1. Interior Design is my full time business. Would you have confidence in a part time hobbyist to understand and interpret your vision of your surroundings?

2. An interior designer operating from a shop may offer you a very limited choice, restricted to the shop’s suppliers. Instead I am completely independent, and I act only for my clients. I will identify for you the ideal choice from wherever it can be located, the exact shade of the ideal paint shades, fabrics, wall and floor coverings etc, etc from countless ranges and numerous suppliers. Your future surroundings will not be compromised with me to help you.

3. You will receive my personal service throughout. I have been involved in development and design projects for many years. Would you want an inexperienced ‘designer’ to work with you?

4. I run my business from my fully dedicated studio, where I am happy for you to visit. Would you have confidence in an interior designer who works from a spare bedroom or the kitchen table?

5. My web site gives information about my business. Would you want an interior designer who chooses to conceal important information about his / her business?

6. My business is registered for VAT. Would you trust someone to have the necessary expertise who is not busy enough to reach the threshold for VAT registration?

7. I am happy to work with your existing tradesmen, or if requested I am happy to introduce experienced and skilled craftsmen. I am happy to shop for you, or shop with you, to ensure that no expensive ‘mistakes’ occur.

8. I am happy to shop for you, or shop with you, to ensure that no expensive ‘mistakes’ occur.

11. I will be as ‘hands on’ or as ‘hands off’ as you wish.

12. You will not be referred to an assistant. I will be working with you. I do not accept more clients than I can personally assist.

14. I have received many generous testimonials, three of which are copied elsewhere on this web site. Would you want an interior designer who did not receive such glowing testimonials?



Some design ideas

Every design project can be confusing, with many elements and choices to consider. Let me make sense of the information overload.

SoftFurnishing: – comfort, soft, buttoned, cushions, bolsters, recover, refurbish, matching, contrast, clash, inviting, relaxing, entertaining, etc, etc.

Wall Coverings: - limewash, chalky, pastel, soft, matt, shiny, emulsion, sheen, eggshell, scumble, stipple, metallic, wallpaper, botanic, abstract, stripe, pattern, dark, deep, accent, feature, panelling, bamboo, mirror, mural, fresco, clash, tone, etc, etc.

Floor Coverings: – wood, marble, terracotta, ceramic, cork, vinyl, sea-grass, carpet, cosy, smooth, warm, cool, shiny, etc, etc.

Window Treatments : –voile, canvas, chinz, brocade, swags and tails, pelmets, toile de jouy, tab tops, bordered, pleated, ruched, roman blinds, poles, tie backs, suede, leather, roller blinds, dress curtains, lambrequin, etc, etc.

Lighting: – spotlight, halogen, table lamp, chandelier, lantern, picture lights, wall lights, recessed, track, pendant lights, ambient, mood, candles, candelabra, votives, wall sconces, etc, etc.

Bathrooms: – relax, wash, scrub, dream, shower, soak, clean, fluffy towels, soft lights, rubber duck, aromatherapy, bathe, sing, float, bubbles, steam, invigorate, unwind, glitzy, wood, storage stainless steel, glass, granite, marble, mirror, etc, etc.

Kitchens: – social, friendly, busy, food, scrumptious, family, taste, cook, prepare, enjoy, shaker, wood, stainless steel, glass, corian, granite, marble, copper, china, spicy, shiny, larder, cupboards, baskets, wine rack, etc, etc.

Accessories: – pictures, sculptures, objets d’art, memorabilia, books, trinkets, curios, heirlooms, knick knacks, treasures, ornaments, mirrors, collections, photographs, etc, etc.



Portfolio

The Brief
“Please rescue my bedroom from an apricot and orange time-warp and create a room that reminds me of our honeymoon in a beautiful country house.”

The Solution
The client’s favourite colours were blue and cream. These colours were echoed in the thick cream carpet and lavish drapes.

The Brief
“The previous owners of this house liked the open-plan Mediterranean look, but our taste is more classic. At the moment this room is like a corridor and is open to the study and indoor pool. Also we really dislike the fireplace. We have a few favourite pictures but otherwise are happy to completely change and refurnish the room. We would like to keep the natural wood doors.”

The solution
After demolishing the hated fireplace, the open-plan archway was filled in and a matching door was fitted in its place. A new stone hearth and over mantel were installed, and matching shelves with cupboards beneath were designed and built either side to house the TV, video, music centre, etc.

The Brief
“When we bought this house the dining room furniture was included, also we disliked the carpets and curtains but they were all new so we decided to keep them. The room is difficult because it has three windows and two doors, and one of the windows looks out onto a passageway where the dustbins are kept. The only thing we want to keep is the Antique coffee table and the wrought iron candelabra.”

The Solution
In order to achieve a more restful and welcoming ambience one of the windows was blocked up and a large built in wine rack was relocated. As the room received very little sunlight, I suggested pale rose paint for the walls and ceiling. An Indian carpet in soft colours, and dining chairs fully upholstered in a cream fabric were introduced. Ambient lighting was provided by 4 beautiful hand painted table lamps and a large gilded mirror, and the precious candelabra was repainted in cream.

The Brief
‘‘We have just moved in – the sitting room is neutral and cool, but we want a welcoming room to relax in after dinner, sometimes with friends. Our taste is relaxed classic. We have some pieces of dark wooden furniture that we want to use.’’

The solution
To achieve a warm look, the yellow tone of the wall paint was slightly changed to a warmer glow. A Turkish carpet in front of the stone fireplace added warmth. Built-in units added storage and height, and were painted in creamy tones to contrast with the dark wood while maintaining the light feeling. A large mirror over the fireplace reflects light from the large windows.

Testimonials

Dear Tina

My property company has gained considerable benefit, and increased profits, from using Tina’s design skills. Instead of offering our purchasers the ‘standard’ boring beige finishes that are so often used, Tina provides our properties with warm, individual and tasteful interiors. We invited Tina to also plan and select all of the kitchens and bathroom fittings for all the apartments we converted from a large property. Tina’s ideas and selections proved to be a great success and undoubtedly resulted in higher sale prices and faster sales than we would otherwise have achieved.

Because of Tina we increased our profits and our purchasers are delighted. We have no hesitation in recommending your services.

A L Chairman

Dear Tina,

I enclose a cheque for your final account. Thank you very much for your kind gift which looks lovely in the drawing room.

J and I are delighted with the final product now everything is complete. We are extremely grateful for your help, without which we couldn’t have achieved what we have. Above all we enjoyed working with you – it was great fun!

Many thanks and best wishes to you and Alan in your new home.