Emma Sims-Hilditch, founder of interior design firm, the eponymous Sims Hilditch, knows good taste.
As a true arbiter of classic English elegance and style, there's no-one more apt to ask for the ultimate 'dos' and 'don'ts' for decorating your space.
Read on to discover what mistakes you might be making in your home – and discover the interior design tips that tell you what you should be doing instead.
1. Lighting in cabinetry
Emma's advice on what to do when lighting cabinetry:
- Try fixed wall lights mounted on cabinetry or bookcases. Pretty decorative lampshades are a great way to create subtle yet pleasant atmosphere.
- Add an element of soft lighting by installing little LED lights within a built-in shower niche.
- Make sure your lighting is decorative rather than task for the cabinetry in the bedrooms and sitting rooms, where you might want to avoid harsh light.
- Use a low glare, LED under cupboard light in a cocktail cabinet to cast a soft, ambient light that highlights your collection of glasses and beverages.
What Emma warns to steer clear of:
- Use bathroom uplighting beneath a mirror or cabinet that could cast shadows on your face when applying make-up. Use a combination of wall light and asymmetrical spotlights instead.
- Design your kitchen layout without lighting. Misplaced lighting can ruin the aesthetic and can be difficult to change once installed.
- Forget to invest in dimmable LED bulbs so that all the lighting can be adjusted depending on the mood and time of day.
2. Creating a back door space
Photography/Jake Eastham
When creating a back door or mud room area, Emma suggests that you should:
- Maximise space and use every awkward corner. Create cupboards out of old walkways and utilise concealed doors to hide washing machines or heating systems.
- Invest in a hard-wearing floor to withstand boots, pets and drips. Brick and stone are practical. Limestone flooring from Artisans of Devizes is always a safe choice.
- Add panelling to soften the hard edges of stone and brick finishes.
However, make sure to take note of Emma's advice of what not to do:
- Use your space as a ‘dumping ground’. Keep it organised by investing in baskets, each dedicated to storing a specific item, which can be slotted into bespoke fitted joinery. Include hidden storage within bench seating too.
- Choose an impractical work surface. Marble looks lovely but can stain, so we recommend a black honed granite, or similar, instead.
3. Hard-wearing upholstery
When selecting upholstery, take heed of Emma's suggestions:
- Check the rub count. Choose upholstery fabrics with a Martindale rub count of no less than 18,000 if you have young children and pets.
- Use a fabric protector on upholstery. We also often design sofa arm covers that can be washable and protect the arms from wear over long periods.
- Use a weighty linen to upholster a sofa, dining chairs and even a headboard – this not only looks elegant but is durable. We have used the heavy linens by GP & J Baker and Fermoie in many of our projects.
And make sure to listen to what Emma says to not do:
- Choose delicates for family spaces. Lace, velvet and anything gathered or embroidered is more vulnerable to pulls and damage, so where possible find alternatives.
- ‘Make do’. We believe in the philosophy ‘buy it once and buy it well’, and this means that it’s well worth investing in good quality upholstery that will last.
- Wash linens at home because it can cause shrinkage. Most will require dry cleaning.
