When I set out to write my first eBook, I wasn’t just creating another how-to guide for the home. I wanted to build an immersive, beautifully curated experience that would empower you to craft a space that feels not only stylish but deeply personal. The result is The Ultimate Guide to Designing Your Dream Home, a thoughtfully structured, 80+ page manual that brings together everything I’ve learned as a designer with practical tools you can use right now.
This guide doesn’t preach one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, it invites you to understand the “why” behind your choices: why certain colour palettes evoke calm, why English Country style feels inherently cosy, or why ambient lighting can transform not just a room, but your entire evening mood. I want to take you behind the scenes—into the inspirations, the structure, and what truly sets this guide apart.
How It All Began
My love affair with interior design began in the most unexpected place: playing The Sims at age 13. I didn’t care much for the gameplay—I just wanted to design houses. I’d spend hours crafting everything from traditional homes to modern pet shops and hotels. That early fascination never left me. I went on to study art and design at college and later earned a degree in interior design.
Since then, I’ve worked on everything from private homes to cafés, care homes, and restaurants. My goal has always been the same: to design something that looks beautiful and feels even better. I created this book to share that passion with you—to guide you in designing a home that reflects your story.
Inside the Style Library
I start the book by exploring some of the most timeless interior design styles. But instead of just showing you pictures, I break each one down into its essentials—colour palettes, textures, furniture, and architectural features. Here’s what you’ll find:
- English Country: Exposed beams, floral textiles, a warm and welcoming palette—this style embraces charm and imperfection.
- Scandinavian: Clean lines, natural materials, and a soft, airy quality that makes any space feel calming and functional.
- Mid-Century Modern: Iconic silhouettes, wood finishes, and furniture that perfectly balances beauty with purpose.
- Traditional (Georgian & Victorian): Rich in history and layered with elegance, I show you how to integrate these classic styles into modern homes.
My aim is to help you move beyond inspiration to implementation—giving you the tools to actually use these styles in your home.
Design Principles That Work
Great design starts with strong foundations. That’s why I include a dedicated section on design principles: how to layer lighting, work with scale and proportion, and use texture to build depth and warmth.
The lighting chapter is one of my favourites. I guide you through the art of ambient, task, and decorative lighting—with tips on choosing fixtures that work hard and look beautiful. These aren’t just rules; they’re tools to help you shape your space with intention.
Mastering Colour with Confidence
Choosing a colour palette is one of the most emotional parts of designing a home. It’s not just about trends—it’s about how you want to feel in your space.
In this section, I talk about colour psychology, how to test shades properly, and how light changes everything. Whether you gravitate toward neutral tones or bold contrasts, you’ll walk away with a clear plan for building a cohesive palette that reflects your taste.
The Details Make the Design
Curtains, blinds, soft furnishings—these details are often overlooked, but they’re what bring a room to life. I walk you through the options for window treatments and show you how to layer materials and textures to make a space feel complete.
You’ll also find tips on mixing patterns, choosing cushions, and sourcing those perfect finishing touches that make your home feel elevated and personal.
A Room-by-Room Plan That Works
In the second half of the book, we shift from theory to action. I guide you through:
- Creating your mood board
- Setting a clear vision
- Mapping a floor plan
- Choosing furniture, finishes, and lighting
You’ll find a fully editable mood board template (digital and printable), a detailed budget calculator, and several planning checklists. These aren’t just bonus extras—they’re essential tools I use in my own client projects.
The Final Word: Design That Evolves With You
Design is a journey. Your home won’t come together overnight, and that’s okay. I wrote this guide to support you every step of the way—from daydreaming about your ideal space to placing the final cushion.
My final encouragement? Trust your instincts. Invest where it counts. And don’t be afraid to take your time. The best homes aren’t perfect—they’re personal.
Why I Wrote This Book
This guide is a love letter to thoughtful, soulful design. It blends inspiration and practicality in a way that I hope feels both accessible and empowering.
In a world where we’re inundated with perfectly curated Pinterest boards, I wanted to create something different. Something real. Something useful. And most of all—something beautiful.
So if you’re ready to start creating a space that feels like you—this guide is your perfect first step.