Good design is for everyone: why you need an interior designer in your life.
Hello, my name is Michaela Clarke and I run an interior design studio called House of Lexden in Colchester, Essex. It's occurred to me not everyone knows what an interior design does and not many people really understand how employing one can add value for you and your home.
Why should you hire an Interior Designer?
If you’re a fan of interior design television programmes, you might believe all an interior designer does is just choose paint colours and go shopping to make spaces look pretty! Sometimes this is true, but I’ll let you into a little secret…it’s so much more than that! We don't claim be to be amazing curtain makers, up-cyclers or upholsterers. Some interior designers may of course include this as part of the service but the majority of us don't! We can employ experts to do that for you. We want your design to look professional and have longevity. You really wouldn’t want me to make your curtains.
So, what really is the main role of an interior designer and how can I help you? Well, there are many things, but my main focus is making sure the space is functional and beautiful as well as saving you time and money, and avoiding living with frustrating and expensive mistakes.
DESIGN WORK – I can put together a cohesive scheme that's functional and beautiful. It's important spaces have good flow and a suitable lighting scheme. To get that right I really like to get to know my clients, their personalities, style, likes and dislikes and how they really want to use and live in their spaces.
FLOOR PLANNING – I've helped lots of my clients with their floor plans: this is the nuts and bolts of making a space work for you, and evolve as your needs grow and change.
EXISTING SPACES - I'll help you rethink and rework your rooms to create spaces with better flow and more effective zoning for the moods you want to set. I'll also help you source right-size furniture. So many people order a sofa from a large showroom only to be disappointed with the fit when it's delivered.
RENOVATION PROJECTS - I can look over the existing plans or work with your architect to make sure the space is functional and works for you now and as your family grows. There's nothing worse than a wall, window or a door in the wrong place, which may mean your room doesn't function as you want it to.
STORAGE- most homes don't have enough storage; the days have gone where we owned only a few belongings. I can design bespoke storage and help your life become clutter free.
IMPLEMENTATION – I can help save you time and stress by working alongside trades. I am happy to manage them for you, so you don’t have to worry.
STAGING & STYLING- when all the work has been completed, I can style the space to complete the look and give it that wow factor!
In past times hiring an interior designer was thought to be for the minority. Well, that may have been true once but not anymore. Good design should be for everyone. And the trade discounts on materials and products that I can pass on to you will help cover the cost of my services.
Creating a home can be overwhelming and emotional, especially when it’s so personal. If you feel you could do with a little help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today. Let’s see how we can work together to get the space you truly need. I would love to help you.
Michaela x
Interior Designer, Colchester, Essex
Essex | Suffolk | Norfolk
Absolutely! You were such a help to us when we were planning our renovation project and your style and design ideas were invaluable! They have saved us time, stress and money by helping us focus on what works in our home and how we want to live in it. Thank you! Xx
You really are all of these things and so much more.. would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone xx