Home & Property
Five key questions to ask your interior designer
Attempting something for the first time can be overwhelming and hiring an Interior Designer is no exception. Will your visions will align? Are they qualified professionals? How long will the project take to complete? And most importantly; what is billable?
Identifying what a client and Interior Designer partnership is going to look like should always be considered at the very beginning. Most Interior Design studios will earmark a certain amount of consultation time without charges before design fees commence.
Interior Designers are experienced professionals who have met with a variety clients and so of course will have their own pre-prepared questions as without detailed thought before an initial consultation clients could feel ‘put on the spot’ and have inaccurate or unrealistic expectations.
I’ve put together five key questions to ask any Interior Designer as well as five important questions to ask yourself – for clarity and peace of mind from the very beginning of the process!
1. HOW DO I KNOW THAT YOU ARE A PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE?
There is a difference between hiring an Interior Designer to that of an Interior Decorator – Interior Designers are technically skilled, experienced and formally trained in executing bespoke structural visions. All good Interior Design practices will be able to demonstrate skill, knowledge and experience through a portfolio of work.
If you are presented anything that you don’t understand, technical drawings for example, ask the designer to explain these to you – this will provide you with an even better understanding of both the designers technical knowledge and experience.
2. DO YOU HAVE A PREDEFINED DESIGN STYLE OR ARE YOU ABLE TO DESIGN BASED ON MY AESTHETIC ASPIRATIONS?
Some clients seek a particular Interior Designers services as way of achieving a particular predefined style – which in most cases the designer is well known for, whilst others prefer to work with a designer as a means to finding their own unique aesthetic.
A reputable designer will be able offer both, catering to the individual client their own vision through various principles. At The White House we consider many factors when designing a space; with an emphasis on textiles, colour, function & ambience, we’ve developed a reputation for capturing the nuances of our clients needs and aspirations.
3. ARE YOU ABLE TO WORK TO MY BUDGET, WHICH IS…
It is extremely important to approach design budgets with a realistic and transparent approach. Experienced designers are able to design spaces which meet budget requirements and will provide honest feedback from the beginning if a budget doesn’t align with the clients aspirations.
An Interior Designer won’t be able to provide an exact figure for the project as a whole from the very beginning as it takes time to develop a design and to identify the specific associated costs. They will however be able to explain what is billable such as design fees, admin and project management as well as how they invoice and purchasing procedures.
4. HOW DOES YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN PROCESS WORK?
Every interior design studio will have their own processes and structure and will be able to explain this in advance, clearly and concisely. Interior design is a process and takes time, anyone promising short time scales for deliveries should be approached with caution – it’s likely that the work produced will not be thorough.
Good designers will be working with multiple clients in tandem and producing works catered to each individual client, managed effectively with specific studio time allocated to each client.
5. HOW MUCH INVOLVEMENT IS REQUIRED FROM ME?
The purpose of paying for an Interior Designer is to outsource the time, knowledge and skills required to create a truly tailored, beautiful and functional space so make the most of the opportunity.
Your Interior Designer should be happy to do everything possible for you, whilst encouraging any feedback and thoughts at key stages during the design process – to ensure their vision aligns with the project brief. As a client it is important to make time for meetings with your designer and to eliminate any distractions so that honest and thoughtful feedback can be used to progress designs in a timely manner.
Spring is the ideal time to declutter your space and get your home ready for the hosting season ahead. Whether homeowners are looking to maximise space in the living space or bedroom, premium home interiors brand, Neville Johnson, has a range of stylish storage solutions that will ehance any space in the home and ensure each room remains clutter-free.
LIBRARY WITH BESPOKE SHELVING
Libraries provide the ideal space for homeowners to unwind in and enjoy reading their favourite novel. Installing bookshelves is the perfect way to avoid libraries becoming messy and cluttered. Consider installing bespoke shelving which can be adjusted to suit the style and size of your library to enhance time spent relaxing at home. Alcove shelving is also ideal for smaller libraries. While it provides an optimal storage solution for books, shelving can also be used to display stylish ornaments to tie in with the interior décor of your home.
This modern library space painted in Sorrel White, for example, provides ample shelving for all storage needs, which makes the home feel minimalistic and tidy. Combined with sage green and a rustic oak finish, this uplifting and stylish design is an ideal option for Spring.
STYLISH STORAGE FOR SMALLER BEDROOMS
Smart storage solutions are an ideal way of making smaller bedrooms look more spacious and in turn less cluttered. Not only can bespoke bedroom storage enhance your day-to-day living, but it can also make your room more stylish and inviting.
This contemporary bedroom painted in Willow, for instance, features practical, built-in headboard cabinetry and fitted wardrobes with an extensive vanity unit for a chic finish. This pretty, feminine design is the perfect option for homeowners looking to maximise space and enhance their bedroom’s interior décor.
DECLUTTER YOUR LIVING SPACE
It’s a good idea to incorporate stylish storage solutions in the heart of the home to avoid the living space from becoming messy. Consider placing plants, books and vases on open shelving in the living space to keep surfaces clear and maximise space.
Neville Johnson’s Dining Room and Library, for example, offers a bright and airy living space with ample storage room for everyday essentials and stylish ornaments.
Make your home feel more spacious and organised with these clever storage ideas
BESPOKE FITTED WARDROBES
Fitted wardrobes are an ideal way of keeping your clothes neat and organised, while also maximising space in the bedroom. Opting for bespoke fitted wardrobes enables homeowners to create personalised storage space for clothing, shoes and accessories, which makes the process of getting ready more enjoyable.
