6 interior design mistakes to avoid

There are many design rules out there such as making sure to layer your lighting, mix up textures fabrics to add depth and interest to a space but for many the phrase ‘some rules are meant to be broken’ rings true. But is that correct when it comes to design?! Knowing the rules and how to break them is key and something an interior designer is skilled at doing. There are some design rules, however, that are there for a reason and breaking them is big no no. Here are my 6 design mistakes that must be avoided at all costs.

Design mistakes to avoid #1

Short curtains - I can’t believe that people still need to be told this but short curtains are a definite no no. if you are worrying that you won’t be able to feel the heat from the rad beneath the window then invest in a roman blind or shutters. Curtains should always hit the floor and pool slightly, this gives the feeling of luxury. Short curtains look like they have been an afterthought in the design process and you panicked and picked up any old curtain in Dunelm. So many places can make curtains for you in inexpensive materials, such as Ada&Ina and with companies such as Zara Home, H&M and Ikea offering inexpensive ready made full length curtains there really is no excuse.

You can also add eyelet curtains to this list!

There are so many alternatives and ways to dress a window and the above images are great examples. If you are going for full length curtains then they must touch the floor, if you want privacy but don’t want to trap heat from the radiator you have the option of using a roller blind and curtains as alternatives. There is no excuse to ever have short curtains and it is the one mistake ALL designers notice in a space.

Design mistakes to avoid #2

Copper wire lights -. As well as copper wire light pendants, copper pipe lighting can all go into room 101. It was too much of a trend and already feels dated.

Design mistakes to avoid #3

Live laugh love wall decals -there is no reason to ever have these on your wall. If you have a space that you are keen to fill then there are plenty of places online selling inexpensive artwork that could take the place of these decals.

Design mistakes to avoid #4

Shower panels. These started life being used in caravans as a really inexpensive way to waterproof the shower area and this is where they should stay. I understand why people may go for them, no grout to get dirty, easy and quick to apply and relatively inexpensive to buy and also to fit but I have never seen them look good and they always end up looking cheap compared to tiles.

When I worked in a kitchen and bathroom showroom we had so many developers of low end houses and people doing up rentals or holiday lets buying these for all these reasons, but it doesn’t matter what design you put on them they will always look cheap and your bathroom will look like it belongs in a caravan.

If you are after floor to ceiling design with minimal grout lines then you have the option to go for large format tiles where you are minimising the amount of grout lines or tadelakt where you are doing away with grout lines altogether

Design mistakes to avoid #5

Extra large clocks - you don’t live in Paddington station, your clock doesn’t need to be that big.

If you want to make a feature of your clock there are other options such as these below. above a mantle in a size thats relative to the space and also against a bold backdrop.

Design mistakes to avoid #6

Matching your toaster, kettle and all other kitchen accessories. You don’t need everything in your kitchen to match, in fact having different textures and elements helps to create interest in your scheme

What does an Interior Designer do?

I often get asked “What does an interior designer actually do?'“

Interior design can sometimes be confused with interior decoration, choosing various wall colours and finishes are an important part of interior design. But it is not just that.

Interior design is all about creating functional spaces in commercial and residential buildings. Many of us Interior Designers are involved right at the beginning of a project, working closely alongside the architect and builders on structural changes and lighting plans as well as designing the final fixtures, fittings and furnishings. We can provide bespoke designs for those awkward spaces, make sure the flow of the kitchen is just right for how you live and enhance the overall function of the room

What you see on Instagram and in magazines is the culmination of a lot of work behind the scenes and regular communication with clients to achieve that look, believe me, good design doesn’t happen over night!

Interior Designer

Whats the Interior design process?

So you have decided that yes you definitely need an interior designer and you have selected the one you think will turn that jumble of overwhelming ideas in your head into some sort of coherent reality but whats next? Whats the Interior Design process?

Below I have outlined the design stages that I follow:

We start the process with an initial 15 minute zoom or phone call to discuss your property and so I can get a brief understanding of what you are looking for.

Following this initial call we will look to arrange a site visit if appropriate where we can discuss your project in far more detail and understand your hopes and dreams for your property. This will help us define the project brief. From there we move on to:

Stage 1 - SITE VISIT

We will meet in person on site to further discuss your requirements and refine the scope of works If there are no architectural plans a survey will need to be undertaken

STAGE 2. - INITIAL CONCEPT

We will come up with an initial concept based on our discussions. This will include key colours, materials and initial layout ideas. The initial concept will need to be signed off by the client before we proceed to the next stage, we will do this via zoom.

An example of a concept created for a beach house in North Wales

STAGE 3 - DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

During this stage we will refine the design further and select all the furniture, fixtures and materials. We will also design all the bespoke joinery, advise on window treatments and draw floor plans. We can provide CGI rendered images at an extra cost. This will be presented in person and all elements will need to be signed off before proceeding to the next stage

STAGE 4 - DOCUMENTATION

We will prepare all the costs for the fixtures, furniture, joinery, window treatments Detailed joinery drawings, paint schedule, soft furnishings/window treatments will need to be signed off Please note this can be a lengthy process

Below is an example of a further refined mood board

STAGE 5 - CONSTRUCTION

We request a site visit with the builder to discuss the designs and work through any specific requirements or for them to raise any issues prior to building work starting Plumber and electrician will be issued with product spec sheets which must be signed off prior to any ordering We also ask that our joiner & curtain maker be allowed on site to undertake a site survey We would like to undertake a site visit at key stages throughout the build, 1 x prior to building work starting, 1 x prior to first fix, 1 x prior to 2nd fix as well as when our trades our undertaking their survey

STAGE 6 - INSTALL

We will manage the install of all the FFE, style and dress the space for you

STAGE 6 - PROJECT COMPLETION

The final phase of the project and where we hand over to you, not before conducting a final walkthrough of the property to ensure nothing has been missed and you are happy

Below is an example of a basement kitchen we project coordinated in a grade 2 listed Welsh Cottage.

