Something that I've noticed during this last eighteen months of the pandemic, is that being 'stuck' in the house, whether that's working from home as a couple, homeschooling as a family, retirees restricted with no place to go, any of the above; we've come to realise how hard our living space has to work for us. Those hours that you used to spend commuting, are now hours that you spend in your own environment. Do you see comfort and joy or just a depressing heap of ironing, housework, peeling paint and mismatched furniture ?
To make matters worse, the media is now full of property renovation and decoration programmes, that leave you reeling at the cost, the time and the mess. Colours that are supposedly 'in vogue' at the moment, are nothing like the colours you would choose for your home. Garish cushions clashing with uncomfortable looking sofas and chairs, or minimal, white spaces with polished concrete floors and sharp edges. That's not to say if that's what you want, we can't provide it - but if what you would actually like is a utility room that works harder, a kitchen that works smarter, a spare bedroom that has to be a work space in the week and play den at the weekend. Does your bedroom need a shower and somewhere to work ? We can find a solution that works for you.
If you're watching a programme and the architect has been told that their client's budget is X but they present a scheme costing Y; and the final bill is Z - wouldn't you be asking yourself why. It's fair to say that building materials costs can see-saw in 'normal' times and indeed, over the last year, we've seen prices double for plaster, wood nearly treble and the wait for glass exceed 6 weeks in some areas, but when it comes to cost you need to feel comfortable with your budget and know that the research has already been done, the costing accurate and an advised contingency fund has been given for the unexpected.
Furthermore, if you're buying a new coat this year, but know that you look awful in grey - you don't then buy a grey coat do you ? So, why then, having discussed with the designer the colours you want for your home, would that designer ignore your choices and paint a room in green when you hate green ? If you need a wall of robust storage in your hallway, what sort of designer presents you with a floor standing wardrobe that fits half a dozen coats and nothing else ? It makes for 'good' TV, but it's fair to say that what you see is not really representative of the majority of good designers who want to give their clients beautiful, comfortable, functional spaces.
When friends and family walk into your house and don't 'see' the designer - I've done a good job, because your home is about you and how you live. You decide on the WOW factor when you want it ! My job is make sure that you love your home, and if that's because the ironing is no longer in your eye line, the housework is easier because your storage solutions work, the peeling paint has been addressed with a coat of smart paint (I personally recommend Benjamin Moore Scuff-X) and we've re-covered your favourite chair to match your existing sofa - then that's a good job done !
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