FAQs

01.

 

What does an interior designer do?

Whether designing a home or a business, an interior designer needs to be able to tap into and understand a client's needs and wants in order to create a beautiful yet functional space. An interior designer doesn't just enhance the look of a space; they also enhance the function of it. Interior designers often work closely with architects and contractors to help attain the ambience and look the client is after while still adhering to code and regulatory requirements. The interior design process follows a specific and systematic methodology, which includes research, analysis, technicality, and creativity. Additionally, having knowledge of and applying the principles of environmental sustainability has become more and more essential in this line of work.

 

02

 

How do I choose the right designer for me?

Do your homework

  • As with choosing any consultant, tradesperson, or professional to help you in any area of your life, doing your homework is key.Your home is important. You are important. This is about more than just accommodating you and your family, and putting a comfortable roof over your head.How you invest your time, your energy, and your money … where you choose to spend it … has a significant impact on the outcome it creates and the life it helps you to lead.So finding trusted partners to support you in that journey, who are in your corner, understand you and your needs, and respect the privilege of the duty they’re being entrusted with, will take time and some care.If you find the right designer….

  • get to know them, look for chemistry by meeting them in person, speaking to them on the phone, corresponding via email – whatever works for you to feel comfortable (link to my mobile e-mail questions)

  • ask for references – either directly from them, or from people you know who know them (please link here my customer testimonials) 

  • check those references balance any negative feedback with the positive feedback and keep a balanced view

  • check out their previous projects (link to my projects)

 

03

 

What is your style?

Looking to decorate your new home and seeking thematic inspiration? Search no more. I am covering 6 interior design styles that are popular in modern homes. In reality, all this styles can blend together, but it’s crucial to identify the core aspects of each one. Obviously, there are interior design styles beyond the 6 types outlined below, but I want to focus on the major schools that are currently in vogue.

Mid-Century Modern 

The modern look that took root in the 1940s and expanded into 1950s, '60s, and early '70s in America reflects on innovative Bauhaus design originating in Germany decades earlier, around the same time that Art Deco was on the rise.

Saarinen, Niemeyer, Eames, Noguchi, Jacobsen and beyond, the mid-century modern masters defined creative ways to use new materials like molded plastic, plywood, and aluminium in industrial design. Its pieces are highly versatile and can complement a myriad of design styles.

Distinguishing Features 

The distinguishing features of this style consist of a classic, understated look, and clean lines with minimal fuss.

  • Functionality is important, as form follows function

  • Uncluttered and sleek lines with both organic and geometric forms

  • Minimal ornamentation

  • An exploration of different traditional as well as non-traditional materials

  • The juxtaposition of different, and sometimes contrasting materials

Industrial 

While little is known about the origin of industrial style interiors, its widely assumed that the style developed during the early 20th century, At the end of the 2nd industrial revolution, the trend towards globalization became more apparent. Scores of  key factories shuttered and moved their operations to other countries, and as a result, vacant industrial buildings suffered from neglect. Which in turn left behind an endless resource of high-quality materials to take advantage of. 

Cities have become increasingly populated once again since the early 90’s, resulting in a shortage of residential buildings, it become a logical solution to transform industrial areas into residential neighbourhoods via gentrification. 

Instead of concealing the untouched beauty of industrial buildings, savvy architects and homeowners were the first in converting industrial style plans in an on-going trend celebrating bare walls, architectural details, and the mechanisms of the building’s origins.

Distinguishing Features 

  • Despite its simplicity and minimal design tropes, industrial style manages to create bold statement. The juxtaposition of modern v.s timeworn make for a great, layered and considered statement.

  • It’s environmentally friendly approach to interior design as it encourages the use of recycled or salvaged material.

  • There’s no need for cosmetic tricks when looking to master industrial interior design as emphasis is placed on the use of natural, bare finishes and materials.

  • The juxtaposition of different, and sometimes contrasting materials

Scandinavian 

An off-shoot of the mid-century modern movement, Scandinavian design introduced a popular minimalist look to the interior architecture field that lasts to this day. Although most people associate it with IKEA there are a variety of subset looks within Scandinavian design itself.

Distinguishing Features 

  • Featuring gentle contours

  • Playful accent colour

  • Organic materials

  • Simple furniture

  • Foundation of the colours used; white with grey as the foundation colour

  • Clean and versatile

 

Bohemian

Bohemian or Boho decorating is for those who want their homes full of life, culture, and collecting interesting items. This aesthetic embraces the carefree, the relaxed, and the unusual. Boho rooms tend to have certain similarities in that they are always eclectic and share similar features—no two rooms are ever completely alike.

People who are constant travellers, actors, and writers inspire Boho. The Bohemian style mirrors that life by combining objects, colours, and patterns from many areas of the world. If you are looking for a style that you can truly make your own, Boho might be the style for you.

