For millions of visitors to Ireland annually, the Guinness Storehouse will be the must-see destination.

Yet, underneath its touristy facade, it is quite an achievement in architecture and interior design. The achievement of the Guinness Storehouse is not merely that it is Ireland's leading visitor attraction; it is a successful case study in adaptive reuse and how the brand is embodied at every corner.

This is a place to pay homage to, of course, the "Black Stuff" and its history, while having a pint and taking in panoramic views of Dublin.

Building on Guinness' History and Legacy 

The Storehouse's story begins with the original 1904 Vat House at St. James's Gate, massive, industrial structure.

For nearly a century, this brick megalith was the functional heart of the brewery. When the decision was made to convert it into a world-class visitor center, the challenge facing UK-based design firm Imagination, working in conjunction with Dublin-based architects RKD, was enormous: how to marry the building’s heavy, industrial heritage while creating a dynamic, modern, and experiential guest experience.

The result indeed was a successful juxtaposition. When you enter, the sheer volume of the space is immediate.

The original steel frame is exposed while supporting new glass floors and escalators. The original brick walls are also kept as is rather than plastered over, clear contrast to the sleek, modern installations and lighting.

This seamless blend of old and new is the hallmark of good industrial architecture as the building is allowed to visually express its history and authenticity.

Masterstroke - The 'Giant Pint' Concept of the Main Atrium

The design masterstroke, however, is in the Guinness Storehouse' central atrium.

At the center of the building is a massive, transparent glass structure reminiscent of a gigantic pint glass. This is not only the visual and structural center, it is also the spine around which the entire visitor experience revolves.

As you ascend the escalators and ramps, you are literally rising within the pint itself.

The design of the experience also required careful coordination between the architect and the interior design team.

The circulation pulls you upward through the chronological exhibits while still allowing you to glimpse the preserved industrial elements on every floor and, of course, the main pint-atrium. The lighting is also choreographed and metaphorical; the lower floors use moody, amber light to evoke the roasting of barley, while higher levels become progressively brighter as you near the 'head' of the pint.

The Gravity Bar: A Worthy Head to the Guinness Storehouse Experience

The journey culminates in the Gravity Bar, as it rises above the Storehouse like the frothy 'head' (or foam) of a Guinness pint.

This space is a masterclass in contemporary architecture. Cantilevered high above the surrounding brewery, the circular bar offers 360-degree, floor-to-ceiling glass views of Dublin, connecting the building to the city it calls home. Working intelligently with visual contrast, the heavy industrial interior opens up to a light delicateness in the Gravity Bar.

Plus the view is spectacular, ensuring that this not only as a great tourist stop but a genuine design destination.

So when in Dublin, make it a point to visit the Guinness Storehouse. It is quite an amazing design destination, and quite an amazing place to have a cracking pint. SLAINTE!

Should you wish to book your visit to the Storehouse, here is the link to their official website:
www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/booking

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When you pick up an interior design magazine or scroll across Pinterest and see a well interior designed room, don't assume that it was done just like magic. Good interior design is not just about buying nice things and slopping them together; it is actually more important to make sure that they work together in harmony. To guide you into how this works and to make sure that your decor actually fits your space, here are some pro-tips to have in hand.

1. Scale and Proportion - A rug that is smaller than a sofa will always look off. When we talk about scale we are factoring in the size of objects in relation to the room. Proportion is then how these objects relate to each other. This is why as an interior designer, I always try to put things into a floor plan and a 3D model, to see how the elements work in scale and proportion.

• Pro-Tip 1: Always measure your space before buying furniture. When furniture shopping, have a rough floor plan and a tape measure with you. All elements should physically fit without being overcrowded.

 

• How to Do It: I usually work with the Rule of Two-thirds, meaning a piece of wall art hung behind a sofa should be around 2/3 the width of that sofa. Also, make sure the rug is always longer than the length of sofa in a room.
  

2. Colour Palette - Every professional interior designer knows how powerful a cohesive colour palette is.  It makes all the pieces come together, making it feels that everything was done intentionally rather than hastily.

• Pro-Tip 2:  Try this Rule of Three: pick one dominant colour, one secondary colour, and one accent color (or material finish) to guide your decor choices.

