How did that research resonate with you, as an interior designer?

Having dealt with mental heath issues myself, it made me realise how important our homes are and how big of a part they play in our lives. Our home should be the space where we recognise ourselves, our safe haven; it should be the space that reflects every part of us, where we can entertain, relax, work and truly be ourselves. When it isn’t that space, we subconsciously know and, without realising, can allow it to negatively impact our mental health.

If you want a positive personal change of any sort, you need to think about the impact your environment is having on you. We all need homes that support rather than undermine our wellbeing. When your home reflects who you really are, the feeling is amazing – your shoulders relax when you walk through the door and you feel safe and comforted. When interior design is done right, the results are astounding and that’s why I love doing what I do.

And how does the functionality of our interiors – as well as their aesthetics – work to improve our sense of wellbeing?

I really focus on considered living, as clutter is the arch-enemy of the restful home! Clutter stops the flow of positive energy. Think about what it’s like when you try and use something that’s broken: it’s so frustrating. The same applies with your home. If it doesn’t function properly and it’s full of clutter, imagine the stress that will bring on your daily life, all without you realising it.

Making sure that your home functions well for your life by properly arranging the things in it means energy can positively flow around your home. You’ll feel happier because your life is easier: everything has a place and you have room to breathe.

This goes hand-in-hand with using sustainable products, as well as utilising old furniture – especially those pieces that have been handed down. It’s amazing what a refresh can do to furniture, while also keeping it out of landfill.

No matter how big or small my project is, it’s always important to conduct my research.  If you’re planning on working through your whole house over time its always best to do the research on the full house as opposed to room by room, to ensure that each of my schemes will flow and create a cohesive feel throughout the home. Once I have all the information I need, I create concepts for each room I’m working on.

Creating a sense of the client through my designs is all about thinking beyond the visual: it’s about how the client wants to feel. When you design rooms around an emotion, you create the home of your dreams. Everything you select, from the furnishings to the objects, should tell a story. That’s why I’m passionate about getting to know my clients as, often, it’s the small things that have the most impact. It’s those sentimental pieces – the ones people have collected from far-off travels or things kids have made, furniture that’s been handed down within a family – that brings my clients the most comfort.

What would be your advice to any of our readers who want to inject a little more personality into their interiors?

Stick to what pleases you and buy from the heart, rather than following trends. Focus on how your home feels and remember you’re expressing your personality, so trust your instincts and don’t seek approval from others. Start by getting rid of clutter – and I mean everything! A good rule of thumb is, if you haven’t used it in the last two years, you simply don’t need it, either gift it to a friend or charity. Once the clutter has gone, re-organise your space: make sure things that aren’t used very often are stored away and that everything has a place.

Once you’ve done that, ask yourself: can you move freely in your rooms? Does each room feel calm? If the answers are no, get creative, rearrange some furniture, and try new layouts. It can sometimes be like designing a whole new room, without the expense! Whatever you decide, your goal should be to create a space that is full of things you love and which all tell your story.

To find out more about how Carole can transform your interiors and help you achieve a greater sense of wellbeing through your home, visit her website and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.