Frequently Asked Questions
How does the client/designer relationship work?
The client/designer relationship is very much a partnership - a business partnership, a friendship - sometimes even a relationship counsellor! (who doesn’t love a bit of compromise?!) I listen as best I can to what you want to achieve and together we make it happen! I work by trying my best to ‘get into your head’ so that I can help you make decisions that are right for you, not what’s on trend and not what friends or family think you ‘ought’ to have. Your home should be a place that tells your story. When it truly reflects who you are, that’s when the magic happens and will bring you joy every time you walk into a room.
At what stage of my project should I contact you?
The best way to get the most out of our design relationship is to meet from the get-go, even before you have given the go-ahead to your architect, applied for planning or stockpiled the tester pots. We can hone and refine your brief and really talk through your way of life, your personal style and what you are going to need in your new space to ensure its longevity. Space planning is key to a long-lasting design and this is a big investment that’s worth getting right from the start. If you would like to talk me through your project over the phone to see if we could be a good match, feel free to contact me to set up a no obligation call.
If I hire you at the start of my project, won’t that just be more expensive?
Meeting early on does not mean the process is more expensive, if anything it avoids costly errors or multiple rounds of unnecessary changes. I can dip in and out at various stages of the design/build process, depending on when you need me most, but by being there from the start, I can gain a better understanding of your project and build a better relationship with your architect and tradespeople. I will help you think through the practical, everyday living needs of your home so that when the myriad of decisions come your way, together we can ensure the end result is exactly what you need.
Can an Interior Designer save me money?
Yes! Interior design has never been more accessible than it is now, with more and more people realising the lasting impact of a well-designed space. Interior Designers have access to Trade Discounts and many will choose to share those discounts with the customer. I like to be completely transparent with my clients about my trade discounts and let them know how they can save by ordering through me.
Isn’t hiring an Interior Designer a bit extravagant?
Hiring an Interior Designer in the UK has historically had a stigma of being an extravagance that only the super-rich can afford. By comparison, in the USA, hiring an Interior Designer is often part and parcel of moving house, just like hiring an Estate Agent. But over the past 10 years the UK Interior Design industry has become a lot more accessible to a variety of budgets, with some designers offering an e-Service or hourly rate that enables you to manage your budget well. The Good Homes report 2019 revealed that our homes account for 15% of our overall happiness and well-being - that’s second only to our mental health! Is there any wonder why I am so passionate about making Interior Design available to more people? The interior of our homes should be as important, if not more so, than the exterior. So why not hire an interior designer to make sure it brings you the joy it should?.
I’m concerned that an Interior Designer will take over and make decisions I’m not happy with.
If you’ve ever watched Father of the Bride (throwback to the 90s!), you may have fears of ‘Franck’ entering your home and taking over with ice sculptures and live swans…. Fear not! I see my role very much as championing who you already are and my sole aim is to help you make your home uniquely you. I will always strive to listen to your wants and needs and will take a lot of time and care to fully understand your style, your likes and your dislikes. No decisions will be made without your approval - it’s a partnership.