 

• How to Do It: Apply the three colours in a 60-30-10 ratio. 60% of the room for the main colour (like the walls), 30% in your secondary colour (like in large furniture), and 10% for your accent colour (cushions, art).

3. Find or Make a Focal Point - A room without a clear focal point allows the eye to wander around. There is nothing to draw people in, and it can make them feel uneasy
.

• Pro-Tip 3: Find an existing feature to highlight, such as a fireplace, a large window with a view, or a prominent architectural detail.

 

• How to Do It: Make sure to highlight that selected feature: frame a window with appropriate curtains or have shelves or furniture on both sides of a fireplace. If there is no focal point naturally, create one by having a large statement art piece or a eye-catching sofa.
  

4. Layer, Layer, Layer - Another thing that can visually create visual unease or a sterile boring-ness is a room where every surface is smooth and flat, or a room full of the same fabrics. Interior design thrives on a variety of texture, it adds depth, warmth, and interest.

• Pro-Tip 4: Pair materials that have contrasting textures. As smooth brass lamp with a rough wooden side table, or a soft velvet sofa with a jute rug.

 

• How to Do It: You can introduce natural elements like indoor plants, woven rattan baskets, or earthen ware/stone objects to break up smooth, synthetic surfaces.

5. Value Having Negative Space - Here is where your editing capabilities should come in. An empty corner need not be always filled in.  Experienced interior designers knows that negative space (or the empty area around and between objects)  allows your eye to rest.

• Pro-Tip 5: Edit, especially where decor is concerned. If any corner of the room looks visually crowded, edit some more.
  

 

• How to Do It: De-clutter a coffee table. Insert decorative items rather than just rows and rows of books in a bookshelf. Try to not overfill a wall with frames. Have enough clear walking pathways between furniture to open up the space.

If you need a design partner to bring these interior design ideas into your home, I now have an Interior Design Service now available on FIverr! Click the image below to visit my page.

I also have a lot more interior design tips and content on YouTube, so do Subscribe (click here). And they will also be available on my Pinterest Page (click here), so feel free to visit them.

Plus, do subscribe to my channels and social media, so I can always keep you updated on really inspiring design ideas!
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Interior Architecture does matter. Not to be confused with interior design, good interior architecture seamlessly merges the decorative/aesthetic as well as the structural and technical aspects of an indoor space. Having graduated with a degree in Architecture myself, the transition to interior design was a pretty interesting one not only because I could envision a space three-dimensionally, but I could also factor in the architectural details that would make that space work and flow better (and not just look pretty). When you get interior architecture right, you truly can create spaces that foster good living.

In 2026, there is a shift in the way we approach spaces, and again not just from a decorative point of view. Here are some ideas that might inspire your next renovation project:

1. Living Breathing Biophilia - Gone are having "plants in pots"; we are talking a whole approach in integrating vegetation indoors through proper day-lighting and even vertical gardens. Key to this is the proper orientation of windows and skylights for maximum daylight, and utility connections for water and drainage. These don't only look amazing, they also encourage natural air filtration -  the space actually "breathes" -  enhancing the well-being of anyone who uses it. 

2.  "Shapeshifting" Spaces - rigid, permanent floor plans and walls are giving way to a more flexible approach to space, and this very useful nowadays with homes and flats are getting smaller and smaller. Movable partitions are key to this, think Japanese screens separating interior spaces. Instead of fixed rooms, modern interior architecture prioritizes flexibility, allowing a large living area to change into a quiet work-from-home office or a guest room in seconds. This would also help in the long run as the space can actually adapt to the growing needs of your family.

3. Wellness-Driven + Neuro-Responsive - A physical space that responds to your brain, that is the goal here. Try integrating lighting technologies such as circadian lighting (which mimics natural sun cycles) and advanced acoustic buffering directly into the ceilings and walls to truly minimize noise transmission from room to room. This is interior design that marries biology and beauty. And as an architecturally trained interior designer, I understand that these details support your brain and nervous system, creating a truly restful sanctuary that you will come home to.

Need an Interior Designer who understands Interior Architecture? I now have an Interior Design Service now available on FIverr! Click the image below to visit my page.

I also have a lot more interior design tips and content on YouTube, so do Subscribe (click here). And they will also be available on my Pinterest Page (click here), so feel free to visit them.

