The 5 Small Interior Tweaks That Completely Transform A Home

When it comes to refreshing your home, sometimes it’s the subtle shifts that create the most dramatic results. From the way you arrange your furniture to the colours you choose on your walls, small changes can completely transform the atmosphere, flow, and functionality of a space.

As we shift into the Autumn season, and time at home increases, Magdalena Gierasinska, Head of Product and Displays at Barker and Stonehouse shares her insider advice on the tweaks that deliver maximum impact.

Create Flow and Function with Furniture Arrangement

The way you place your furniture doesn’t just affect how a room looks, it defines how you live in it, according to Magdalena.

She says, “A good arrangement creates balance, encourages conversation, and makes the room feel inviting. Pulling furniture slightly away from the walls is one of her go-to tips, as it instantly creates a more sociable and flowing space. She also suggests experimenting with both symmetrical and asymmetrical layouts depending on the atmosphere you want to achieve. In a dining room, I always recommend positioning the dining table in the centre of the space and anchoring it with a statement light fixture above and a rug beneath. This creates a sense of symmetry and gives the table the importance it deserves as the heart of the room.”

For living rooms, Magdalena advises arranging sofas and chairs so they face each other around a coffee table. “This instantly encourages interaction and makes the space feel warm and inviting. Alternatively, you can place a large sofa on one side and balance it with two accent chairs opposite. That combination feels dynamic while still remaining harmonious.”

Create a Focal Point to Let Furniture Lead

A focal point grounds the room and gives it purpose, and without one, the eye doesn’t know where to land, Magdalena notes.

“In living and dining rooms, the focal point is most often a sofa or dining table, while in kitchens it might be the island, which can be enhanced with pendant lighting. Lighting is so important here. By drawing the eye to a central piece, you create a sense of drama and balance that instantly elevates the room.”, she explains.

She stresses that the key to a successful focal point lies in contrast. “Don’t be afraid to go bold with one hero item. If you keep the surrounding elements pared back, the feature feels intentional rather than overwhelming.”

Set the Mood with Paint and Colour

Colour remains one of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to transform a room, and Magdalena points out that it’s not just about personal taste, it’s also about how the shade interacts with light and space.

“Warm tones such as reds, oranges and yellows bring an instant sense of energy to a room. But by contrast, cooler tones like blues, greens and purples are calming and help create a relaxing environment. Neutrals, on the other hand, offer flexibility and balance, so they’re the perfect foundation to build on.”

She also encourages homeowners to consider how natural light plays into their choices. “North-facing rooms tend to benefit from warmer shades to counterbalance the cooler light, while south-facing spaces often work beautifully with cooler colours,” she says. “If you want to make a space feel bigger, lighter tones will open it up, whereas darker hues create intimacy and drama.”

Magdalena recommends experimenting with bold touches too. “An accent wall or even a painted ceiling can create an unexpected impact, adding personality while still working within a cohesive scheme.”

Adding Personality with Finishing Touches

According to Magdalena, it’s often the finer details that make a room feel truly designed.

“Painting trim, skirting boards, or doors in a contrasting colour adds an instant sense of character and elevates even the simplest spaces. It’s a trick I often use when I want to make a room feel more polished.”

Mirrors are another favourite tool in her design arsenal. “Oversized or antique mirrors are wonderful for bouncing light around and making small rooms feel twice as large. I love using irregular shapes too, as they add a charm and personality that a plain rectangular mirror simply can’t match.”

She also highlights the importance of textiles. “Rugs help anchor a furniture arrangement and instantly make a lounge feel more luxurious, whilst cushions and throws are the easiest way to mix textures. Velvet, linen, faux fur are excellent options to add both visual and textural interest, and they add depth and cosiness.”

Lighting is also an easy way to transform a space, according to Magdalena. “A statement pendant can change the entire feel of a dining room or lounge. Layering lighting, such as using a mix of table lamps, floor lamps and wall sconces, also allows you to adapt the mood to the occasion. And always go for warmer bulbs as they create the most inviting atmosphere.”, she adds.

Prioritise storage and decluttering

Magdalena shares that storage is the unsung hero of design, and says without it, even the most beautiful room feels chaotic. She recommends built-in shelving or floor-to-ceiling wardrobes to streamline a space, explaining that these solutions not only hide clutter but also make rooms appear taller.

“In living rooms, I love using shelving around a fireplace or TV—it creates balance as well as function. The balance between open and closed storage is also important. Closed storage keeps things calm and clutter-free, while open shelves allow you to display books, art, or curated objects. When you mix the two, the result feels effortless and avoids the room looking too boxy or too busy.”, she shares.

For smaller spaces, vertical solutions are invaluable, and she suggests, “Tall bookcases or floating wall shelves draw the eye upwards and free up floor space, instantly making the room feel larger. Even over-door shelving can make use of what would otherwise be wasted space. Always think in terms of contrast, texture, and focal points,” Magdalena concludes. “These small upgrades catch the eye and make the whole room feel intentional and well put together. The goal isn’t perfection, but it’s creating a home that feels both beautiful and lived in.”