Interview: Kiwi Burst Interiors

from Hamptons Relocation & Renovation Guide Gerrards Cross

Health Clubs

A fresh look at interior design from Kiwi Burst’s Claire Holdom.

For someone who is considering a appointing an interior designer for the first time what would you say to convince them to get in touch? Employing an interior designer will provide invaluable and detailed knowledge of ergonomics, spatial planning and creative ideas to make people fall in love their homes. They help you get the most from your budget & avoid making costly mistakes. An interior designer comes with a fresh perspective & different ideas that create an interior that is a reflection of those that live within it.

Who takes the lead creatively when you have that first meeting? The interior design of any space is a journey that we & our clients embark upon together. It is very much a joint effort to ensure the client gets exactly what they want from the design process. The initial meeting is to gain an understanding of what the client is trying to achieve from the space, what the area will be used for, if they have any particular styles they like or dislike, whether any existing items of furniture or accessories need to be incorporated & probe into their ultimate desires. As your interior designer, we take the lead with lots of questions to then start the process of developing an interior that fits the client’s lifestyle, needs & personality within their budget & timeframe.

What are the main steps from initial consultation to completion? At the outset is programming & research. This is where the project is defined in general terms, identifying the client/s, the nature of the project, the purpose of the space & extent of the design work required. Research is carried out which involves interviews with the client to identify each of the users, their objectives, budget, timescales, style & colour preferences, from which a detailed brief is provided & approved by the client. The exciting stage of conceptual design development follows, involving brainstorming design solutions, mood boards, space plans, colour schemes & any details of the proposed design. The concept designs are then presented to the client for review & feedback from which the final design development & documentation are produced. This will include the working drawings (floor plans, elevations, detail drawings), specifications, schedules & timeframes, which once approved, are used for the final construction phase. Contractors bids are sought & a schedule of works, materials, furnishings & accessories are ordered. Once the construction is completed any snagging will be resolved before the final installation of furnishings & accessories.

Do you have a particular style that you’re known for or can you adapt to anything? A lot of my work is contemporary, but the style of any space needs to reflect the clients personality, so this is key for every project undertaken. At the end of the day, it’s the clients home, so the style needs to encapsulate their dreams & turn them in to reality.

What would be your dream commission? I like older style properties with features such as tall ceilings, fireplaces & large hallways to create an initial wow that can be given a contemporary twist whilst being in keeping with the original architectural features.

www.kiwiburstinteriors.co.uk