interior Design
Understanding Client Needs in Interior Design

Discover the power of client-centred interior design at Kia Designs, where creativity meets empathy to craft personalised spaces that truly reflect your vision. Our process starts with active listening and open communication, ensuring every design decision aligns with your needs, dreams, and personality. From the first consultation to the final design, we transform your ideas into a space that’s not just beautiful, but feels uniquely yours. Let us bring your dream home to life—contact us today to begin your design journey.

November 1, 2024

Award-winning interior designer Kia Stanford and Carol Paterno choosing materials for a client's moodboard.
Design 101  ·  Design In Depth  ·  Interior Architecture
Design-Build: A Collaborative Approach to Architecture

Design-build stands as a compelling alternative to the traditional design-bid-build model. This collaborative approach merges the distinct roles of design and construction into a single entity, fostering a seamless and efficient workflow that delivers projects with unparalleled quality and precision. […]

January 4, 2024

Design 101
Breaking Down the Myths and Misconceptions about Interior Design and Interior Architecture

Interior design and interior architecture are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion and misunderstandings about their unique roles and contributions to creating beautiful and functional interior spaces. In this post, we will debunk some of the common myths and misconceptions […]

April 19, 2023

Design 101
The Essential Appliances for a Luxury Kitchen

A luxury kitchen is a dream come true for many homeowners. It’s a space where you can indulge in your passion for cooking and entertaining guests, and create unforgettable meals that will be remembered for years to come. However, a […]

April 6, 2023

Design 101
3D Interior Renders: Bringing the Vision to Life

3D interior rendering is an invaluable tool for interior designers. By creating a realistic 3D model of the desired space, they can bring a client’s vision to life. 3D interior rendering starts by creating a 3D model of the space, […]

April 3, 2023

Design 101
Window Treatments and How They can be Used to Enhance a Room

Window treatments are an essential component of any interior design scheme, and when chosen carefully, they can truly transform a room and create a beautiful and inviting atmosphere. Window treatments not only provide privacy, but they can also help control […]

March 31, 2023

Design 101
The Difference Between Water Resistant & Waterproof Fabrics

Understanding the difference between waterproof and water-resistant fabrics is crucial for interior designers, especially when choosing the right materials for high-end and luxury design projects in London. Waterproof fabrics are perfect for outdoor cushions and furniture, offering complete water protection. Water-resistant fabrics, on the other hand, provide light moisture protection and are ideal for interior decor items. Learn how to choose the right fabric for your needs and avoid common mistakes that can lead to moisture damage in your design projects.

March 20, 2023

Design 101
Understanding the Regulations Around Grade Listed Refurbishments

Key Guidelines for Preservation and Maintenance Grade Listed properties are some of the most treasured structures in the UK, recognised for their exceptional architectural and historical significance. These buildings can vary dramatically in style and purpose, from grand castles to […]

March 17, 2023

Luxurious and multifunctional home office guest bedroom in a London penthouse, designed by an award-winning luxury interior design studio. Featuring modern furniture like a hidden trundle bed and a convertible sofa, this elegant space seamlessly transitions from a peaceful workspace with stunning city views to a welcoming guest room. Neutral tones and chic decor create a stylish and practical solution for maximising space in urban living.
Design 101  ·  Design In Depth  ·  Interior Architecture  ·  Interior Design  ·  Wonderful Homes
Home Office and Guest Bedroom Ideas for a London Penthouse

It comes as no surprise that we are designing more and more home offices within our projects, as working from home becomes a more permanent feature in our lives. Creating a flexible working space is important, especially living in London […]

April 14, 2022

Design 101
From Design Concept To Completed Room

The Evolution of 3D Design Visualisations in Luxury Interiors Over the years, the methods we employ to help clients visualise their future homes have evolved remarkably. Initially, physical samples and mood boards served as the primary tools for conveying design […]

July 23, 2020

Design 101
Planning Permission For A Basement Conversion

There’s a lot to think about when you’re starting to plan for a basement conversion: What will you be using the space for? Will you be needing a separate front door? Are your neighbours aware? Do you have a party […]

February 20, 2018

Design 101
Your Basement Conversion and Your Soil: What Lies Beneath

When you are embarking on a basement conversion, you are going to have all sorts of questions. There is a lot to think about and a lot to consider. There will, of course, be various tasks on your list: It […]

February 7, 2018

Design 101
Underfloor Heating Basics And What You Need To Know

Underfloor heating is being used more and more in residential properties and it’s great: it gives you more space and flexibility in your room once radiators have been removed; it is much more effective in heating your rooms at an […]

January 23, 2018

Design 101
I Want to Extend My House Down: Where do I Start?

Types of Basement Conversions Explained: So you’ve decided you want more space, and down is the direction to go. Basement digs can be a fantastic way to add a lot of sq footage to your property, especially in London where […]

January 17, 2018

Design 101
9 Easy Questions To Help You Find The Right Designer

So you’ve found someone whose work you love and got in contact. Now comes the first meeting. It can be quite a daunting process, handing over your money before there is anything tangible to show for it. Make sure you […]

January 3, 2018

Design 101
How an Interior Designer Saves you Money: Affordable Interior Design

The Hidden Cost of Getting Things Done Hiring an Interior Designer will definitely save you time, but it can also save you money. It’s in our best interest to make your budget stretch as far as possible and give you a […]

December 1, 2017

Kia Designs Steel Bath
Design 101
What Is Steel Enamel and Why Do We Love It?

When we were in Germany visiting one of our suppliers, Bette, we learnt all about the construction behind some of the amazing products that we use. One of those was steel enamel that Bette make their products out of. What blew us […]

November 22, 2017

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