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Want to learn what’s essential to create a warm, inviting and perfectly designed home like an Interior Designer?

There’s no lack of stunning interior design projects flooding Pinterest and Instagram — providing us with the ultimate home inspiration scrolling. But how do you replicate those perfectly balanced, timeless and neutral interiors in your own home?

We spoke to interior designer Catherine Heraghty of The Stables Interior Design Studio, to learn about her design process and top tips and tricks for designing homes, and also check out her newest project —Burraneer.

Mediterranean style living room design with arched doors — Burraneer • Open Plan **Living Room** Interior Design

The Stables • Burraneer Project Details

Featured Project: Luxury Residential Home
Name: Burraneer
Location: Burraneer, Southern Sydney

Curved stone wall design in kitchen and dining room — Burraneer • Open Plan Dining Room Design with Stone Feature Wall

The Key To a Successful Colour Palette

When it comes to crafting a successful colour palette, Catherine’s approach is refreshingly intuitive and straightforward. Instead of getting caught up in the complexities of colour theory, she relies on her own instincts and her clients' preferences to guide her choices. This uncomplicated method is rooted in a simple yet powerful principle: selecting what resonates naturally.

Z+S Tip • Creating a thorough client brief or design brief is key to establishing your style and what resonates naturally. Catherine then focuses her selections on texture, soft muted tones and a sense of lightness and warmth.

Where To Find Interior Styling Inspo

When it comes to finding a starting point for any design, Catherine recommends using the natural landscape and relaxed lifestyle of Australia. Incorporating colours, textures, and patterns found in the rugged outback, serene coastlines, lush rainforests, and vast deserts into her interior designs: Think earthy tones, vibrant hues, and organic elements of the environment.

Catherine also looks to fellow creatives, interior designers and artists in the industry for inspiration. By observing their work and exploring their creative processes, you can discover new techniques, materials, and design concepts.

Mediterranean style house design with outdoor swimming pool and patio — Burraneer • House Design with **Outdoor Pool Entertaining Area** and Black Spiral Staircase Feature

3 Interior Design Staples

Rather than opting for on-trend products, Catherine’s 3 interior design staples are actually elements that you should consider when planning or designing any new space.

Abundant Natural Light: Sunlight has a transformative power in a room. It not only illuminates the space but also infuses it with a sense of vitality and openness. Natural light has the remarkable ability to enhance colours, highlight textures, and make a room feel inviting. Design Tip: consider the play of light at different times of the day and how it affects the space.
Warmth: Not just temperature, but an emotional quality that envelops a space. Through careful selection of furniture, colours, and materials, you can create an environment that feels cosy and inviting. This warmth engenders a sense of comfort and relaxation, making the space not only aesthetically pleasing but also emotionally nurturing.
Texture: The third pillar, is a tactile element that adds depth and interest to a room. From the smoothness of polished wood to the roughness of woven textiles, these tactile sensations awaken the senses and create a multi-dimensional experience. Giving attention to texture ensures that each finish or furniture piece contributes not just visually, but also by engaging the sense of touch. This adds layers of complexity to the design, making it more engaging and visually captivating.

Catherine's Top 5 Home Styling Tips

Think Timeless: Select furniture, artwork and other styling items that are going to withstand the test of time and design trends.
Rely On Texture: Utilising various natural textures in a space creates a warm and interesting look and feel.
Show Your Personality: Include personal touches throughout that speak directly to your interests, background and family.
Natural Light: Make the most of any natural light you have in a room, from a window, door or skylight to enhance the brightness and mood of a room.
Practical + Pretty: Aesthetics and function are equally as important when styling a home, so always consider both elements when selecting pieces for your home.