Jacqueline has put together crucial design tips to focus on when refurbishing a room:

1.	Before making any purchases, plan your room scheme to include curtains, flooring, furniture, lighting and paint colours. Collect as many swatches and samples as possible.

2.	Harsh overhead lighting makes people feel uncomfortable. Soft pools of light from table lamps and wall sconces are a far better choice.

3.	The choice of colour in a room is crucial to create the right atmosphere and positively affect your mental well being.  Don’t forget we are in a northern climate with lots of ‘grey’ light:  white paint will look cold in many rooms.

4.	Start with one good piece of furniture whether it be a chest-of-drawers, table or sofa and then build from there as and when you can afford it, always choosing good quality rather than quantity.

5.

Curtains should always be full length and interlined wherever possible and use double the window width – more if you can manage.  If expense is a problem, use cheaper fabric where larger quantities are required – but don’t stint.  If you fall in love with an expensive fabric, use it on small pieces such as a cushion or a little chair.

6.	Pairs are pleasing and so is symmetry-in arranging objects.  A bowl of flowers flanked by a pair of candlesticks may not be original but it never fails to please.  The same formula works with more offbeat objects.

7.	Be prepared to admit your previous mistakes.  Don’t live with them; confront and get rid of them, even if you have to admit having wasted some money in the past.

8.	Don’t be afraid to seek advice from an interior designer; many are conscientious and reasonably priced. This small outlay could in the long run save money as well as give you new ideas.

9.	Candles and fresh flowers can make a real difference.  Candlelight is soothing and atmospheric and fresh flowers bring a room to life.

10.	Be enthusiastic: expose yourself to as much good design as possible in magazines, books, museums or even visiting stately homes.