THE KITEDOWN CREATIVE BLOG

A source of inspiration & information on design and how to bring style to any home, be it modern or period.

A serene cottage living space with neutral decor, a pink striped lampshade and green patterned cushions on a sofa.

Power of Pattern Part 2: Starting Small & Finding your Comfort Level

Successfully introduce pattern into your interior design with guidance from part 2 of this pattern blog series

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A cosy padded window seat in a classic British country house, with scatter cushions, a woollen throw and rain on the window

Grounded Elegance: Designing with Kindness & Humanity

How to design for calm, connection and authenticity - creating homes that feel like an anchor in uncertain times.

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A bright contemporary coastal living room with a blue sofa and wave-patterned armchair on a jute rug and wooden floor

Power of Pattern Part 1: The Psychology angle

Discover how neuroscience, biophilic design & memory shape our emotional responses to pattern – and how to use these in interior design.

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Patterned cushions on a yellow armchair in a bright contemporary living room

The Pattern questions everyone asks

The common questions about using pattern in interior design.

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A neatly zoned home office and guest room, in a bright sunny apartment, with a bold azure blue and off-white decorative scheme, large desk and office chair and a large comfortable day bed.

Making Multi-Functional Rooms Work Beautifully

How to design spaces that flex between work, rest and play without compromising on style.

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An elegant period living room, with pale blue walls, a cream sofa and orange cushions, inspired by a painting of a Provencal village street on the wall.

Confidence with Colour, Part Three: Finding Inspiration

In the final of my Confidence with Colour series, learn how your surroundings can inspire a palette that’s personal, cohesive and already proven.

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A contemporary apartment living room with a deep teal wall colour, teal sofa and cream linen curtains.

Confidence with Colour, Part Two: Theory & Psychology

Part Two of this series explores how colour theory provides a structure for your palette, and psychology makes it personal.

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Elegant living room in a Victorian property with sage green walls, a soft green velvet sofa, and pink accent chairs in a curved bay window, flooded with morning light; floral artwork and traditional moulding highlight how natural light and architectural features impact paint colours in interior design.

Confidence with Colour, Part One: The building

In the first of this 3-part colour series, discover how your home’s orientation, light, and features can gently lead colour choices.

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Bright Scandinavian-inspired living-dining space with a mustard yellow sofa, mid-century wooden furniture, and sheer white curtains creating an airy, spacious feel in a compact home.

Small Space Living: Expert Tips for Making a Small Home Feel Bigger

Small space living can feel grand with thoughtful design that transforms every inch into possibility

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Elegant living room styled with a plush cream-colored sofa, layered neutral-toned cushions, and a tufted ottoman topped with art books and glass votives; behind the sofa, a large framed swan artwork adds serene focal interest against paneled grey walls.

Why are we fixated on ‘effortless’ interiors?

It’s the social media phrase du jour – but what’s behind effortless interiors?

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Traditional dining room in a historic home with carved wooden chairs, a matching table, and a fall-themed centerpiece. The space features French doors, warm natural light, and open wooden shelves adorned with vintage decor, books, and trailing greenery.

Why Historic Homes Feel So Special – and How to Design for Their Charm

Discover what makes historic homes so beloved — and learn how to design sensitively for their quirks, charm, and character.

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Traditional sitting room with Georgian-style wall panelling and fireplace painted in muted sage green. The hearth features a rustic brick surround, with a sheepskin-draped butterfly chair to the left and a wicker log basket to the right. A distressed mirror and wall sconces complete the heritage-inspired look.

Heritage Colour Palettes: How to Get a Period Look in Your Home

Inspiration and advice on how to use heritage paint colours to bring a sense of history to your home.

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Empty and unfinished room during home renovations

8 Lessons from home renovations that might save your sanity

How to keep your head when everything else in your home is being ripped apart.

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Refined reading nook with blush-toned wall panelling, integrated bookcase, and a mid-century style armchair. A brass floor lamp casts warm light across the moulded panels, blending classic architectural detail with modern comfort for a timeless, period-inspired home interior.

10 Easy Ways to Add Period Charm to a Modern Home

Practical and budget-friendly ideas to bring the period character you love but miss to the modern home you have.

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Fan-shaped display of paint color swatches arranged in a gradient from warm neutrals to bold hues, illustrating the overwhelming variety of renovation choices.

“Why Can’t I Just Pick One?” The Stress of Too Much Choice

Overwhelming design choices lead to stress & paralysis — but a clear framework can restore calm, clarity, and confident decision-making.

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Atmospheric Victorian study filled with period design details, including a dark wood writing desk cluttered with papers, books, and glassware. A marble fireplace with a gilt-framed mirror, leather armchair, red velvet curtains, and gas lamp-style lighting enhance the richly layered, opulent interior.

The Eclectic Charm of Victorian Interiors: Opulence, Detail, and Drama

From ornate cornicing to deep colour palettes, this guide explores the essential elements of Victorian interiors and the historical context that made them so distinctive.

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An introduction to Victorian architecture

Exploring the characteristics of Victorian architecture, in a period which saw the popularisation of many home comforts we enjoy today.

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Eclectic living room combining old and new interiors, featuring a traditional fireplace flanked by black display cabinets filled with coral and curiosities. Bold modern accents like an oversized coral-shaped chandelier, bright orange armchairs, and geometric-patterned sofa create a vibrant contrast within the classic architectural shell.

Old Meets New – How to Blend Vintage and Modern for Timeless Style

Discover how to mix old and new without clashing—adding soul to modern spaces and freshness to traditional ones.

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