If you need any help with your own project then get in touch to see how i can help you

How do I find the right Interior Designer for my project?

So you have decided that you need an interior designer for your project, the next question is ‘How do i find the right interior designer for my project?’

When searching interior designers make sure to pay attention to the designers portfolio and previous projects. Ask yourself, do you like their style? Can you see yourself feeling comfortable in a space designed like that? Do you like the colours they have used? Do you like what furniture is in the space? If your style is wildly different to what the designer is showing on their website or social media then maybe they aren’t the right designer for you. For example; If you love a traditional country style with lots of patterns and colours and the designer has projects showing very calm spaces with minimal pattern then that probably isn’t going to work. Most designers are able to turn their hand to a style that you like and enjoy trying new ideas but you will always get the best out of your interior designer if you like their current style.

A consultation is incredibly important when hiring a designer. The designer and client must get on on some level as you spend so much time in communication that a good working relationship is vital, This not only makes the project run smoother it also makes it an enjoyable experience for the both of you. This is a 2 way process and it needs to be the right fit for the designer as much as it does for the client.

Location is also key, yes we can do lots online now and zoom has really opened up the whole world but if you want someone who is able to visit the property on a regular basis then having a designer relatively local to you works out best.

Do they specialise in e-design, renovations or one room designs? Some designers love walking into a building and can see the potential for a space and enjoy the build process and seeing the building come to life, others love the softer side of interior design, focusing primarily on what you can do with paint, new cushions and accessories. Make sure you pick the designer with the right skill set for your project.

So if you are thinking of hiring an interior designer and would like help with your own project and believe we could be a good fit then contact me to see how I can help you.

Kitchen jargon explained

Kitchen cabinet shopping can be a bit of a minefield as there are so many options for finishes and it can be a bit confusing about what everything means, veneer, foil wrap? Which is best? Whats a carcass? Which is the most durable door material? A kitchen is also a very considered and expensive purchase so its not a decision you should rush into without first doing your research and making sure you are getting the kitchen you are after.

Below I have broken down some of the most common queries I have had with regards kitchens and their finishes for you so you can choose your kitchen with confidence,

What is a Kitchen Carcass?

This is the main body of the kitchen unit and is generally made from MDF. This structure helps support the worktop, has the internal shelving that make up the cupboard, supports the plinth and is also the structure onto which you hang your door. Most carcasses come with a service void at the back of them, this can be anywhere from 30mm to 45mm and is where your electricians and plumbers will run all their pipework so its out of sight.

Many are of the assumption that if they are keeping their carcass and only changing the doors that this will be a massive cost saving. This is only a little bit true. Yes you are saving the cost of the carcass but most of the cost is in the construction of the doors so the savings aren’t as high as you might expect

Kitchen Door Materials decoded; What do they mean?

MDF Lacquer - A door that has numerous coats of paint, it provides a durable and smooth finish

Veneer - Thin sheets of wood on top of MDF

Painted & Lacquered - Gives a really good smooth finish

Foil wrap gloss - Wrapped on top of MDF - Its like coating a weetabix in a foil colour, in some lights you can see the texture.

PVC wrapped - this is one of the cheapest finishes, its has a very thin layer of colour and an MDF inner

Foil wrap - al pieces individually wrapped all the way round with an MDF inner

MFC - AKA Melamine faced chipboard. Entry level in terms of expense but relatively strong. The chipboard core will expand and blow if moisture gets in at all.

Veneered gives the beauty of real wood without the fear of warping. A thin layer of timber is applied onto MDF to give the impression of a single piece of wood. This can be left with a natural finished and stained or can be painted any colour you desire. The beauty of this option is if you want to change the colour in the future its easy to do so as the layer of timber means you can sand it back and paint over.

flat pack or rigid built kitchen. which is best?

What do these even mean? Flat pack is your IKEA type scenario where everything is separate and you need to build it all from scratch, cue lots of arguments!

Rigid Build means that the carcass is delivered built but without the door attached.

Most companies are offering rigid built but Howden’s and Ikea still lead the way in flat pack. There are pros and cons for each of these, namely:

• flat pack is generally cheaper as there is less to do in the factory

• the upfront costs can also be slightly cheaper however this is a more laborious route once its home and you could find that the labour costs to put it all together add up

• More chance of missing parts

• Its doesn’t require as much space to store if you need to

• Rigid build can take a bit longer to be delivered as it needs to be put together

• It takes up more storage space so if you aren’t quite ready to have your kitchen fully put together you will need to find somewhere to store it

• As there is less to put together it can be cheaper in terms of labour

So hopefully I have decoded a bit of the kitchen jargon that many in the industry use for you and you can be more informed when you go ahead and purchase your new kitchen.