Insider tips for wow-factor interiors without the headache

We caught up with award-winning interior designer Anna Burles, to get the lowdown on the secret to show-stopping and budget savvy renovations. Anna is Creative Director of Run For The Hills and BIID Registered Interior Designer, who has designed homes for singer Ellie Goulding, A-list actors and scores of stylish homeowners across the UK and overseas.

“Our job as interior designers is to help clients create their dream home without running away with the budget. Delivering super stylish, inspirational interiors, which are brought to life in respectful, clever ways. Spending on the things that make all the difference, being super smart on the things which won’t.”

Anna says the key is to scope from the outset, hiring both an interior designer and QS simply for a number of days consultancy initially, to conduct a speedy feasibility study, working together to sketch out the wish list and concept, then diving straight into budgeting. The interior designer estimating fixtures and furnishings and QS the build-side. Doing this early allows the right decisions to be made before moving into detailed design. Rather than waiting, relying on contractor quotes and avoiding nasty budget surprises down the line: “We’re an ultra-creative design studio, but it’s essential we’re a trusted partner”.

Anna adds that their most successful projects are where they’re hired early, alongside planning specialists, PM or architect, allowing them to feed into structural plans. Checking big ticket architectural interventions are being done in a way which protects enough budget for the interior. Are door openings in the right places for beautiful furniture layouts? Will window heights and locations enhance or hinder the design? Could a laundry room be moved closer to the bedrooms? Or an adjoining room to a bedroom be fashioned into a walk-in wardrobe / guest suite rather than the 4th or 5th en-suite in the property?

All decisions best made early, which unlock budget to create a truly amazing interior. To chat to Anna and see how Run For The Hills might help with your interiors project:, email annaburles@runforthehills.com Tel: 44 (0)208 617 0203 runforthehills.com/residential