Room by Room House Tour - My Homestyle Secrets

Style Tips for every room in the house

Your home should tell your story, one that has evolved over time and is filled with personality. But when you're juggling beauty with practicality, it’s not always easy to know where to begin. 

I’m opening the doors to my own home to share 8 quick design ideas I’ve used that can help shape your space, no big renovations required.

Whether you're starting from scratch or just refreshing a room, these tips focus on colour, texture, function, and flow.

For a full house tour, pop over to my YouTube channel @LolaSwiftInteriors

Each room in my home has its own role to play, but they all follow the same guiding principles: comfort, colour, and spaces that work for real life. Here’s a look at how I’ve approached each one, with simple ideas you can adapt to your own home.

1. Kitchen: Designed for connection and flow

The kitchen is the heart of our home. I wanted it to feel open and inviting, yet still practical. With a large family and regular visits from extended family, it was important to stay in the hub of the action. A curved island softens the layout and encourages people to gather. It naturally draws you in, whether you're chatting, cooking or just passing through. Above it, I chose colourful pendant lights that add a focal point and help anchor the space.

Because it’s open plan, I used finishes to gently define the zones. Patterned tiles mark out the lounge area, while warm wood flooring runs through the rest of the room to create a sense of flow. The Corian worktop has a smooth, rounded edge that keeps things feeling light and streamlined. We added a wooden insert to break it up and bring in texture. Mixing materials really helped the space feel cohesive and full of character.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix materials; different surfaces can speak volumes.

2. Dining Room: Layer the lighting

A dining space isn’t just for mealtimes, it’s where conversations happen and family gather.

As our dining area is part of the kitchen, I use low-level lamps to shift the mood from bright and functional to soft and inviting.  On a warm evening we tend to eat outside under the pergoda.  I dress the table with colourful glassware, pattern crockery and a vibrant tablecloth to set the scene.

Tip: Use dimmers wherever possible to change the mood throughout the day or rechargeable lamps and fairy lights if dining al fresco.

3. Living Room: Curate with colour and comfort

The living room is a harmonious blend of different eras and styles, all unified through the thoughtful use of colour. A patterned rug anchors the space, providing a foundation that ties everything together. Eclectic artwork and a vibrant gallery wall inject visual energy, creating focal points that draw the eye. Meanwhile, velvet upholstery and tactile throws add depth and warmth through rich textures, making the room feel both inviting and comfortable.

Tip: Even with an eclectic mix, repeating one key colour throughout the space helps everything feel connected.

4. Bedroom: Soft luxurious nostalgia

I wanted this room to feel soft and restful, with a hint of nostalgic luxury. The walls are painted in Aquamarine Light by Little Greene, a gentle warm aqua that brings a calm, fresh feel. I paired it with a delicate wallpaper featuring pale gold scrolls, which adds subtle pattern and warmth without overwhelming the space.

The floor-to-ceiling curtains were handmade in a romantic rose and foliage print. The large-scale pattern creates a statement, but the soft, complementary tones keep it refined. Paired-back styling and minimal furniture let the fabric and finishes shine, while keeping the room serene and uncluttered.

Tip: A large print on a curtain fabric can add real impact, especially when everything else in the room is kept simple.

5. Bathroom: Add warmth with wood

Bathrooms can often feel a bit cold or hard-edged, so I’ve focused on adding warmth and softness through natural materials and layered details. Open shelves with candles, plants and framed art help the space feel more relaxed and lived in, rather than purely functional. A painted vanity and touches of wood bring in texture and personality, making the room feel more connected to the rest of the home.

Tip: Using warm tones alongside cooler elements like tiles or brass taps helps the room stay fresh and clean-looking, while still feeling inviting.

6. Children’s Room: Be playful but practical

Now that my children are older, my daughter’s bedroom has evolved into a calm, restful space. I chose a chalky lilac for the walls, which brings warmth and softness without feeling overly sweet. Candy striped bedding adds a playful, tailored touch, while a curated selection of prints above the bed brings personality and colour to the room. 

When designing for younger children, I always encourage embracing bolder choices, fun, expressive wallpaper can create a joyful backdrop for everyday play. Storage needs to work hard and grow with them, so I lean towards versatile options like under-bed drawers, vintage lockers, and open bookshelves. These not only keep toys and books in order but also bring charm and character to the space.

Tip: Kids’ rooms are the perfect space to try bolder patterns, they love it, and it grows with them.

7. Utility Room: Make it feel part of the home

Even the most functional spaces deserve love.

We added café-style tiling, open shelves for baskets, and a splash of deep colour for warmth.
Tip: Treat your utility like a mini kitchen, cohesion makes it feel intentional, not forgotten.

8. Home Office / Creative Workroom: Layered, colourful and personal

My workroom is full of inspiration and personality. A deep teal backdrop sets the tone, allowing art prints, colourful books, and creative tools to shine. I’ve used a vintage glazed cabinet to neatly store fabric and paint swatches while keeping everything visible and accessible. Open shelving above offers space for styling with character, mixing baskets, prints and sketchbooks while playful textures and patterns in the curtains and accessories keep the space joyful and energising. It’s a hardworking spot that still feels entirely my own.

Tip: A deep, rich wall colour can be the perfect backdrop to make other colours stand out.

Final thought:

Design doesn’t have to be about starting from scratch. With a few thoughtful changes from colour and lighting to pattern and layout you can make every room feel considered and full of personality.

Would you like help bringing that feeling into your own home? I offer 1-2-1 consultations and full design services to help you mix styles beautifully and confidently.

👉 Book a consultation here or learn more about my services below.