There’s always a moment towards the end of the episode where they reveal the finished project. After years of mud, tears, steel and mounting pressure, everything is framed with splashes of golden sunshine ricocheting off sleek beams or pouring through an entire wall of glass.

You’re toured around the house. The imported marble worktops. The expansive open-plan kitchen-living space. The secret power outlets. The impressive floor to ceiling apex glazing that fills one entire wall and lets light flood through into the bedroom.

The architecture feels lavish and luxurious, yet somehow the interior always feels a bit off key, and as though it’s been thrown together at the end with whatever money is left over.

Not only that, you discover the oversights in the planning process that cost thousands in corrective measures. Services that had to be rerouted. Layouts that were reworked once the realities of daily life began to surface. Lack of window treatments that don’t enable you to block out the light in the morning. Storage that hadn’t been fully considered until it was too late, leaving it squeezed in at the last minute and never quite as effective as it should have been.

Very often, in all the ambition and desire to create something extraordinary, the grand design can lack the everyday practicality and comforts that makes a house truly liveable.

And this isn’t just a problem with televised builds. It happens in real projects when interior design is treated as something that comes later in the process, as opposed to something that should be integrated early.

Interior design isn’t just about picking out cushions and curtains. It isn’t a decorative layer added once the structure is complete. It’s what determines whether a large architectural project works in practice, and it makes the difference between a home that photographs beautifully on reveal day, and one that feels effortless to live in for years afterwards.

The common mistake: Falling in love with the structure first

When you begin planning a self-build or major renovation, the focus quite naturally centres on planning permissions, structural drawings, glazing, rooflines and steel. The shell of the building feels decisive. It’s visible progress, so it feels like momentum.

Interiors can seem like something to refine once the space exists. But by the time walls are up and services are in, many of the most important decisions have already been locked in.

We often speak to clients who say, “We didn’t realise we needed to think about that yet.”

A kitchen may be beautifully proportioned, yet lack sufficient space for integrated recycling and everyday appliances. A utility room might technically be included, but without carefully planned storage it quickly becomes cluttered. A bedroom can look serene in photographs, but lighting positioned without thinking about dressing or make-up application can cast harsh shadows every morning which lead to you feeling off your game for the rest of the day.

Plug sockets get installed before furniture layouts are finalised. A television is centred perfectly on a wall, only to discover the aerial point sits elsewhere. The options then become visible trunking across freshly plastered walls, or additional labour to reroute cables, replaster and repaint.

None of these issues are dramatic in isolation. But they accumulate and create friction throughout the project. They interrupt flow and serve as daily reminders that something wasn’t fully resolved.

Why interior design should start at planning stage

It can’t be stressed enough that timing is everything.

We receive so many enquiries after building work is already underway, and while we can still support and refine plans, there are always moments where we have to say, “If we’d been involved earlier, this could have been resolved differently.”

Interior design for self-build and renovation projects shapes how the home will be experienced every single day.

Lighting is not simply about selecting fittings. It’s about how a space feels when you wake up and how it eases you into the day. How it transitions from a busy family breakfast to hosting a relaxed evening with friends. Whether layered circuits build atmosphere as well as functionality. Those decisions influence wiring plans and switching layouts which need to be thought about before ceilings are closed.

Storage is not simply about cupboards. It’s about whether surfaces stay calm or become chaotic. Whether coats, school bags, toys and appliances have somewhere to land. When considered early, storage disappears into the architecture. When left late, it competes against it.

Smart home systems, heating zones, automated blinds and integrated audio require coordination before services are fixed. Bespoke joinery – kitchens, media units, dressing rooms – need to be measured and detailed alongside structural plans, not retrofitted once rooms are defined.

When architects and interior designers collaborate from the outset, how you live is designed alongside how the building stands.

The impact is not always visible in photographs, but it is always felt in ease.

Budgeting for success: Protecting the feeling you started with

There’s also an emotional reality to self-build projects. You begin with a vision. A feeling. A sense of what this new home will represent for your family.