These fitted wardrobes from Neville Johnson, painted in Lithadora Blue, for instance, offer bespoke storage and shelving, all wrapped up in a timeless and sophisticated design. If the blue Lithadora paint colour isn’t to your taste, this design is also available in more than 60 beautiful colours including Eucalyptus green, Dove grey and Arctic white.
Simon Tcherniak, Senior Designer at Neville Johnson, said: “The big advantage of fitted wardrobes is of course that it can fill the space and cope with any idiosyncrasies. It is amazing how much storage you gain by going high up the wall, and if you make it no deeper than it needs to be, your room will still feel spacious.
“If you need to access your higher-level storage on a regular basis, then a built in ladder can be useful. Similarly, pull out shelves will help you to make use of deep spaces.”
With over 35 years’ experience in designing fitted furniture, Neville Johnson is the market leader in bespoke storage solutions. Offering free design visits and free design brochures, the brand’s furniture renovations combine the flair of the UK’s top designers with the time-honoured skills of traditional craftsmen, all brought together with your personal selection of materials, colours, and finishes.
Do you have a spare million to spend on a brand new luxury home? Regardless of the answer, we have an exclusive first look inside a £850,000 luxury home in Maulden Bedfordshire. Housebuilder Mulberry Homes is encouraging Bedfordshire property seekers to enquire about the final executive four and five-bedroom homes available at its Maulden Ridge development in Maulden.
Mulberry Homes’ Maulden Ridge development in Maulden
Located off Clophill Road, Maulden Ridge is a stunning collection of just 49 homes, of which over 80 per cent have already sold. The development is proving to be immensely popular, and is more than ideal for growing families, downsizers and professionals now working remotely.
Properties at Maulden Ridge can benefit from Mulberry Homes’ ‘Your Lifestyle, Your Space’ initiative*, where homeowners can look to purchase a stunning stand-alone garden room, perfect for working from home or providing an additional recreation area. Alternatively, or in addition, a lifestyle room may be purchased on selected properties where the garages have been adapted and “future proofed”, providing a fantastic space which is accessed by its own staircase, once again ideal for working from home, entertaining or relaxing.
Currently available at Maulden Ridge is the final five-bedroom Earlswood style home, priced at just £854,950. Interested property seekers can now book an appointment to tour the Earlswood showhome, and be provided time with a dedicated sales advisor.
At just under 2000 square feet, the Earlswood style home benefits from a contemporary kitchen/family space at the rear of the property, featuring a fully-fitted kitchen with integrated, top-of-the-line Bosch appliances.
At the front of the home is a spacious living room with a large fireplace, perfect for relaxing in with the family after a long day. Both the living room and the kitchen/family space feature bi fold doors that open right on to the garden, allowing buyers to make the most of the property’s rear garden space.
Upstairs are five generous bedrooms, two of which come complete with en suites for an extra luxurious feel. Along with the en suite, the main bedroom also includes a large fitted wardrobe. The home is completed with a generous dining room, family bathroom, storage cupboards, cloakroom and utilities room.
Interior of the Earlswood style showhome at Maulden
Kerry Jones, Sales and Marketing Director at Mulberry Homes, said: “Maulden Ridge is in a fantastic location. Situated in the heart of the Greensand Country of Bedfordshire, homeowners at the development can enjoy this beautiful landscape and be a part of a wonderful village community, with many key amenities nearby.
“We’re big supporters of the Greensand Country Landscape Partnership due to our shared values. Last year, we were the key sponsors of the annual Greensand Country Festival, because we believe in protecting the environment whilst addressing the evolving needs of local communities and businesses.
“We don’t expect the beautiful, luxury homes at Maulden Ridge to stay available for long, and would encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch with our sales team as soon as possible.”
Life in the peaceful village of Maulden provides residents with all the benefits that a rural location has to offer, as well as convenient access to a range of local amenities. Just over two miles away is the thriving town of Ampthill, which boasts many opportunities for peaceful walks and wildlife spotting under the brow of the Greensand Ridge.
A show home at David Wilson Homes’ Stotfold Park development in Bedfordshire is now available for local homebuyers to move into, offering the chance for big savings. The Manning style home is offering over £30,000 in savings including integrated appliances, granite worktops, flooring and fitted wardrobes throughout the property.
The detached five bedroom home has an open plan kitchen that leads into a large garden through a pair of French doors. The upstairs of the show home has four double bedrooms, two with ensuites, a single bedroom and a family bathroom. There is also room for up to four cars with a detached double garage and driveway parking.
Stotfold Park is welcoming visitors to look at the Manning style property, a show home that promises to be perfect for families. The home is large enough for everyone to have their own space as well as having communal family areas. Potential homebuyers can book an appointment to view the show home. Jason Hearn, Sales Director at David Wilson Homes, said: “The Manning style show home is a perfect family home that is offering huge savings and bonuses.
“The home also offers buyers the ease of being able to move into their dream home without worrying about sorting their appliances and flooring and they can move straight in.”
Stotfold Park, located on Taylors Road, now only has only four homes left and buyers are encouraged to act quickly if they want to secure their spot at this established community in Bedfordshire.
For more information and to book an appointment, please https://www.dwh.co.uk/new-homes/stotfold-park/
