Interior designer tips for a quick room refresh

For Kath Preston, creativity has always been part of her life. Long before she was designing homes, she was pouring her imagination into anything that caught her interest. “I am a naturally creative person with a deep love for anything related to design,” she says.

From wearable art to interior design

Her path into interiors started in a place you might not expect: The World of Wearable Arts. In 2010, she entered the competition and was named runner-up in her category. From there, she lent her skills to costumes for Showbiz performances and got hands-on with building and refurbishing several of her own homes. “This led me towards interior design, where I found great satisfaction in working with different spaces and a variety of materials, especially hard finishes and the cohesive schemes that bring an interior together.”

Kath’s style isn’t just the result of formal training; it’s been shaped by years of creative problem-solving and plenty of real-world experience. “The biggest influence on my career in interior design has been my enduring passion for all things design, combined with the experience and knowledge gained from personal projects and my dedication to finding the right solutions for clients,” she says. “Creating spaces that clients genuinely love fuels my inspiration.” That personal connection to each project is at the heart of how she works.

Sources of inspiration

Kath doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all interiors. “I believe that a home should be a true reflection of its owner,” she says. Her process starts with listening—really listening—to clients, understanding how they live, and figuring out what will make their space not only look good, but feel right. “By listening closely and partnering throughout the process, I strive to craft beautiful spaces that embody my clients’ individual styles, enhance their lifestyles, and respect their budgets.” That means no cookie-cutter solutions. Instead, each project becomes its own creative journey.

Kath’s inspiration doesn’t just come from design magazines (though she loves those too). “To keep my creativity fresh between projects, I am always on the lookout for new materials and emerging ideas. Inspiration comes from magazines, my surroundings, and especially from places I visit while on holiday.”

Travel, she says, is one of the best ways to see spaces differently and bring that fresh perspective back to her work.

Interior design trends

Ask Kath what trends she’s enjoying at the moment, and she doesn’t hesitate. “I’m excited about the growing popularity of textured walls, using wood panelling, wallpaper, or decorative plaster,” she says. She’s also a big fan of bringing the outdoors in, with “interesting indoor plants and ample light,” and mixing “contemporary pieces with unique vintage and antique items for added character.”

When it comes to colour, she’s seeing more “earthy tones: soft ochre, sage greens, and warm terracotta,” along with clever built-in storage solutions.

As for what’s on the way out? “There is a move away from stark minimalism and all-white spaces towards bolder, more personalised, textured and nature-inspired looks.”

Easy ways to refresh a room

Sometimes, a room just needs one simple update to feel new again. “Painting walls and woodwork in a fresh neutral colour is one of the quickest and most effective ways to give a space a modern update,” Kath says. It’s a change that’s affordable, achievable, and instantly lifts a space.

Kath isn’t afraid to challenge the idea that you have to stick to certain design rules. “Timeless design isn’t about following every trend. It is about creating a home that truly represents you, your goals, values, and lifestyle. Always trust your instincts.”

While she appreciates the balance symmetry brings, she knows too much can make a room feel predictable. “Mixing things up with varied art sizes, adding antique furniture, interesting artistic pieces, contrasting colours or organic shapes introduces asymmetry, visual interest and a livelier atmosphere.”

If a full renovation isn’t on the cards, Kath has a simple solution. “Swap out bedding, cushions, and throws and use deeper colours for winter and lighter shades for summer,” she suggests. “Many retailers offer affordable, good-quality soft furnishings, so don’t hesitate to experiment and mix things up for a fresh look.”

Design philosophy

Kath’s work with Two Birds Design is about creating homes that feel like they truly belong to the people who live in them. Her background, from wearable art to interiors, has given her a unique perspective, one that blends creativity, practicality, and a deep respect for her clients’ individuality.

“A home should be a true reflection of its owner,” she says. And for Kath, that’s not just a design philosophy, it’s the reason she does what she does.