As the build progresses, so much investment, both financial and emotional, goes into creating something architecturally bold that, by the time interiors are considered properly, budgets can feel tighter than expected.

It’s completely understandable. The structure feels permanent and urgent, so the interior details can appear like lesser decisions. But those details are what make a home feel finished rather than simply functional.

Layered lighting rather than a single central pendant. Bespoke joinery rather than freestanding storage that never quite fits. Materials selected not only for impact on day one, but for how they age, adapt and support everyday use.

When interior design is budgeted for from the beginning, decisions feel deliberate rather than reactive. There’s room to protect the integrity of the original vision instead of scaling back at the final hurdle because of overspending and budget mismanagement in the early planning.

It’s not about increasing spending. It’s about maximising your budget so that you can ensure that you get to experience that feeling you imagined at the start when you pictured yourself finally walking through the door of your dream home and exhaling, knowing this is a space that is designed to help you thrive.

A real-life example: Period property extension

Our Period Property Extension project is a strong example of what early collaboration makes possible.

The clients owned multiple hospitality businesses and worked overseas frequently. Their time was limited, and they needed a team who could work closely with their architect and builder to carry the detail and reduce stress.

The property itself was a beautiful period home, but it felt tired and underused. The kitchen was small and restrictive. The hallway closed off light and movement. The upper floors were filled with rooms that no longer suited the way the family lived.

Architectural plans had already been drawn up for an extension and attic conversion, but before construction began, the clients asked us to review the layouts and develop the interior design alongside those plans.

That timing changed everything.

We were able to refine the extension so it became the true hub of the home – a space designed for family life and entertaining. Lighting and electrics were positioned in direct response to furniture layouts rather than guessed in advance. Flooring was considered in relation to the patio to strengthen the indoor–outdoor connection.

Bespoke bookcases with an integrated drinks cabinet were introduced in the front lounge, grounding the space in personality. Alcove storage was designed specifically for children’s toys so that daily life could unfold without visual clutter. A bespoke media unit broke up a large expanse of wall in the open-plan space, balancing styling with practical storage.

The kitchen itself was carefully detailed, including a custom floating-look dining table intersecting with the island – a direct response to the clients’ love of cooking, wine and hosting.

Upstairs, the loft was transformed into a contemporary suite with bespoke wardrobes tucked into the eaves to maximise storage without compromising flow.

Because these decisions were made before walls were closed and services fixed in place, nothing feels added on. Nothing feels compromised.

The home now blends period detailing with contemporary living in a way that feels cohesive rather than layered. It supports family life, entertaining and everyday movement without demanding constant adjustment from the people living there.

That cohesion was not accidental. It was built into the design from the beginning.

Planning your own self-build or renovation?

A self-build or major renovation often carries a powerful emotional high when the scaffolding comes down and the architecture stands complete.

But long after the reveal moment has passed, everyday life remains.

When interior design is embedded from the outset, those everyday moments feel considered. Storage works. Lighting responds. Layouts support rather than restrict.

If you’re planning a self-build, extension or significant renovation, our Home Renovation Guide outlines the key interior design considerations you need to make at each stage of your project, helping you avoid costly oversights and protect the vision you started with.

The post The key to a seamless self-build: Interior design starts sooner than you think appeared first on Natalie Holden Interiors | Interior Design Service In Liverpool, Cheshire and Manchester.

The Project

Full interior design services on a self build home with a total of 20 spaces. To include space planning, lighting and electrical plans, bespoke joinery design, bathroom design, design and procurement of all spaces, and styling services.

Overview

A young, professional couple approached us when they started on their self build home, wanting our help with the entire design and build. They wanted to create a contemporary but welcoming home to be an oasis away from their busy careers, and where they could one day start a family.

