Are you gearing up to decorate and furnish your new home? It’s an exciting journey, but it can also be overwhelming with countless decisions to make and styles to choose from. Whether you’re dreaming of a cosy minimalist space or a vibrant eclectic haven, we’re thrilled to introduce our featured guest, Maxine Brady, a renowned interior stylist known for her keen eye for colour, pattern, and knack for transforming spaces into stunning, liveable works of art. With years of experience and a portfolio brimming with beautiful designs, Maxine is here to share her expert advice.
In this Q&A, Maxine provides invaluable tips and insights on everything from selecting the perfect colour palette to finding the right furniture that fits your style and budget. Get ready to be inspired and equipped with the knowledge you need to create a home that truly reflects your personality and meets your needs.
So, let’s dive in and start transforming your first home into a place you’ll love!
Can you tell us a bit about your interiors background?
My journey to becoming an interior stylist began over 25 years ago! My first job after university was working on a home and lifestyle magazine. I worked my way up and landed my dream job on the style desk at House Beautiful Magazine. I spent five years there styling monthly cover shoots and lifestyle features. This experience allowed me to work with some incredible designers, learn the ropes of the magazine industry, and gain lots of experience styling photo shoots both in the UK and abroad.
Since going freelance, I’ve styled and produced interior design shoots for high street brands, independent shops, small boutiques, designer hotels, interior designers, luxury brands, and TV shows. I’ve turned my hand to many things, including launching my award-winning blog, maxinebrady.com, in 2016, and more recently, a podcast called How to Home (which is trending on Spotify). I’ve also had regular slots presenting on TV for This Morning, BBC Good Morning, and a C5 TV show.
Over the years, I’ve honed my skills and expertise, and developed a keen eye
for spotting trends before they happen. I love being an expert in my field and pride myself on creating inviting and approachable interiors for my clients that truly feel like home.
How would you describe your own interior style?
My interior style is ‘eclectic-disco with a splash of adventure’ thrown in! I love mixing patterns and colours in my home, inspired by my travels. I’m a magpie for interior trends, colours, and designs, and I enjoy being innovative — sourcing items for my home from unexpected places. It’s where I test my design ideas and I’ve packed my place with vintage finds and personal treasures.
I’m a real homebody (that’s my Taurus star sign coming through strong). For me, home is all about creating a space that feels curated yet comfortable, inspirational, and also where I can recharge! I’ve filled my tiny terrace house with pattern tiles, soft textures, and a simple colour palette. I believe that adding
unique touches make a space feel lived-in and loved.
What’s the first thing you’d recommend doing when moving into a new home?
Take a step back and get a feel for your space. Spend time in your new home and think about how you want each room to function and what purpose it will serve.
You’ll also want to note how the light changes throughout the day as this will impact what paint colours you use. All this research will give you a solid foundation for decision-making around layout, colour schemes, and decor. It’s very tempting to rush ahead as soon as you move in as it’s exciting to decorate a new home, but you’ll find that once you have settled into a place, you’ll want to use it differently to how you expected. This will influence how you decorate and furnish it.
Once you have a clear vision for your home, create a mood board with ideas for each space, including layout, soft furnishing, and furniture. I find Shuffles from Pinterest is a helpful mood-boarding tool.
If you want your home to look harmonious, choose a select colour palette of five colours and use them throughout your home in varying degrees to create a cohesive flow between rooms. In my space, I’ve used white, peach, baby blue, navy and grey in all the rooms to help them flow and feel cohesive.
Which room would you prioritise getting organised?
I’d prioritise the kitchen, as it’s the heart of the home and where you’ll spend a lot of time. A well-organised kitchen makes everyday tasks easier and sets a positive tone for settling into the rest of your home. Hang art on the walls, make sure everything fits, and add some colour!
What are your tips on decorating a fresh space?
Start with a neutral base and build from there. Add pops of colour (and personality) with your accessories, artwork, and textiles like cushions and throws. And don’t rush the process; let your space evolve naturally over time as you find pieces you truly love.
Where would you start with furnishing a new home?
Invest in quality pieces for the main areas — a stylish AND comfortable sofa for the living room, a sleek dining table and chairs, and a standout bed for your bedroom. These are the pieces you’ll use most often, so it’s worth spending a bit more to ensure they’re durable and timeless.
And don’t forget your window dressings! They will have a huge impact on the overall look of each room. Once you have these basics sorted, start adding accent furniture and accessories to complete the look.
What are the most fundamental pieces of furniture to get started with?
Allocate a chunk of your budget for key pieces like a sofa, bed, dining table and chairs, and storage solutions such as a dresser or a wardrobe. These are the building blocks of your home and will provide a functional and comfortable living environment. Choose designs that you LOVE and build your room scheme around them. Once you’ve invested in these essentials, you can add other pieces like coffee tables, side tables, and armchairs over time.
What budget-friendly styling tips would you recommend for slower transformations?
Focus on small changes that make a big impact. Swap out old hardware on cabinets and doors for something more modern.
Use paint to refresh walls, furniture, or even kitchen cabinets and add warmth to a room with textiles like curtains, cushions, throws, and rugs. Don’t forget about lighting — new lampshades or light fixtures can dramatically change the feel of a room without breaking the bank. I’ve covered this topic in a whole podcast episode called ‘how to modernise your dated home on a budget’ in Series 2 of How to Home, so make sure you listen for more tips.
Can you share some top tips on other ways to put your own stamp on the place?
Personalising your space is about adding items that reflect your personality and style. Display your favourite artwork, family photos, or travel souvenirs on a gallery wall. Mix in some vintage or second-hand finds to add character to your room.
Plants are another great way to breathe life into your home and make it feel more lived-in. If you’re not green-fingered, cheat with faux plants! And don’t be afraid to experiment with DIY projects — creating your own decor can be fun and rewarding.
Do you have any advice on approaching more fundamental changes to your home?
When it comes to bigger changes like renovations or major updates, planning is key. Do your research, set a realistic budget, and create a detailed plan. Don’t be
afraid to consult with professionals (like me!) as our expertise can save you time and money in the long run. Remember to stay true to your vision and make decisions you’ll be happy with for years to come.
Which Oak Furnitureland products do you think would work well to get started in a new place?
Islington bed | Islington bedside table | Islington tallboy
Here are four pieces that balance quality, style, and functionality making them ideal starter furniture when setting up your new home.
1. The statement Islington bed will make the ideal centrepiece for your room. The winged sides will make your bedroom feel very private too!
2. The Jude sofa features a timeless mid-century design which stands the test of time. It’s a piece I would love for my own home.
3. The versatile Oliver sideboard offers a stylish storage solution that will fit into various rooms. Dark woods are very much on trend, and this design has a cool ridge effect on the doors. Again, something I would love for my house!
4. The Otis dining chair is effortlessly cool and will work as an office chair, in your bedroom or for entertaining — I love its sleek, modern design.
For more home inspiration from interior stylist Maxine Brady, follow her colourful feed over on Instagram @maxinebradystyling and check out Maxine’s website www.maxinebrady.com and new podcast How to home for even more styling tips!
