Recently I was asked for my input on an article for mydeal.com.au and you can read the full article here:

Building on from my point about maximising space with multi-purpose furniture, here is some more advise for utilising your space room efficiently.

Space is always at a premium in homes, so it is important to ensure any available space is being used to it's maximum potential.

A spare room can become anything you need it to be so the first thing I would suggest is to sit down and think about what you are missing in your home - do you need a spare bed for guests, a home office space, a workout room, a meditation space, lots of storage etc.

The next step is to look over your list and see how you can incorporate your needs into the space. A room can easily transform to meet your needs if you put some thought into how you furnish the space.

If you use multipurpose furniture such as a day bed that transforms into a bed and a bookcase with a fold-out desk you have already created a dual-purpose room.

For budget-friendly flexible furniture items take a look at IKEA. They have a lot of small space solutions and when chosen carefully you can replicate a more expensive style at a fraction of the cost.

IKEA Hemnes daybed shown above in closed position and opened up into double-bed position. Can be used when closed as a single bed or a casual sitting area, perfect for a spare room. There is also built-in storage drawers that could be used for storing bed linen for guests.

Adding in extra storage is another way to maximise the space - if there is already a wardrobe space add some storage shelves and drawers to make the most of every inch of space available. You can also add floating shelves in the room to add a space for displaying books, photos and other items that pile up around the home. Keep the space looking clean and organised using storage boxes to contain smaller items.

If you are renting and can't put in permanent storage solutions, you can still add additional storage using non-permanent solutions - hanging organisers and cube storage bookcases with pull out boxes to keep the contents neat in the wardrobe, tall bookcases with boxes on top for additional storage and using multi-functional furniture pieces as described earlier.

If there is no built-in wardrobe and you need a hanging space you could purchase a couple of tall bookcases and an extendable tension rod to fit between and you have a wardrobe space with plenty of storage. There is a great range of bookcases at mydeal.com.au and you can pick up a tension rod at a hardware store like Bunnings for under $20. Below is a mock-up of how this could look.

If you need help creating a more usable space in your home get in touch with Sarah to arrange a consultation.

With all of the magazines, blogs, Instagram feeds, Pinterest boards and TV shows out there, it is easy to wonder what the value in hiring an Interior Designer is - it all seems really easy right?

Here are just a few things you get from hiring a professional designer:

Professional Interior Designers have covered years of study to learn the underlying elements and principles of design. We learn the fundamentals of how to create a harmonious, balanced space and how to effectively add elements of contrast to build layers of texture within a room.

Interior Designers understand the importance of flow in a design and how to place proportionally correct pieces of furniture in a space. Whilst choosing a piece purely for aesthetics is something anyone can do, finding the right piece that also fits the functional needs and scale of the room is a talent refined through years of practice.

Colour Psychology is a part of the study required to become an Interior Designer. This means we know which colours work well together, which ones clash and the effect different colours can have on the mood and atmosphere of a space. We can apply this knowledge to help create a calming, sanctuary like bedroom or an energising and uplifting office space.

There is a difference between an Interior Designer and an Interior Stylist/Decorator. I find that the easiest way to explain is that an Interior Stylist/Decorator deals with the surface items - furnishings, paint/wallpaper, lights and accessories whereas Interior Designers look at the function of the space, layouts and plans, as well as the styling/decorating elements.

Things to look for when hiring an Interior Designer:

* Check the qualifications they have received - there is a big difference between completing a degree or a diploma that is nationally accredited as apposed to an online "Diploma" that can be completed in a number of weeks. These online courses do not cover the same content and many do not cover the essential skills needed to interpret space and develop well considered concepts that incorporate the elements and principles of design.

* Ensure they have an ABN/ACN. Even small businesses operating from home must have an ABN registered.

* Have a clear idea of what you want when you start contacting designers and ensure they are able to provide what you need. For example, if you are planning a renovation and need professionally drafted floor plans to work from, make sure the designer is able to draft these.

If you are looking to transform your house into a home, get in touch with Sarah and book in a consultation today!