They were keen to have a home that could both feel relaxing and private, while also being able to host and entertain guests, with an overall muted, neutral palette and colour added through accessories, soft furnishings, and art. There were certain areas of the home where we had an opportunity to create interest and drama, and others that would be bright, airy, and fresh. They were also interested in adding statement pieces in certain spaces, such as a double sided fire in the open plan kitchen, feature lighting, and oversized artwork throughout the home. One space that was very important to them was the master suite, where they were looking for a boutique hotel feel, with a walk in wardrobe and spa-like master bathroom.

In terms of functionality, a large kitchen was important, as well as lots of storage throughout; they also wanted to utilise two of the bedrooms as an informal gym and office space. The entire home was to be smart-powered, with lighting, audio speakers, underfloor heating and more controlled from their phones.

We were involved in the project from the very early stages, working with the architects and builders to make sure the floor plans were just right. We were involved in the kitchen design, all of the bathrooms and other technical aspects, right through until completion of the project where we then styled the home ready for the clients to move in.

Overall, this project went on for around 18 months, there were a lot of delays with connecting gas services during the build which had a domino effect on a lot of the other aspects of the project, but we had built a great relationship with the developer and suppliers, so were able to work together to make sure deliveries could be co-ordinated working around the delays. In the end, the clients were thrilled with their new home!

Fast Forward

Part way into this project, the client’s parents also approached us about doing some work on their new home; we have since completed their whole house as well, including kitchen design, 2 bathroom designs and various living and bedroom spaces.

Space Planning and Lighting & Electrical Layout

The first step in the process was to look at the floor plans, make alterations with the guidance of the builder and architect if needed, and then begin the space planning.

The house was very large, with 5 bedrooms and several living spaces so we were very intentional in our planning to ensure each space had its own purpose and mood.

We then moved on to lighting and electrical layouts, carefully assessing what was needed in terms of practicality, and what we could do to enhance the experience and enjoyment of the home.

Concept Proposal

Below are some of the many concept boards we put together for the clients, these pages capture an overall look and feel that we plan to achieve in the home, and is a good opportunity to fine tune the design direction before heading into product specification. They were ultimately happy with our plans for the home and eager to move forward to the detailed design phase.

Bathroom Design

Bathroom designs take place early on in the process in order to establish positions of lighting, plumbing, and electrical ready for 1st fix. Here are the designs we put together for the master ensuite and the family bathroom, including the technical drawings and tile layouts for both spaces.

For the master en suite, we went for a light and airy, spa-like vibe, with a freestanding bath, large walk-in shower and double vanity.

In the family bathroom, we chose a more practical built-in bath and large vanity. The colour scheme for this bathroom was a lot more moody and masculine, with dark blue and grey tiles contrasted with brushed brass hardware.

Design Proposal

After the concept stage had been completed and we had submitted the bathroom designs, we got to work on the detailed design stage of the project. At this point we specified all FF&E and finishes which were then presented to the clients, who were happy to go ahead with only a few minor changes to the design. Below are some examples of the design boards presented to the clients which then became the final design.

Bespoke Joinery

We created many joinery drawings for this project, including a lot of storage and wardrobe designs, however some of the pieces gave us the opportunity to do something more creative – below are some examples.

The office had a large floating desk with storage and showcased some unique shelving, with a staggered design and LED’s to add a wow factor. We designed a window seat in the yoga room which had internal storage both in the seat and in the steps to make full use of the smaller room. In the snug, we created a large media unit to provide lots of storage and to display books, decorative objects, and photos.

Bespoke Lighting

The clients were keen to include statement lighting in the design of their home, so we decided to commission bespoke lighting to get the exact look we needed to complement the spaces.

In the kitchen, we had large domed pendants made to create impact and contrast, custom patinated to match the hardware on the cabinetry. In the dining room, we wanted to create a low-hanging, multi-pendant fitting which was full of drama, so we designed these alabaster discs with brass accents inspired by our concept imagery. Finally, in the stairwell, the ceiling height was very tall so we needed something that had a decent drop. The area was also quite wide and we wanted the light to fill the space, as well as create a feature that could be seen through the front window of the house. Here are the designs we put together in collaboration with a bespoke lighting company, along with some images of the final pieces.