Plus, do subscribe to my channels and social media, so I can always keep you updated on really inspiring design ideas!
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It has been an exciting year so far for interior designers and interiors enthusiasts. Looking into what is trending on social media, it seems that in 2026, our homes will be looking richer, warmer, and a whole lot more PERSONAL.

The shift for interiors has been from a carbon-copy minimalism that dominated the last decade to spaces that feel truly "lived-in," embracing color, unique textures, and a sense of comfort and nostalgia. It is not about a perfect room that looks good; it is about a room that makes you feel good.

Pinterest has these three emerging styles that are predicted to dominate your feeds this year. And here too is how you can bring them into your own home:

1. Neo Deco - Think of Neo-Deco as the sophisticated, modern descendant of 1920s Art Deco. Interior designers are loving this as it feels incredibly luxurious yet strictly contemporary. The "Gatsby-esque" kitsch has gone, and instead there is a focus on a harmony of solid deco shapes, metallic accents, rich materials and colours and vertical lines. Think high-end boutique hotel interiors — glamorous, structured, yet timeless.

Get the Look:

• Incorporate Fluted Details - Fluting is key to Neo Deco. Have your interior designer add ribbed wood paneling to your kitchen island, fluted glass cabinet doors, or even fluted accessories, as long as they introduce that signature vertical rhythm.

 

• High-Contrast Metallics - Polished brass not only exude warmth, but they contrast nicely against deep, moody colors. Try to change your lighting fixtures and cabinet hardware with geometric brass ones to achieve this look in a simple yet effective way. 

2. Soft Maximalism - Both interior designers and homeowners are falling in love with the really personal vibe of Soft Maximalism. It is not about creating overwhelming clutter, rather it is the art of curating, selecting really meaningful, personal pieces to incorporate into the grander scheme of the space. It encourages you create interiors with a cohesive, softer color palette (think dusty rose, sage green, and warm creams) and furniture and furnishing choices that are all harmonious, but then filling the rest of the space with meaningful objects, art, and books.  

Get the Look:

• The Layered Gallery Wall - Don't just hang framed prints in a grid. Make a wall collage of vintage oil paintings mixed with modern sketches, textile art, and even 3D objects like ceramic plates to create a wall with depth and history.
  
  
• Texture Overload - Bring in the texture should you decide to keep your colour palette more muted. Combine a velvet chair with a chunky wool rug and linen curtains to make the space feel rich and inviting.

3. Raw Earth & Stone - This is taking the whole concept of "bringing nature in" to another level, where truly natural textures like stone, terracotta and earthenware are mixed in with vegetation and natural finished and fabrics. It is about connecting us to the earth in all its tactile wonder. This approach is a great antidote to the sleek yet cold plastics, veneers and shiny metals of late.

Get the Look:

• Embrace Limewash - Shift to Limewash or textured plaster for walls, instead of smooth painted finishes.  This creates an instant, old-world character, plus soft, chalky finish changes beautifully with natural light.

 

• Travertine and Marble Accessories: - Try to bring in heavy stone elements through accessories like a chunky, rough-edged travertine tables, terracotta jars, or stone bowls of rougher finishes.

If you need a design partner to bring these interior design ideas into your home, I now have an Interior Design Service available on Fiverr! Click the image below to visit my page,

I will also be highlighting some of my favourite Pinterest pins on my Pinterest Page (click here), so feel free to visit and save your favorite look for your own 2026 Vision Board. And don't forget to subscribe, too!

Plus, do subscribe to my channels and social media, so I can always keep you updated on really inspiring design ideas!
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A bathroom needs soul, that is what 2026 is calling for. "Millenial grays" and sterile white have dominated years past, but now we are moving onto a vibe that is cozy and personal, while still being tasteful. If you are thinking of doing up your powder room or are looking into the master suite for a new build, these bathroom decor ideas would definitely be interior designer approved.

1. The "Organic Modern" Revival - this year is calling for a shift into organic forms rather than the hard edges of before.  Organic Modernism still has clean, contemporary lines but are softened with rounded corner and natural textures. Not perfection, rather the feeling of being lived-in.

• Go for earthy colour palettes, instead of neutrals or stark whites for the bathroom interior design. If you look at Pinterest, there is a shift towards "colour-drenched" bathrooms with shades such as terracotta, mushroom or moss green. They are also great, healthy colours to wake up to during your morning showers.

