Designer vs DIY

There is always this debate between redesigning our homes ourselves or to hire a professional to do it for us. I’m here to give you a little insight into the benefits of hiring an interior designer.
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1. Secret Services

No it’s not what you’re thinking, but it’s still pretty cool.

By using an Interior Designer, you are not only gaining access to their expertise, but also to all of their contacts. They have connections with many companies who supply to trade only and have furniture and furnishings you would never see otherwise, maybe even that exact fabric you’ve been searching everywhere for.

2. Saves Money

Believe it or not, in the long run it will.

Whenever ‘Interior Designer’ is mentioned, you will often hear people saying “Oh I wish I could afford to have one”.
There is often a misconception that Interior Designers are just out to steal your money, but that’s really not the case, we promise.
When we design for our own homes, we usually spread the design costs over a number of months or years, yet with an Interior Designer it seems like a lot, as it is usually paid all at once.
The difference is that when you design yourself, you don’t usually set a budget as such, and you will keep adding and altering your space which you may never be entirely happy with. Yet with an Interior Designer, they will work within a set budget, and will use their expertise to source the best items available within that budget. You’re not only paying the Interior Designer to design the space and source the items, but you pay for an entire scheme from concept to completion (that includes all the other trades people who may be involved).

3. Saves Time

Talking about tradespeople, they’ll save you a lot of time and hassle too.

As previously mentioned, when we design for ourselves, we see no hurry to get things done, or may not even have the time to get anything done.
Deadlines are so important; it ensures that things get done at a timely pace.
You can either set them for your Interior Designer, or they can set them if you are unsure about how the process works, but they can guarantee you a finished job.

Interior Designers are you designers and project managers. They use their knowledge within the industry to source all the fabric, furniture and anything else you will need. They will order all of your items and plan out the best layouts for your space. They will do all the chasing for you to ensure that everything arrives on time and within budget, and will be there to see the project through to completion.

We hope you enjoyed reading; “Designer vs DIY”
If you would like to arrange a FREE Consultation, please contact us 
We welcome your comments below: –

Why use a digital mood board?

Have a read to find out how digital mood boards have become the vital communication tool between designer and client.

Example of a moodboard done by Emily

A mood board also known as an inspiration board or design board helps the designer and the client to visualise the design concepts and ideas you’ve discussed prior to committing to specific colours, products, and layouts. Basically it is a collection of images organised in some fashion that help explore the desired overall look and feel of a project.

Mood boards are also formed as collages that take time to put together. They are fun to look at but when it comes to making changes – which is often the case when deciding on the final look of your room – it becomes difficult to move things around, or try out a different colour or a different style of furniture, for example.

That’s where digital mood boards become the answer and the vital communication tool between designer and client. As its simplicity to change its aspects, make it the perfect way to trial and error ideas and does not restrict any decisions.  It can be easily sent to the client on which ever device they choose. This freedom to change ideas is key to the end result being simply the perfect scheme for the client.

If you were concerned about exploring the textures of the fabrics included in the mood board, Emily is able to show you first-hand what fabric will be used by showing you the wide range of fabric display books. This will allow you to explore other varieties at the same time. Enabling changes to be made easily to your scheme.

Get in touch to arrange your initial consultation where we can discuss ideas and take measurements and from there send you a no obligation quote.

 

We hope you enjoyed reading; “Why use a digital mood board?”
If you would like to arrange a FREE Consultation, please contact us 
We welcome your comments below: –

How to keep guests happy during your refurbishment

Exciting times ahead; you are about to refurbish your Hotel or B&B.
Here’s how to keep guests happy during your refurbishment.

Hotels

 

It’s an important decision to make; not just which Interior Design company to use but visualising the end result, how much to budget, how long it might take but also the impact, it will have on your guests.

Honesty is always the best policy

We find, being completely transparent on your website/social media, and when taking a booking, is key.

Planning

It’s therefore, important to ensure a well-planned, logical and timely schedule is worked towards.  Ideally during your quietest time, and most of our clients ask us to refurbish one room, at a time, for minimum disruption to their guests.  Also, letting your Interior Designer project manage takes away the stress from ordering, day-to-day management of the deliveries, and the tradespeople.

Communication

By advertising the refurbishment timescales and the benefits to your guests, you will make them feel valued.  If, a returning guest they will trust that it will not majorly disrupt their stay.

Our suggestions: – 
  • You could let them know you have taken on board their fabulous feedback and are always investing in ways to make their stay, with you, a more pleasurable one.
  • Consider a landing page, purely for “Latest Refurbishment News”.  Mention there will be no noise from, say late afternoon through to perhaps 10am. It may be necessary to collaborate with a local restaurant or similar, should your kitchen and/or restaurant form part of the project.  The landing page is also useful for your staff to be able to advise the guests of the latest updates.
  • You could have a Noticeboard with the latest phase(s) completed, before/after pictures.  Actively encourage guests to raise any concerns with you, at any time by providing them with your mobile number or a member of staff to liaise with.
  • Perhaps consider giving all guests, during the refurbishment a voucher for a future stay, at an attractive, discounted rate or perhaps dinner.

The above can help make all the difference in a positive experience and feedback being, by showing them that they – your guests, are at the forefront of your mind.

Maximise your refurbishment

It’s really beneficial to arrange for your interior designer to take appropriate photos that can be used on social media for your updates on your landing page and/or noticeboard.

