From beautiful to unforgettable: Tips for creating spaces that leave a lasting impression

A beautiful space is more than a […]

A beautiful space is more than a collection of well chosen furniture, colours and decor pieces, it is a reflection of personality, a feeling you create, and sometimes, a story waiting to be told.Whether it is a warm inviting home, an elegant setting or a carefully curated client space the details are what turn a visually appealing room into one that people rememeber.

For Shai Decor Co-Founder Lombe Posa Mugala, creating that kind of space begins long before the final décor piece is put in place. It is is about having a clear vision, understanding the person behind the space and most importantly allowing creativity to take its course.

Whether you are refreshing your home or creating a space for someone else, Lombe shares three tips for creating spaces that are not only beautiful, but memorable.

 Start with a vision or mood board

Before bringing a space to life, Mugala recommends starting with a clear visual direction. One of her favourite tools for this is Pinterest, which she uses to create mood boards and gather inspiration.

“When I am able to visualise what I have as a goal, it’s easier for me to work towards it,” she explains.

A mood board helps you establish the look and feel you want while keeping the decorating process focused. It also gives you something to refer back to as the project develops, allowing you to see how closely the finished space reflects your original idea.

However, Lombe cautions against treating a mood board as something to copy exactly.

“The goal is not to try to imitate because you can never truly do exactly what you have on your board. It’s just to draw inspiration and to give you ideas as you brainstorm.”

The key, therefore, is to use inspiration as a starting point while allowing the space to develop its own character.

Pay attention to the details

When decorating for a client, understanding their preferences is just as important as having a good eye for design. Lombe believes that the little details can make a significant difference to the final result.

From the exact shade of a colour to the type of flowers, materials and textures being used, getting as much information as possible helps ensure that the finished space reflects the client’s vision.

She also recommends asking clients an equally important question: What do you absolutely not want?

Knowing what to avoid can be just as useful as knowing what they love. It gives the decorator a clearer framework to work within and helps prevent small details from becoming major disappointments.

While Lombe acknowledges that no setup can ever be completely perfect, careful attention to detail can help create a space that feels thoughtful, personal and memorable.

Have fun and let creativity in

 “Decorating should ultimately be an enjoyable and creative process.”

 While it is important to listen to a client’s needs, she encourages decorators not to be afraid of bringing their own ideas to the table.

“Don’t be afraid to give them your ideas and suggestions,” she says, while emphasising the importance of remaining open to the client’s perspective.

The balance lies in offering creative input without imposing it. A decorator’s expertise can introduce ideas that a client may not have considered, while collaboration ensures the final space still feels true to their vision.

After all, a beautiful space does not necessarily come from following a rigid formula. Sometimes, it is the unexpected creative touch that gives a room its personality and makes it memorable.

For Lombe, the secret is simple: have a vision, pay attention to the details and, most importantly, have fun with the process.