Distinguishing Features 

  • Moroccan inspired schemes, busting with colour and pattern 

  • Rich colourful textiles  

  • Organic materials

  • Botanicals

  • Layered look 

  • Low –lying furniture

  • Metallic and mirrors

 

Farmhouse 

One of the convenient aspects of the farmhouse style is the flexibility it offers, enabling you to decorate with your personal decor collection and vintage furniture that you might have fallen in love with. The gorgeous farmhouse style is about finding an appropriate place for everything that you love and ensuring that you live at ease while enjoying the many sights and sounds outside!

Distinguishing Features 

  • Warm cozy, relaxing and intimate

  • Full of charm and character

  • Classic 

  • A wide variety of accessories and furnishing

  • Rustic warm colours

 

French Chic  

French-style homes have heavily influenced the interior design trends throughout the decades, shaping some amazing castles in the world. 

How to bring French into your home?

French theme can either be rustic country style or you may be more inclined towards the Parisian romantic style, or add a touch luxury with large mirrors and intricate chandleries. French chic is elegant and charming!

Distinguishing Features 

  • Discreet luxury

  • Pastel Colours 

  • Antique items

  • Mouldings

  • Parquet or high quality glossy tiles for flooring

  • Statement fireplace

  • Luxurious fabrics

 

04

 

Where do you work?

We work in the Canterbury area; Whitstable, Herne Bay, Faversham, Chatham, Ashford, Dover and Folkestone.

 

05

 

How far would you travel?

We 10-15 mile radius from Canterbury 

 

06

 

DO YOU WORK WITH OTHER TRADES PROFESSIONALS?

We work with architects, structural engineers, and construction labourers, electricians, carpenters, and building inspectors, plumbers, 

Also it is important to us to support local artists that we work closely with, collaborating when it come to accessorising interiors.

Fiona Bradshaw Designs, Lampshades and Ragdolls, Canterbury Creative 

 

07

 

How can an interior designer save me money?

Hiring an interior designer positively affects your home’s value. Having a smart and professionally designed, beautiful space will only attract more buyers and the highest bidder when you finally do decide to put your property on the market.

A quality interior designer should keep your goals and preferences in mind when coming up with a design and sourcing materials.

They should present you with multiple options and help you to see which ones best suit your home.

One of the main advantages of having an interior designer working with you is that they come alongside you to help you make the final decisions. They know which styles will still be in fashion five years from now. It’s better to stick with timeless classics than to purchase a trendy sofa set that will be outdated by this time next year.

Not only do they help you to choose timeless pieces, but they also help you to select quality furniture. They know what type of specifications to look for and are familiar with many of the leading name brands.

By hiring an interior designer, you’re going to have the wow factor…

Interior designers are trained to think creatively and spatially and learn to see an overall picture in an interior space that clients often cannot. Thinking outside of the box when it comes to home decor is what designers do on the regular. Not only will you get a good design sense, but you’ll also get an attention to detail from proper lighting and furniture placement to fabric choices and colour palette and fixture options. A professional interior designer will create and interior that is custom-designed pieces to make sure everything fits perfectly and is truly special to your home. 

Designers can also get you furniture, fabric, and materials that are trade-only and not accessible to everyone else. People notice a well designed home. Try to do it by yourself, and you’re stuck juggling the many elements that go into designing that a designer is specifically trained to do so and has the space planning know-how and essential design tools. And when they’re done, not only will your home look beautiful and cohesive, but also it’ll be well thought out and highly functional.

 

08

 

What is a mood board?

A mood board is a visual tool that communicates our concepts and visual ideas. It is a well thought out and planned arrangement of images, materials, pieces of text, etc. that is intended to evoke or project a particular style or concept.

  • To give us a process to build a clear design story that we want to use in the space.

  • Using a mood board helps you to express the vision you have in mind for the project.

  • Sometimes it’s very complicated to express your visual ideas to others. A mood board is a very efficient visual communication tool.

  • A mood board is a good starting point to get things done. It will help you collate and focus your ideas, and help to define the project.

 

10

 

How do you charge?

We can charge for our services in a variety of ways and are flexible to ensure we can offer a way that suits you best.  Most clients prefer an hourly rate with a fixed block of 5 or 10 hours depending on the size of the project but we are also happy to offer day rates or even a per room charge.  All these options can be discussed at the initial consultation.

 

11

 

How long will the design process take?

The design process varies considerably dependant on the size and scope of the work to be undertaken.  Generally, for a full redesign of one room this can take between 6-8 weeks.  This allows for research time, ordering of samples, floor plan design and completion of a sample/mood board with meetings in between to feedback to the client and ensure the design meets their approval. Time will also need to be added for ordering of items as some large pieces such as sofas and furniture pieces can take up to 12 weeks for delivery. 

 

12

 

Can you offer one-off consultation?

Absolutely! We are able to assist you with any size of project whether it be just an hours consultation or a full scale home redesign.  We can provide consultancy and advice on any aspect of your home including window treatments (curtains, blinds etc.), other soft furnishings, room layouts and colour schemes as well as help with choosing the right wallpaper, furniture and accessories.  We can provide you with ideas and samples as well as mood boards to help you visualise the design you want for your room(s).   One-off consultations are offered outside of our free initial consultation.