Whatever size or scope of project you’re approaching in your home, you’ll want to avoid design regret. While rush jobs can be tempting when time (or money) is tight, it’s always better to have patience, do your research and invest in updates that you’ll love long-term, not just for a season.
One expert leading this slow-yet-steady charge is Micaela Sharp, who you may recognise from her stints on Interior Design Masters and Changing Rooms. Her holistic, sustainable philosophy as a designer and an upholsterer is something that we can all learn valuable lessons from. So, we asked Micaela for the secrets to making considered choices with longevity in mind, touching on why you should invest in sustainably manufactured products from the likes of Bisley, which creates a vast array of made-to-order stylish storage lockers in distinct brights and subdued hues at their South Wales factory.
Be smart about storage
‘Too often, storage can be boring and let the rest of the room down, so if you can find an option that’s sculptural and bold as well as functional, it’s a winner. I veer towards mid-century sideboards, cabinets or shelving, which have a softer shape. Items that look “future vintage”, such as Bisley’s Fern lockers, are great, because you can marry them with other mid-century pieces or antique buys and know that they’ll stand the test of time.’
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Avoid Insta-envy
‘It’s one thing to love a hotel aesthetic, but would you want your home to look like that all year round? Step away from social media and think about your actual space; try to imagine items in your home and take it from there. There’s also a lot of pressure to be seasonal with decor, but it’s not practical to design that way – instead, try circulating existing items, such as artwork, around your home for a different flow without having to buy anything new.’
Stick to the classics
‘Stripes and checkerboards are essentially neutral – they’ll never go out of fashion and can be added to any room. If you’re trying to figure out what patterns you like, look back at the fashion you’ve worn or furniture you’ve owned over the years; generally, its these blockier styles that come back around, because they can hold their own without looking obviously from one particular period.’
Prioritise longevity
‘When buying a large piece of furniture, try to imagine three uses for it, or three places in your home that you could move it to (a colourful locker, for example, would work in a dining area, but could also be used in a play room or office). If you can do that, it’ll be versatile enough to keep.
‘Really, you should imagine you’re going to have furniture for a lifetime – that’s an important way to purchase things in the modern world. If you keep pieces in good condition and cherish them, they’ll go on to a new home after you. It should be less about following trends and more taking ownership of what you invest in.’
Take it slow
‘Always question if everything you’re purchasing is really the best you can find. My biggest regrets are often when I’ve found a piece that’s “close enough”, but not perfect – for example, furniture that’s not quite the dimensions I want, which then doesn’t hold its own in the room. If there’s an element of a piece that you don’t like, or the proportions aren’t quite right or in the best colours, hold off – you’ll only be disappointed when it arrives.’
Buy what you love
‘Maybe you like things that aren’t especially popular right now; things that are more traditional than you would care to admit because you think it’s cooler to be contemporary. Be really honest and don’t judge yourself. You’re not designing your home for anybody else. If you liked it ten years ago and you like it now, the chances are, you’ll like it going forward, so commit to it and let it bring you as much joy as possible.’
Bisley Fern Maxi
Bisley Fern Mini
Bisley Fern Locker
Bisley Fern Middle
Bisley’s Fern lockers are timeless heritage designs crafted from stainless steel, available in a curated palette of 18 complementary hues. Discover the full Bisley Fern collection at bisley.com/shop