Progress Photos

Here are just a few before and after shots of the transformations we documented during our many site visits. It was so exciting seeing things all come together!

To see more BTS photos, head over to our Instagram and have a look through our highlight for this project!

Move-in Day

Unfortunately, we haven’t had the chance to have professional photographs taken at this property but please enjoy a hint of the finished product from photos we took while styling the home.

If you’d like help starting your own renovation journey, you can contact us here to book in a free consultation.

The post Case Study: Cheshire Self Build appeared first on Natalie Holden Interiors | Interior Design Service In Liverpool, Cheshire and Manchester.

Our approach to commercial projects puts both the end consumer, and your investment at the forefront. Whether that’s a renter, home buyer or customer, we ensure that our designs are entirely unique to create a truly desirable product. Cutting edge, high-end interior design has the potential to set your product apart from your competitors; especially important in the currently saturated property market.

As well as benefitting new build projects, interior design is essential for the rental market. It was estimated that £4.02 billion was spent in 2020 on the buy-to-rent market, with an increasing demand for high-quality, flexible rental properties.

Are you missing out on a higher rental yield because of the interior design of your property? Could the units on your new build development increase in value from the help of a designer?

The answer to both these questions is undoubtedly, ‘YES’!

We want to demonstrate how and why the interior design process benefits commercial enterprises, as well as for residential clientele.

Benefits of hiring an interior designer

• Increase sales value of a property by at least 12%

The most obvious benefit of interior design is the potential to increase the sales value of a home. Data from a leading estate agent in London revealed good design can add an average of 12% to your sale price. Dataloft compiled the report while comparing over 200 of the estate agents own sales against 14,084 houses sold across 100 postcodes in the wider London market from 2014 to 2017.

• Increase rental value of a property

Another benefit of interior design is increasing the rental value of a property. A recent study found that renters were prepared to fork out a 10.1% price premium for well-designed and furnished apartments in London costing over £1,000 per week. This leapt to a staggering 29.6% for apartments priced at £2,000+ per week (Lonres, 2020).

• Project insurance

We are on hand throughout the project to provide support and problem-solving expertise. By dedicating some of your budget to interior design at the start of your project, we are able to prevent mistakes from being made at first and second fix. You will ultimately save money on potentially costly rectifications.

• Maximising value per square metre

Through careful space planning, we are able to make the most of every inch of your development. Our interior design team recognises the increasing demand for homes with a focus on wellbeing, sustainability and multi-functionality. By embracing these key themes as part of our design concepts, we can make your development all the more desirable for potential buyers.

• Interior design saves time

Using our curated network of trusted trade suppliers, we are able to source the best interior products on the market for both second fix and FF&E. You will benefit from the biggest discounts and product aftercare, as well as obtaining products quickly and cheaply.

• Supply chain management

Utilise our curated network of trade suppliers to benefit from the biggest discounts and product aftercare. This enables hassle free fitting and better maintenance. Our team are on hand to liaise with suppliers on your behalf as well as provide site-management assistance.

• Speed up sales and reduce rental voids

Investing in quality interior design is proven to increase desirability and saleability in commercial units. Recent research shows that potential buyers are willing to pay up to a 12% premium for well-designed homes (Modern House, 2018). This demonstrates that buyers are investing in spaces which will have a positive impact on their productivity and wellbeing. After all, it is estimated that we spend an average of 92% of our time indoors.

How do we work?

Like all of our projects, we put our clients requirements at the forefront of our designs. For commercial projects we take the time to understand your business targets and your budget, as well as your target customers, to tailor a design to your requirements. Through detailed research into comparable commercial ventures, our experienced team are able to grasp a firm understanding of the market and what will ultimately make you a healthy return on your investment.

From this we are able to compile detailed design concepts. Complete with mood boards, space planning, colour analysis, bespoke joinery and lighting, and our FF&E recommendations, our concepts are tailored specifically to your business. We include everything you could need to create an exciting space, designed to help you receive property reservations as quickly as possible.

