I normally ask for a scope of work, this would detail what level of work are they prepared to do, what is not working for them, what is, what they are hoping to achieve and what is the end goal. I then book my inspiration visit and talk them through their options after I've seen their space.  I put forward a proposal of works, weather is be recommendations on window dressings, soft furnishings, lighting, layout plans, using furniture pieces from elsewhere in the home etc. I let clients have this and after talking them through it, I leave it up to them to get back to me if they want me to help them further with the project and usually it always progresses onto either more styling work or shopping trips etc. 

I think the breath of Scandinavian design really alights itself as a "trend" to my design aesthetic. I like it mostly from rustic, to minimalist or Japandi but not really the super traditional Scandinavian design. I find it timeless and adaptable. I'm glad that the palm leaf print and the gold pineapple trend is over as it doesn't fit at all within my aesthetic. ​

​Today we have the privilege of speaking with Rohan Blacker, the founder of Pooky Lighting. He gives us a sneak peek into his journey into the world of lighting, the values of Pooky and what is next in the pipeline.

​I've always been an appreciator of beautiful things, I guess one can say I have an interest in beauty. Despite never going to interior school, I can tell you what I like and don't like and what works within a given space. I am very careful that I am not designing for myself, but for my clientele. I want to design stuff that lasts, I do not want to be making tomorrows landfill. One of my frustrations with the interiors market is that is has become like the fast fashion industry. People shouldn't be changing their interiors with the seasons as much as they do. When you buy something for your home, assume you will hold onto it forever and pass it down to your children. There are huge numbers of companies that make gimmicky lighting - they are quirky but are going to go totally out of fashion in a few months’ time. Not only because their design is fleeting and ephemeral but also the quality isn't necessarily great. Which is why most of our lights are made of solid brass, which doesn't rust and will last! 

​I would describe it as above all decorative with a love of colour and shape. At the same time, our designs have longevity and classical roots. We have a lot of lights that are based on a very classic column, but we tweak, such as making a brass base, a green resin shaft and a brass pediment. An example of such is our Longford light, it’s a twist on classicism, not in a silly or quirky way but in a fresh way that will stand the test of time.

​ I am trying to sell, beautifully well made, long lasting, decorative lights that are mid-market.  We start off trying to design for interior designers, who have responded well to our designs. We also sell directly to retail customers of course. We aren't low end at all, but as I said before, lights for a tenner are next year’s landfill. Our lights range from £40-£250, in contrast, at some high-end lighting stores one could easily spend £1000 on a lamp base.

​Wall lights, despite quite a traditional vibe, have really come back and we love that. Also, people are much braver with colour than they have been, so even though someone might still not be brave enough to paint their full room in orange, they might slowly introduce bright colours in their light shades. Introducing pops of colour can create eye-catching punctuations. The trend that I am glad is over is gimmicky lighting. I think that quirky can be a good thing, it eludes to a sense of eccentricity and fun but if it is pushed too far it becomes contrived. Quirky for the sake of quirky will create short lived designs. 

This means keeping the interiors linked to the age of the home or property you are designing. That means if you have a Victorian home you keep it classic and highly decorated. Or if you had a 60s build then going for a mid century modern look would work seamlessly. If you have a new build you can create any style based on the architectural detailing you choose. This seems to be the easiest method of design to go for. As you build your design scheme you will realise that the positions of fireplaces or windows lends itself to a particular layout planning. Putting it simply, an older home usually has doors that are on opposite walls to the fireplaces (depending on the size of the rooms), making that wall the visual focal point when you enter. They also loved bay windows and window seats. In 60s homes, if you have a fireplace, it doesn't necessarily have a chimney breast, and most windows are flat and can have different shapes such as picture windows etc, this creates a simpler room layout and more modern.

Hello everyone! I just wanted to do a little reminiscing here and throwback to my first home. I bought a new build flat on the outskirts of the city centre of Manchester a few years ago.  This was an investment. Emotionally and financially. You never really forget your first home and I was happy for it to be brand spanking new and all mine! There is something super exciting about your very first home. The carpets have never been walked on, the microwave never used. The Oven, oh my god I was obsessed with how clean this oven was, obviously as it was brand new - I swore to never let it down. It was my first proper nest. 

So how does one get around to designing and sorting out a new build flat. I was very aware that it was never going to be a home I stay in for too long. So I wanted to keep it as re-saleable as possible. So here I went on my adventure, designing a new home.  I was on the tightest of budgets so as you can imagine I had to be creative with flat pack and vintage furniture. Now I look back on it, I wish I was more creative!

​Most homes take a lot of time and dedication to work just right for a family. Each room serves for more than one function usually and takes time for the family to get harmony in a space. But sometimes despite time, many trials of different layouts and schemes, the home just doesn't feel like it is functioning to its best ability.

​Everyone has areas in their home which don't quite work, this may be an office or a spare bedroom, or even a dining room. Sometimes these areas can extend and take over the whole house. Be it because of changing family circumstances and needs, or just not having had the brain space to properly focus on and tackle the space. 

​These areas can be really tricky to deal with and this is when you should call in help. You may feel overwhelmed with the thought of starting a project, because of time constraints, lack of inspiration or lack of knowledge on process.

This is the time to engage with your friendly interior designer. We can help you visualise the space from a fresh perspective. We can help deliver solutions for your most pressing problems, be it storage, or flow within your space making it more usable and valuable to you. We can also help you avoid costly mistakes such as buying the wrong sofa, installing the wrong tile in a bathroom, or putting the kitchen in the wrong space. 

But just when is the best time to hire an interior designer? The short answer, is as early as possible. I've been involved with clients from their property search phase where I helped give them vision and ideas for the properties that we short listed. It is important as this allows you to visualise the space in its final state, sometimes this can be very difficult to think about at the viewing stage. It encouraged them to go for a property that needed a bit of work, but all properties will need some work, even if it is just aesthetic, so why not invest in somewhere that can truly be spectacular. 

​Another client hired me prior to embarking on an extension to their townhouse. This allowed the space to be design led, and not just functional but also beautiful. We worked with the architect and building team to develop a scheme that was considered and beautiful, delivering the kind of space that was practical but also had its aesthetics planned. This would included the lines of sight that one would achieve inside the property and the views in and out of the space.  Everything down to the positioning of lamps in the living room and the phone chargers in the kitchen was considered. 

So in short, ask for help in creating your beautiful dream home as early as possible. This will give you the best outcome and avoid any costly mistakes.  Head to our contact page now to book your free initial consultation.