Anna Dick from Anna Margaret Interiors reveals how following our senses can help us create wonderful spaces.

I’m always inspired this time of year. Warmer days, living more outdoors, and the Christmas and New Year break is a real joy for the senses – the colours, smells, patterns, sounds and textures. I’m drawn to designing calm and open spaces during these months when everything feels elevated – the sun is higher, the days longer, and the trees leafy and full of birdlife.

The best place to start designing is to listen to your senses. While you’re feeling relaxed this holiday season, pay attention to colours that grab you, whether they’re the hues of your favourite bach or campsite, colours that remind you of your favourite people, or the natural shades of the season. Think about the sounds and smells that invigorate you outdoors and inside. Notice patterns and shapes that relax you in architecture, art and nature.

Run your fingers along things like fabrics, plants, and household objects, picking up on the textures you’re drawn to. Take note of the elements in books, movies and TV shows that excite or inspire you. When you’ve attuned to your inspirations, a good designer can help you translate these into wonderful spaces with timeless, relevant interior design.

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