We are able to offer unwavering support throughout the process, from our introductory discussions, design concepts, product sourcing, right through to project completion.

Our commercial interior design portfolio

We have had the opportunity to work with some of the most inspiring businesses across the North West on commercial projects, ranging from show home designs, hospitality venue designs and office renovations.

If you are interested in finding out more about our commercial interior design expertise, head over to our commercial services page on our website. You can also see more of our commercial work and past projects in our portfolio.

You can also find us over on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, where you can keep up to date with our ongoing projects.

The post Why an interior designer is an essential addition to your property development team appeared first on Natalie Holden Interiors | Interior Design Service In Liverpool, Cheshire and Manchester.

Once seen as a luxury, garden rooms are becoming recognised as an achievable and practical option. But why are they growing in popularity, and how can you be sure it’s the right investment for you?

We teamed up with our friend Francis Eades, MD of Baltic Bespoke, a Liverpool based company supplying custom-designed garden rooms and luxury outdoor living spaces across North West England, to bring you the ultimate guide to all things garden rooms!

Why are Garden Rooms growing in popularity?

“There are so many reasons why garden rooms are cropping up all over the UK right now. In the simplest of terms, space is getting more expensive, and therefore more valuable. 

“Summer 2021 marked peak growth in house prices, with many agreeing that the ‘race for space’ will continue. Estate agent Hamptons recently forecast that prices will continue to rise by up to 3.5% a year between 2022 and 2024.

“Also, the effects of national lockdowns and subsequent long-term changes in how we live, work and socialise have been significant.  The benefits of home-working for both individuals and employers mean that many have been keen to make that change permanent. This means home offices and work spaces are becoming a necessity.

“We also saw many people learning to really love spending time at home, and pouring their efforts and resources into creating new social spaces on their property, such as bars, cinema rooms and games rooms.

“Other adaptations to more self-sufficient lifestyles have had an impact too. For example, working out at home has become a habit for many, so garden gyms and yoga studios are increasingly in demand.” 

What are the benefits of building a Garden Room?

Again, there are so many, but I would say there are 6 key benefits:

• Flexibility of the space – All of our customers want more space, but they have different reasons for needing or wanting it! Yes, lots of people are looking for an office, bar or gym, but just this month we have built a pottery studio, a golf cabin, and a rehabilitation/therapy room for dogs! The fact that the garden rooms are not attached to the property means that they are more versatile than a typical kitchen extension or loft conversion.

• Away from household distractions – In other words… peace and quiet! This is really important for so many people, especially those using the space to work or engage in a hobby. These garden rooms give you headspace in abundance, as they are detached from the hustle and bustle of the home. They really can improve your wellbeing by giving you access to a getaway on your own property.

• Adding value to your home – When done to a high specification, garden rooms add real value to your home. We specialise in producing garden rooms to the highest quality possible (we’re not talking about prefabricated sheds here) to maximise the return on investment. Just as an extension or conversion adds square footage and appeal, so does a well-constructed garden room. Head over to our blog to find out more.

• Minimal disruption – Another great advantage is that you will get this additional space without the disruption typically caused with other renovation projects. We really only require access to your garden! These builds are so efficient that our customers are always amazed at how quickly we finish the job. Also, for most of our builds we use ground screws… so we often don’t even need to do any digging! This means winter is a great time to build your garden room; the time when you spend least time in your garden!

• Often no planning permission required – Our garden rooms do not usually require a planning application as they fall within permitted development rules. This is pre-approved planning permission as long as your room is built subject to a number conditions, which we can advise on during our consultation.

There are other special considerations and all planning permission decisions are dependent on local authorities. For example, there are increased rules around listed buildings. Therefore, any garden building or outbuilding placed within the curtilage of a listed property will require planning permission.

How can I get the best from this investment?

Well first step is to think of it as an investment! There are short term gains to adding space but think of this as a long term decision. By that, we mean weigh up your options on the specification of the build.

