Hamptons talks to Sunningdale interior designer Melanie Tomlinson.

Why should people appoint an interior designer instead of managing their own project?

While managing your own interior design project is certainly possible, hiring a professional interior designer brings a level of expertise, creativity and efficiency that ensures the process runs smoothly, resulting in a space that exceeds your expectations.

Interior designers draw on their experience and vision to transform a space into something functional and visually appealing, considering your preferences and lifestyle.

Hiring a designer allows you to delegate the entire process, everything from concept development, architectural design, sourcing materials and project management, saving you valuable time and monitoring budget. With access to a wide network of suppliers and consultants, you can be assured you receive the best value for your investment without compromising on quality.

A well-designed space can also significantly increase the value of your property, potentially leading to higher resale or rental value.

What type of projects get you most excited?

Of course, as a studio we love to work on full refurbishments where we can bring our expertise of both interior architecture, design and a passion for external landscaping to a project. There is something very fulfilling about taking a property back to its core and effectively creating a whole new living experience, giving a structure new life. That said, the same feeling can be achieved from

The approach to developing a style for a client’s property can vary depending on the designer’s experience, the client’s preferences, and the specific project requirements. However, in most cases, the process is ideally a collaborative effort between the interior designer and the client.

Both the designer and the client bring unique perspectives and insights to the table, which can lead to a more successful and satisfying outcome. As a designer we provide professional guidance and expertise. We use our knowledge and skills to steer the project in the right direction, offering a comprehensive design solution and proposing alternatives when needed.

A collaborative approach creates spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also meet the client’s practical requirements and resonates with their lifestyle.

What inspires you and why?

Variation in architecture and design is so inspiring and we believe it has afforded us the luxury of never really having a ‘signature style,’ something that is often found in the design world.

I adore much of the Californian and Hamptons design influence alongside the Australian coastal vibe. Lucky enough to have travelled in Europe, I also like to seek inspiration from European design. Inspiration comes not just from other design projects but the natural environments, construction, colours and textures around us.

What are your top tips when designing rooms in a property?

It must start with spatial planning, which comes from an awareness of how you use or function in a space and what you are looking to achieve that is unique to you.

Seek plenty of natural light, consider furniture layout; both fixed and loose to maximise the flow of a space and integrate unique pieces you already own, this can truly personalise a space. Keep in mind that often a space will evolve over time and so some items may have more longevity than others.

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studio@melanietomlinsondesign.com

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