 

• Natural textures such as wood and stone are also popular nowadays, with bathroom features such as fluted vanity units made of wood, or travertine countertops. Stone or clay effect soap dishes, toothbrush holders and accessories are also easy but effective bathroom decor ideas to implement. AmbroVania has a beautiful fluted, floating vanity that is perfect for this look  (available on Amazon, click here)

1. The Spa... at Home - another trend in social media is making your own bathroom into an actual "wellness hub". Bathroom decor ideas should also be high-comfort and relaxation-inducing, creating that spa vibe that you would want to come home to to decompress after a long, stressful day. 

• Viral Full-body bath pillows, like this one from OMYSTYLE (available on Amazon, click here) not only looks tasteful, it also has ergonomic, mesh covered cushions that really relaxes you body as you are soaking in your tub. Pair that with a bamboo over-the-tub tray, then you are all set for a chill evening
  

 

• Install full-height shower curtains from floor to ceiling. This is not just trending, it also creates an illusion of more height and vertical space in your bathroom. Try this using heavy, waffle-knit fabrics in neutrals that mimic the look of high-end hotel bathrooms, like this one from Barossa (available on Amazon, click here)

3. Seamless, Textured Hi-Tech - not the "Star Trek" style, but more so lighting and tile trends that bring together high-technology and grounded, earthy aesthetic. 

• Install organically-shaped, LED statement mirrors that are backlit and can feature anti-fog technology. These are not only functional (or cast enough light for influencer-level skin routines), but are like pieces of art themselves. Quite a lovely bathroom decor idea.

 

• Zellige clay tiles are indeed in fashion, as they create such a wonderful texture on walls. Whereas flat subway tiles create a flat reflection of light, these handcrafted, slightly irregular tiles have a more charming shimmer and depth given their uneven surfaces. There are also stick-on versions available if a full bathroom remodeling is not on the cards. 

As an interior designer, I advice my clients to pay attention to important spaces such as in bathroom interior design. Along with the bedroom, these are the first and last spaces you encounter during the day, so they do affect your day-to-day mood. So with these tips, you can actually transform these functional spaces into real five-star retreats.

I will be posting some of my favourite living room decor ideas on my Pinterest Page (click here), so feel free to visit and save your favorite look for your own 2026 Vision Board. And don't forget to subscribe, too!

Plus, do subscribe to my channels and social media, so I can always keep you updated on really inspiring design ideas!
Web: www.iscodesigns.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@isco_designs
Pinterest: ie.pinterest.com/isco_designs/
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2026 has shifted the way look at interior design. As I have written in my previous blog about Bedroom Designs (Click Here), it is all about personality and personal expression rather than carbon-copy minimalism. And what better way to show off your personality that through some timely, living room decor ideas.

1. The Modern Heritage Aesthetic — the past few years of interior design trends have probably been robbed of a bit of soul. What wouldn't be missed going forward is the same old, same old flat-pack furniture, the minimalist beige's, or the fact that so many rooms have been replicated directly from magazine. Now, your home (and your living room) is about YOU and your story. 

In Modern Heritage, it is all about curating. We are still looking for a cohesive, designed space, but sprinkled with pieces that tell a personal story. "Oh, that coffee table was from the 70's home my parents first bought," or "those photos in the art deco frames are from my travels abroad".

I've come across a good ratio to use for a perfect balance, 80:20 of New and Old. Go with 80% furniture and design details that are functional and visually come together, then 20% are those curated, personal pieces that bring in your personality or story.

• Sample Strategy 1: Purchase a modern yet timeless Amazon sofa, see below the Fotosok white sofa has a very art deco silhouette (available on Amazon, click here) and pair with a richly patterned heirloom Turkish rug from your grandparents.

 

• Sample Strategy 2: As brass is still in line with the trending Neo-Deco movement, you can use these Frametory brass frames (available on Amazon, click here)  and fill them with black and white personal photos. 

With Modern Heritage, you are aiming for a room that does not look like a museum, rather a stylish space that still reminds of who you are.

2. Back to Texture and Organic Silhouettes — this year, we want living room decor ideas that are inviting enough to bring you into a room, rather than looking too pretty to touch. Here is where Texture-Maxxing comes in — things work in a space when it actually feels good on your skin. 