Of course, the price will massively be determined by whether you opt for a modular building (a pre-designed, kit form home office) or a bespoke option. Both have pros and cons, but your budget will be the determining factor for which model you choose. This is because the prices between the two options can be substantially different. While modular options might be cheaper, they also offer minimal choice of layout, finishes, etc.

We would also say, think about your interior layout from the very start. We’ve found that some of our customers really benefit from help thinking about space planning, as well as interior design. This is one of the reasons we have partnered with Natalie’s team! For example, if you will be using the space as an office, your lighting, storage and furnishings will be very different than a cozy cinema room. And what if you want a multifunctional space? These are all queries which Natalie’s team can assist with.  

Our team at Baltic Bespoke can give great advice on all technical matters. When we work with experts like Natalie, it just takes your experience to a new level.

If you want to find out more about Baltic Bespoke’s services visit their website, or follow them on Instagram and Facebook. To book an initial consultation you can fill in their contact form here.

If you would like to discuss an interior design project with us, head over to our website here.

The post Trending Now! A guide to Garden Rooms with Baltic Bespoke appeared first on Natalie Holden Interiors | Interior Design Service In Liverpool, Cheshire and Manchester.

We’re going to outline how to go about setting yourself a renovation budget and just why they are so important.

We know how daunting it can be to start planning any kind of budget, which is why we have put together a Budget Guide to help get you started on your project. Want to find out more? Read on for more information!

Why is a budget important?

Having a detailed budget for a renovation project ultimately makes our job as designers that little bit easier! We would argue that the budget is just as important as the design itself. By completely understanding your budget we can propose budget-friendly products and materials. Yes, our end goal is to design a space that you love, but for a successful design we need to work within your set price-point.

One of the benefits of working with an interior designer is the industry awareness that comes with us. As professional designers we have all the skills to be able to source appropriately priced products from our trusted suppliers. We also have the knowledge of where we can cut-back if your budget is becoming too strained. Having a really good grasp on your budget will allow us to both get the most out of the design process. If you’re looking for a Manchester interior designer to work with or a Liverpool interior designer get in touch with us today.

How do I get started?

Typically, your project budget is a combination of professional fees (that’s our design fees, tradespeople fees, architectural fees etc.), the cost of any building works, and FF&E (fixtures, furniture and equipment – all the moveable items).

There are lots of different ways to start your budget. Some might start with an overall maximum spend and work backwards allocating the funds to each room. Others might set a maximum budget per room or per floor, and these totals will equal the overall spend. There’s no right or wrong way to do this, as long as it makes sense to your situation and finances. We advise you to have both an overview or a maximum amount that you are willing to put into the project, and also a detailed break down of how you would best like it to be spent.

We would recommend beginning the process with research. Research your own financial circumstances first. Do you have savings set aside for your renovation? Do you know just how much you are spending each month on your household bills, and how much you would be able to contribute monthly to the renovation? Spend some time really analysing your income and expenses.

Secondly, you can start your research into tradespeople costs and materials. Get in touch with some (recommended) tradespeople and request quotes. Visit some showrooms. Request material catalogues. This will start to paint a picture of how much your design might cost. Quite often at this stage people start to realise that their ‘dream design’ might just be a little over their budget.

Don’t worry if you’re struggling, we’re here to help you! We can guide you through the process of creating a budget for your renovation project if you really don’t know how to best allocate your funds.

Once you’re happy with your renovation budget, and we have had a chance to sit down and discuss it in detail, we can take over with sourcing relevant products for your design. You can leave the rest to us!

Our budgeting Golden Rule

Our budgeting Golden Rule is to always be as honest and open as possible with your designer. In order for us to be able to work together efficiently, it is vitally important for us to understand just how much you are able and willing to put into your project.

We know how it can often be difficult to talk openly about finances, but it’s important to remember that our role is first and foremost as a designer. We are professionals who have worked on renovation projects with varying budgets; each project is completely different and we have been trained to adapt our designs depending on the budget available.

Our Renovation Budget Guide

We want to make the budgeting process as easy as possible for you. That’s why we’ve created your very own, Budget Guide.