Another great way to showcase and say thank you is; invite local press, businesses, suppliers and regular guests to an opening evening.  You could display the mood boards used, before and after images and any plans used.

Perhaps ask for feedback via a short questionnaire with a competition winner, on the night.  A night’s free accommodation or something you know your guests would love.

It may be worth inviting your interior designer, too – who will be delighted to be on hand to answer any questions and support you on the evening.

Finally, it’s always a great idea to update your website/brochures etc. with the new copy/images. To reflect the new look and share on social media and send a press release to the local newspaper, too!

 

If you would like to arrange a Consultation to discuss your refurbishment, please contact us
We hope you enjoyed reading; “How to keep guests happy during your refurbishment” and it gave you some ideas?
We welcome your comments below: –

The advantage of having made to measure curtains

Made to measure curtains are similar to a handmade bespoke dress; they are tailored perfectly to your style and required shape.
Read on to find out more advantages of having made to measure curtains..

made to measure curtains

Homes come in all shapes and sizes and thus can often prove tricky when finding ready-made curtains to fit. Whether your design is opulent or understated, your personal style dictates how you want your curtains to look in your room. No matter whether you like plain, patterned, short or long, curtains finish a room completely. So why not spend that little bit extra to buy bespoke made to measure rather than something off the shelf?

Your property maybe bursting with character or be a well-proportioned new home, but ready-made curtains often don’t give us our desired finish as they come in inflexible standard sizes. I make sure your curtains work with all your homes quirks; they will be crafted to the length and volume you want and turn your window into a feature.

Have you ever seen a pattern you love or spent hours searching for curtains to match a particular colour. This is where I can turn your vision into reality. I’m a little obsessed when it comes to textiles, I know how a particular fabric will hang and able to advise you what will work best for your home. Often the desired look you are seeking requires a certain type of fabric. I feel so proud when I see a pair of my made-to-measure curtains decorating your home, I love my job!

A couple of weeks ago I was put in touch with a client who immediately said, “I know I can’t afford made to measure curtains but I am struggling to find what I am looking for, I need help!” I couldn’t let this cry for help go unnoticed and started to talk through what she was looking for. I instantly remembered a gorgeous fabric that would work perfectly; so I made sure the right pattern book was in my car before I set off to meet her. I measured the window and we talked in detail about style and length that would complete her living room. I never want a client to feel under pressure or that they are being sold to, so I always go away to price each project. Before I left I explained that this really was an achievable option and we both agreed that they would look amazing. On receiving the quote, she was shocked at the price as it was far less than she had envisaged and ordered them on the spot.

This client was not uncommon but her struggle for the right curtain is!

Made to measure curtains I like to think are perfectly fitting, lovingly crafted and designed exclusively for you. Made to measure curtains make you and your home feel special just as it should be.

We hope you enjoyed reading; “The advantage of having made to measure curtains”
If you would like to arrange a FREE Consultation, please contact us 
We welcome your comments below: –

Why using an interior designer is not out of your reach.

There are many preconceptions when it comes to why you should use an interior designer, read more to find out why it could be the best thing for you to do.. Romo Saphira Green_Shot 1_039

When I say ‘I am an interior designer’, people nearly always perceive I’m working with the rich and famous, as though to contract my services you need a lottery-winning budget, this is just not the case. An interior designer is another professional who can guide and help you create the vision you have for your home.

If you needed a room re-plastering you would hire an appropriate tradesman as we know we don’t have the skills and knowledge required to do the job. I for one would hate to see the result of my work replacing a sink or plastering a wall. No one would bat an eyelid if you said you had hired a plumber, decorator or even a landscape gardener, but hiring and interior designer is seen as an aspirational trade.

Shall I let you into a secret?

Have you been around a show home recently? When you enter the front door of a show home on a new housing development, you are seduced by the décor, the carefully placed accessories and the risk taking but attractive wallpaper. We often walk around these homes under the impression that this décor is aspirational as though for us mere mortals it is unachievable as it is obviously filled with expensive items to make the home look its best.

A show home is an illusion. It’s an example of how a good interior designer can make a place feel more luxurious on a budget. Show home interior designers are working on tight budgets sourcing pieces from trade suppliers, the design is meticulously planned so when the collection of products are put together they give us the feeling of luxury.

This is what an interior designer can do for your home:

  • We find out your style, lifestyle, taste and personality as well as how you want to live within the space. We are experts at putting together colours, textures, accessories and furniture to give your room the finish you have always dreamed of.
  • We don’t just visit designer stores, our skill is knowing where to find the right fabric, flooring and furniture at a price that works for you.
  • We too source everything from trade supplies that we find at interior trade shows. A great design is a room that works for you both functionally but also decoratively, and doesn’t just work for one member of your family but all of you.

You may struggle in combining patterns, be unsure how to use colour or have no ideas how to style your home, but you do know it needs a makeover. When you’re next looking to decorate your home, why not give me a call and let me show you how I can transform your home with a high quality design that will wow your friends and family, but also make you fall in love with your home all over again.

Remember in many ways, we are just another ‘trade’ but our service will give you the feeling of luxury without the price tag.

 

We hope you enjoyed reading; “Why using an interior designer is not out of your reach”
If you would like to arrange a FREE Consultation, please contact us 
We welcome your comments below: –