• Choose decor that actually feel good to touch. Softer corners and organic shapes, rather than hard edges, are very much in. Rather than having a suite of living room furniture of the same material, mix contrasting fabric finishes and cushion materials like velvets mixed with linen and corduroys, as has been exploding on TIktok. 
  

 

• Or as seen in the photo I have on the blog banner, you can also Double-rug, meaning you can lay more than one rug. A neutral-coloured sisal or jute one goes first, then an accent one with colours, texture and/or and patterns on top. 
  

 

• Edge is dead, as we are moving into a time where living room decor ideas now gravitate towards softer organic forms. Furniture that are more curved and with softer corners, as seen on Amazon, Tiktok or Instagram. Go for rounded ottomans or curved accent chairs, these have a softer, more inviting feel. Plus, these furniture choices actually won't hurt when you sit on them!
  

2. Feeling and Emotion in A Space — now that the living room decor is put together, how do we the enhance the experience of being in that space? How does it create a sense of warmth and relaxation when you come home from a long, busy day at work?

• Colour-drenching is key. Not just any colour that breaks away from the beige's and grey's, but actual wall colour choices that evoke warmth and joy. Think teal, olive green, even blush pink. And when you colour-drench, you apply it all throughout the walls AND ceilings, creating a luxurious and cohesive space.

 

• Add extra architectural details, such as frames around TV's, or even peel-and-stick moldings on walls, then colour drench them with the same main colour to enhance visual impact. 

 

• While you will need a central ceiling light fixture, what creates a more soothing feeling is having 3 other light sources that cast a warm light. They can create an array of moods depending on which ones are turned on or off. And in Amazon, you can also pick cordless rechargeable ones like this one from Oneach (available on Amazon, click here). They reduce visual clutter of electric cords, and you can locate them as far away from any socket!.

I will be posting some of my favourite living room decor ideas on my Pinterest Page (click here), so feel free to visit and save your favorite look for your own 2026 Vision Board. And don't forget to subscribe, too!

I also have very interesting candles and mugs to enhance your living room cosy-time, do check them out: 
www.etsy.com/ie/shop/iSCODesigns

Plus, do subscribe to my channels and social media, so I can always keep you updated on really inspiring design ideas!
Web: www.iscodesigns.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@isco_designs
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"Don’t judge a book by its cover," that is how the old saying goes. This is poetic, deep, and in the world of publishing, it is definitely wrong.

With how fast-paced 2026 is turning out to be, and with people's attention spans getting smaller by the minute, authors really do not have the luxury of not prioritising their book cover designs.  

Browsing takes around 2 seconds for your book cover to make the right impression, may it be on the shelves in a store, or on an  Amazon storefront, and it can be a very profitable in 2 seconds or you miss the mark.

The function of a book cover has clearly evolved into high-stakes advertisement. That is why an eye-catching book cover design is key to your book's success.

In 2026 , What DOES Catch Your Buyer's Attention?
In that brief 2-second point of contact, what gets your buyers to stop scrolling is high-concept, high-impact visuals. 

1. Typography Talks - The trend based on current consumer behaviour is how the title words and font have become the main illustrative element in a book cover. Think of it as Typography as Art:
 

• You can go with a moody, mystical feel by combining really deep jewel tones — emerald greens, midnight blues, and burnt oranges — contrasting starkly against a pure black background. This can then be enhanced with high-contrast floral elements or gothic architecture, perfect for fantasy novels or thrillers.
  

 

• Or you can go the complete opposite and go for a striking, minimalist plus white approach. Think of having a clean, cover with a defining text or icon surrounded by a lot of white space. It give a feel of sophisticated confidence, and works best for non-fiction or personal biographies or memoirs.
  

For the European Natural Health Manifesto cover that I designed below, I went with the second approach, but with more vitality. The large typography and pictograms convey what is in the book but having colours so vibrant against the white background immediately grabs attention.

