Never start a room like this !

Thirty years ago in the UK, one of the most popular TV shows was Changing Rooms. Two neighbouring families would swap homes for a rapid design makeover, and the designers would kick things off by handing paintbrushes to the participants and choosing a wall colour.

I understand the need for television impact — I was once asked to swear in French while taking part in a TV design show in Ireland — but unfortunately, this format left a lasting impression. For years afterward, viewers and homeowners came to believe that the very first design decision should be the wall colour.

So much so that clients would ask me this question within the first sixty seconds of entering their home — often before I had even had time to remove my coat.

If I were to pick a colour at that point, inspired by an intense gaze at the ceiling, I would either choose something arbitrary or simply a colour I happened to like that day. In doing so, I would completely miss the point of selecting a colour that suits:

• the client’s taste

• the space itself

• and the rest of the design elements already in place

You see where this is going.

You do not start a design process by choosing a wall colour.
And you certainly don’t start with a paintbrush — or a jackhammer.

—> Start with Planning on Paper

This may be frustrating advice for those of you who are doers and eager to start, but it is the only way to approach design properly.

Plan the entire design first.
You need to see the overall picture. Does everything work together? Is something missing? Have you achieved the look and atmosphere you were aiming for?

Anticipate the domino effect.
Design decisions are interconnected. Change one element, and you will likely need to adjust others. Without this awareness, the overall result can quickly feel unbalanced.

Budget — and re-budget.
Only once the design is fully planned can you realistically assess costs. At this stage, you can identify additional work (moving electrical outlets, adjusting doors, etc.) and explore alternative options if the budget needs refining. Nothing has been committed yet — this is your safest decision-making phase.

Plan the timeline and workforce.
With a complete overview of tasks, you can now organise the practical execution efficiently and calmly.

—> Why Wall Colour Comes Last

Unless you are working with a strong, scenic wallpaper, wall colour should be the final design decision.

Paint is not inexpensive, but it remains one of the most flexible and cost-effective design tools available. Furniture, cabinetry, and flooring often come in limited colour options. Paint, on the other hand, offers hundreds of hues, tones, and shades — there will always be a colour that works.

Used correctly, it can:

• make a space feel larger or smaller

• calm or energise an atmosphere

• correct imbalances in the design

It is the finishing tool that brings coherence to everything else.

So before reaching for your overalls, start by creating a sample board — not by opening a paint tin.

—> If you’re unsure where to begin when planning a room, you’re not alone.

I’m currently developing a practical design guide for non-professionals, built around a clear, step-by-step framework.
If you have questions, doubts, or decision points that consistently stop you from moving forward, leave a comment or reply to this post.

Your input will directly shape the guide — and help others facing the same challenges.