This new video series gets right down to the basics of design in this fascinating back-to fundamentals series. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen tackles real problems in real homes as he explores six themes: space, colour, light, texture and pattern, balance and order, and personality. In addition to his own in-depth experience of design principles, he calls on a colour forecaster, psychologists and a perception specialist to explain and show the science behind the how and the why of Interior Design.

Taking a real home where a design problem is all too apparent, he demonstrates some simple psychology and basic experiments in a ‘design lab’ back at the studio — and it’s all done without knocking down walls or spending large money.

Space comes under the spotlight in the first programme. Lack of space is a common problem in British house which, surprisingly, have 215 square feet less space than Japanese homes, with an average of only 1,291 square feet .

“The cardinal sin that the British indulge in beyond any other nation is the concept of agoraphobic furniture that feels it needs to keep its back against the wall at all times in case something unpleasant happens to it!” quips Laurence.

By painting the walls a paler colour, bringing the outside inside by strategically placing an eye-catching object outside the window and switching to light-reflecting flooring, the brain is deluded into thinking that the room is bigger. Suddenly, the crowded living room is calmer and seems larger — thanks to a little bit of science and the tricks of design rules.

Eye brain specialist Dr Ione Fine comments: “Half of interior design is illusion.”And on a practical note, Laurence shows why it’s better to buy a couple of two-seater sofas — because three people never sit on a three-seater!

A great video by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen on using colour in your home and the design rules to make it a success, filmed by the  BBC the video gives some great tips and advice on how to make the bets of your bedrooms and living areas.

Laurence refers to the use of colour in home decor as more than half of Britain’s top 10 colours are variations on cream and, much to Laurence’s disgust, magnolia is at No 1. His task in Design Rules is to transform a north-facing family dining room in a Victorian house which has fallen on “decorating hard times.”

Laurence is tempted by purple, which, despite being his trademark, has only been painted on walls by the designer four times over his television career. But Laurence also wants a wrap-around colour palette to really bring the room to life.

One thing that comes out is we in the UK need to be more bold and adventurous in the way we use colour and the effects of light as it hits the various shades.

Hope you enjoy and gives you some great Interior design tips.

Practical tips and advice on  how to choose colors, textures and decorating styles for small to big projects in your home. Plus a section on heights, measurements & other interior decorating tips to save time and money. Shows you how to play with fabric colours, your furniture, flooring and things you need to consider  when wanting to redesign your home. How to focus when selecting home accessories to complement your wall finishes, choosing cushions, throws etc. This video covers American sized rooms.

Simple video advice on how to use various industrial materials to give a chic look to your home. Using new and old items, salvaged items like cast iron pieces blended with classic weathered woods from around the world, you can make your home unique, with practical but fun ideas that will appeal to all sorts of tastes.