2. The Psychology of Design - visual cues, and even the choices of image and font sizes, convey universally understood messages that could directly connect to your potential customers:

• Genre Signaling, The Secret Handshake - A professional designer would know of the appropriate visual cues he/she would use in the cover design - ones that the public would easily comprehend. For example, a perky teenage romance book will have a more pastel palette and cute characters, even a font that looks as if it was taken from a handwritten diary. A tech-based book would have neon accents and glitch effects. The designer should understand these handshakes. If your cover sends the wrong signal, you’ll attract the wrong readers — or worse the book might be confusing enough to not sell.

 

• The Thumbnail Test - authors who DIY their book cover design might make the mistake of designing for a  huge computer screen. Remember, we purchase books more and more online and 80% of your customers will first see your book as a tiny thumbnail on their phone. A professional book designer is able to balance how it looks in real life while being legible on thumbnails or online posts. The design for the book Nutriwine that I made below not only has legible text, but the oversized wine glass clearly conveys, even in a thumbnail, that the book IS about wine. 
  

 

• Building Trust and Professionalism - unless you as an author are lucky enough to also have a graphic design background, a hastily DIY made book cover design would scream, "I didn't invest in this book, so why should you?" 
  
• Painful as it might sound, it is the truth. A polished, professionally balanced cover design shows potential readers that the book's contents have been edited, vetted, and cared for, and is trustworthy enough to buy.
  

Why Go DIY When You Can Collaborate With A Professional? - in the advent of easy-to-use AI software, why go work with a book cover designer? Simply put, they really won't understand YOU, and they don't have that human touch. Having done multiple book covers and magazine covers before, the best strategy is a collaboration with a human partner.

In some cases, it was the actual book cover design that got them out of their writer's block!

If you were to work with me on Fiverr (Click Here for My LINK), I'd try to understand the vision you have and the story you'd like to tell, and create that eye-catching cover it, and you, deserve.

Plus I will be able to work with you regarding the technical details so you can focus on writing and publishing.

The book cover is the face of the work you have put so much time and effort in. So let you and I do it justice, and let that cover be your ticket to the bestseller's list.  

Ready to make your book the next viral sensation? (Click Here to See My Portfolio and Packages)

Or see in what ways I can help you with my Graphic Design Services (Click Here)

If you are interested in book cover design on Pinterest, I'm putting together a board called iSCO Book Covers (Click Here), and I'll add other inspiring cover designs I find. 

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2026 heralds a new direction in interior design, as the current trends is shifting from the "sad, drab beiges" to a more personal way of storytelling through interior spaces.

For bedroom decor ideas, think rich textures and colours, smart technology that feels invisible, and bold ways to express one's personality and to declare, "this is me, this is my space."

In the most personal of home spaces, the bedroom, the need to express becomes more urgent.

As I say to clients, the bedroom is the last thing you see at night and the first thing you wake up to in the morning. Great bedroom decor then is key to owning and loving your space.  

The Shift to Personality - in 2026, we are no longer just decorating our rooms, we are "curating" our personal safe space.  Dull minimalism is gone, our personal touches create emotional comfort when we step into our bedrooms. The styles below are not merely trending, they are indeed full of personality, so which one tells your story? 

1. Smart Sanctuary - this is not gamer-bro aesthetic, rather this is considered, easy on the eye design elements that is in sync with your biology. They work with your bio-rhythm while looking like a high end boutique hotel.

• Trending glass mushroom lamps such as from Honphier (available on Amazon, click here) use matter smart bulbs in your lamps so you can set the lighting levels and colours that work with your circadian rhythm.


• You can also invest in a stylish wireless charging nightstand (available on Amazon, click here) that is not only functional, but it also reduces the visual clutter of charging plugs and cords.

2. Afrohemian meets Neo-Deco - this mix of two current Pinterest trends are full of vibrant personality. If this speaks to you, here are some things you can try out as bedroom decor ideas:

• Have a "Main Character" Bed: invest in canopy beds or sculptural headboards finished in sumptuous velvets (in burgundy or chocolate brown).


• International Textures: use Nigerian adire fabrics or Ethiopian wall art against sleek or brass furniture and detailing.


• Rich Palette: shift from "safe neutrals to "deep burgundy" and "hidden gem" (which is a smoky blue-green)

3. Biophilic Bliss - the concept works by bringing in nature to the bedroom, but these smart bedroom decor ideas make it more "elevated":

• The Breathing Ledge - rather than having  headboard, create a "planter ledge" lined with air-purifying plants.