What’s included?

The Budget Guide provides you with practical information, designed to give you a head start on your budgeting research. We’ve provided rough estimates on renovation costs per room, average tradespeople costs as well as outlining a rough guide to our design fees.

Also included in the guide is a short introduction into understanding average project timescales. To find out more about timescales head over to our blog article ‘How long will my renovation take?’.

How can I get my hands on a copy of the Budget Guide?

You will receive a copy of our budget guide as part of booking in a 2 hour renovation strategy session.

To find out more about the services we offer, and how we can help you to plan your renovation, get in touch with us today!

The post How much should I budget for a renovation project? appeared first on Natalie Holden Interiors | Interior Design Service In Liverpool, Cheshire and Manchester.

We understand how frustrating this can be, so we’ve come up with style guide to help steer you in the right direction. Our aim with this guide is to ensure that we get a grasp and clear sense of your personal style – most importantly, what you like and dislike. This is to make sure that by the end of the process, you are in love with the space that we design for you!

Our Guide

In our guide we will take you through different interior styles, step by step. Some styles derive from particular design periods, or different architectural styles, whereas others have developed from modern design trends. We have used some keywords in our descriptions to make it easier to narrow down the elements that you like the most, as well as beautiful real-life images of these styles to see how they translate to different spaces.

What the guide will include

• Short explanations of each style genre with some key characteristics
• Visual images to help connect the descriptions to a real life set-up
• An interactive page where you can note down your preferences so you don’t forget!
• An overview of the different ways that we can use colour effectively in your design

Who can get their hands on the new style guide?

To access your free copy of our style guide, sign up to our newsletter here. If you are interested in how our services can help you with an upcoming renovation project, get in touch here to book your free consultation. 

One thing we notice when speaking with our clients is that they sometimes love elements of contrasting design styles and periods. For example, they may love the clean lines of minimalism, but also the texture and pattern of the country style. There is absolutely no problem with this, our personal style is after all completely unique; we cannot expect it to fall exactly into one style. Within our guide we discuss the ‘transitional’ style that many of our clients decide to pursue. Transitional style takes influences from two or more styles with the intention of creating a cohesive scheme. So, we could look at incorporating the elements which you pinpoint into your design concept.  

Once you’ve had a read through our guide, we would recommend getting on Pinterest. This is one of the best visual resources and is saturated with interior inspiration in every style you can think of. It can therefore become a little overwhelming at times. As Alex Kalita from Common Bond Design suggests: ‘Look at the Pinterest boards of an individual whose style you admire: a friend, influencer, or designer’. By focusing on one or two people you can really hone in on what it is that you find visually appealing, rather than trawling through masses of images. Once you’ve narrowed down your search, choose an image of an interior which you love and write down a list of the specific elements that your eye is drawn to. This will help you to understand your tastes in more detail.

You can also gather inspiration in real-life too! Let’s not forget that we are surrounded by beautiful design every day – why not look closely at a well-designed space when you’re out and about (we’re thinking shops, hotel rooms, homes of your friends and family, your hairdressers, the list goes on!). When you’re there try to pick out the features you like and dislike.  

Once you have a clear idea of the style of furniture, colours, prints, textiles you enjoy, have a think about how your space can influence your ideal design. The architecture of a home can sometimes dictate what can and can’t be done. We will obviously offer a lot of guidance here to make sure that the design elements which you want to include are compatible. You might notice in our guide that a lot of the images used for a particular style are all used in similar style architecture. For instance the industrial style homes all tend to have very high ceilings and contain exposed piping. You wouldn’t then attempt to replicate this in a small cottage – the style just wouldn’t work! The architecture would be much more suited to the homely, inviting country or rustic style.

For more information on our interior design services get in touch with us today! To receive access to our style guide and other design resources you can sign up to our newsletter here.

The post Understanding your Personal Style appeared first on Natalie Holden Interiors | Interior Design Service In Liverpool, Cheshire and Manchester.