• Use Cloud Dancer, Pantone's 2026 color of the year - as a base, "Cloud Dancer" — a soft, chalky off-white — and works well with "Icy Glacier Blues." then mix it up with tactile, natural textures such as boucle, linen and exposed wood detail.

At the end of the day, this is not merely a cut-and-paste exercise. Your bedroom, and the bedroom decor ideas you decide to then use in it, should reflect your personality and your identity.

This is what 2026 is all about.

I will be posting some of my favourite ideas on my Pinterest Page (click here), so feel free to visit and save your favorite look to your own 2026 Vision Board and do subscribe to mine https://ie.pinterest.com/isco_designs

Or should you wish to purchase my art, to adorn your bedroom space, the link is available below:

For those of us who live in cities or other urban areas, the reality is that what we would call home will most likely be a tiny apartment or condo. But living in a small apartment does not mean living small.

Great interior designers should come up with smart, small space ideas to create spaces that feel open, warm, and beautifully designed - even with the limited square feet. The trick is to expand the space visually while retaining functionality and with an inviting feel.

1. Make it feel light, but not with Flat White - A key to making rooms feel larger is using light colors, but don't use pure, flat white as it can feel cold and lifeless. Instead, you can use the suggested colours below, as they reflect light while keeping that sense of coziness (this is a key to European apartment design):

• Warm whites
• Soft beiges
• Sand tones

2. Let furniture breathe - One of the easiest way to make your space visually tiny is by using oversized furniture. So follow these ideas as they create visual space and allow light to flow freely:

• Slim-profile sofas
• Raised legs (you should see floor underneath)
• Arm-less or low-back seating

3. Mirrors enlarge space - another small apartment idea is to use mirrors. They don’t just reflect more light in your room - they can also visually increase space.

• Place mirrors opposite windows
• Use tall mirrors to emphasize height
• Choose thin, minimal frames, or have frame-less mirror walls
• Have mirrored closet doors

4. Go vertical with your design - aim high (literally) when you have limited floor space, as they draw your eyes up thus making your ceilings feel higher:

• Tall bookshelves
• Floor-to-ceiling curtains
• Vertical paneling or artwork

5. Keep your color palette consistent - A cohesive palette reduces visual clutter, while making your space feel larger and also calmer. so try to stick to:

• 2–3 main colors
• Natural materials (wood, linen, wool)
• Minimal contrast
  

6. Have as much hidden storage - a bigger space is achieved though less visible clutter, so try these invisible storage ideas:  

• Beds with drawers
• Storage ottomans
• Built-in shelving

7. Leave in as much natural light - Don't let heavy furniture or dark curtains block precious natural light from your windows, so instead:

• Sheer linen curtains
• Light-filtering blinds
• No curtains at all where privacy allows

8. Edit, edit, EDIT! -  It could be challenge to keep a small apartment from being overdecorated. What might help is to see if every item:

• Serves a purpose
• Adds warmth
• Feels intentional

This sense of functional minimalism where less is better is what makes small apartments feel expansive.
And if you're needing some interesting, warm and minimalist artworks to adorn your space, my art is available on the link below, or if you visit: www.iscodesigns.com/visual-art

I have always found jewellery fascinating. Even as a young child, the sparkle of gems and crystals always caught my attention, more so as they glowed when worn by a truly beautiful woman.

But what also caught my attention was the sculptural quality that a necklace, a tiara or a ring had - the forms, the curves, the way the gems are positioned specifcally. That's why I consider jewellery, such as tiaras, as wearable pieces or art. And what separates art from mass produced items is the intent and the narrative behind each piece.

In creating this concept tiara, dedicated to the Rose of Limerick (who then goes to compete in the annual Rose of Tralee Festival), I tried to capture the rose as the central theme. As the Limerick Rose, she radiates and sparkles for all to see, that's why I went for crystals. The crystal rose is then set to float amongst the "waves" of the Shannon River, which is also representative of Limerick's dynamism and flow. In this design, I captured what I felt was the essence of the woman and the county she represents.

I hope that like in this concept tiara, i could work with people to create bespoke jewellery that not only looks great, but also tells a story and embodies a certain spirit. These are then pieces that truly mean something and are worth keeping (click the link below if you would like to collaborate with me on a piece!)