THE SPACEMAKER - INTERIORS BY PETER GRECH
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In conversation with... Helen Orrock

29/5/2020

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Today we are speaking with Helen Orrock aka @theinteriorslady who has created her ideal home while downsizing into a beautiful monochrome and sleek interior space. ​

​When did you realise you had a passion for interior design?

Helen Orrock in a white linen top on her sleek modern sofa
It probably all stems back to when I was a child. I remember around GCSE time I was making my own curtains, bedspreads and cushion covers. I then kind of bypassed it entirely until I started investing in property that I got back into it. I had cancer a while back, and it made me stop and re-assess what I wanted to do and that was to open a little interior shop which is what kept me driven and motivated through treatment. I ran my own store for 5 years until re relocated to the city. I did an interiors course at the national design academy, fortunate enough that it was in my hometown of Nottingham. It gave me enough skills to pursue the career I wanted to do . I love seeing the potential in any space and helping people finding their own style.

​
Clients don't always realize that an interior designer can help you gain value in your home, not just with a big extension or full remodel but also in smaller elements that are crucial to the good function of an interior space such as proper layout planning and creating lovely areas within the home. This gives both me and my clients great pleasure, when we can find new life in a client’s current possessions.

What is your process with your clients?

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. 
monochrome living space with log burner

What if a client picks something you don't like during one of your shopping visits?

I've got one of those faces where I can’t hide my emotions so I will be very honest with them and tell them that I don't think it would work in the space. I am brutal, but it’s for their own good. The issue with shopping trips is that you sometimes don't find exactly what you are looking for, so it might take multiple trips or going to various stores to find the item that is just right! You need to be happy to walk out with nothing if you just don't find what you want. Overall, we always end up becoming friends as it’s such a close way to work with someone.
Textural monochrome scandinavian interior

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

Very neural and monochrome, with layers of texture. I have a very restricted colour palate, with a strong emphasis on the black tone. I introduce texture with wools, sheep skins, and textiles. Another extra element is green from plants and foliage. ​

If you had to pick one design trend that you are loving at the moment and one that you are glad is over?

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. ​
Sleek monochrome kitchen with marble countertop with a waterfall edge

Biggest design no-no

Following an immediate trend that doesn't work for you or trying to copy an interior you see without thinking how it adapts to your personality or lifestyle.  Also, I think that compromising on quality is another big no-no.  Things like bedding, or hardware or upholstery need to be investments as you interact with them so closely. I'd rather have less but better quality. ​
monochrome kitchen island

What is your top pet peeve in your home?

We are lucky not to have any things that annoy us in our home. This happened as we did a lot of planning and predicted the issues before we completed this project. The biggest hurdle was to create the spaces that we needed due to downsizing but it allowed us to get exactly what we wanted. If I were to re-do this home, I would make all the same decisions. But I'm not sure if this is our forever home, by embracing a more minimal life, it has made me realise that I can live with a lot less. So, my next step is to build my own affordable, sustainable, minimal Scandinavian hut, it’s something for me to look forward to.
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In conversation with...Rohan Blacker

15/5/2020

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​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.
brass and fluted glass chandelier by pooky lighting
Pooky lighting logo
Rohan blacker, founder of pooky lighting

Tell me a little bit about your journey into Pooky lighting

​It has a been a relatively tortuous journey but incredibly fun! I initially qualified as a lawyer, but soon realised it wasn’t the thing for me. So, I jumped ship and went into catering for the best part of 20 years operating a variety of different businesses from restaurants, soup wholesale, commercial catering and eventually to high end food delivery services. That was amazingly fun and challenging. My business partner and I then decided to go into sofas and focus mainly online. At the time it was pretty revolutionary and despite lots of discouragement we slowly built the business of sofa.com up over 7-8 years. I started to live and breathe the shapes, fabrics, colours and spring systems. After selling up I decided to go into lighting, because lights are the number 1 thing that one should think about in their house. They make such a profound impact to the interior and the mood of any space. Equally I love the fact that you can turn anything into a light, you can be as creative or as wacko as you like and have a lot of fun with lighting.

It is clear how passionate you are about the importance of beauty and form and despite not specifically having come from a design background you have a definite understanding and appreciation of it, be it in sofa design or lighting.  Did you self-teach along your journey?

​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! 
mushroom shaped lamp with domed cap

How would you describe the Pooky aesthetic?

the longford lamp with brass and green resin base.
​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.

Who would you say is your quintessential customer?

​ 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.
mixed metals lamp by pooky

What have been your biggest challenges with setting up Pooky lighting?​

​Our biggest challenge was getting brand recognition and awareness as well as taking a big financial risk. Because we wanted to sell pieces at an affordable price, we had to invest and buy lights in bulk. So, I had a warehouse full of thousands of lights, of which we didnt know would sell. I was there holding my breath, looking at my website, hoping that someone would come on and buy. Design is a risky business - you have as many flops as hits, you get better over time obviously, but no one has any certainty.

​What are your best sellers and which styles are less popular?

​(Chuckling slightly) Well now, the Metro light - is a beautiful slightly industrial, solid brass light in various finishes with a very strong design, but surprisingly not many people buy it! On the other hand, our best seller is the light called Trafalgar - it has a very simple design, a solid brass obelisk. It is very elegant but contemporary. It came from an offcut of brass on the floor that I saw in a foundry in Portugal which we put a very flat base on and kept it very minimal in design. Another light that is doing very well is the Stucco, we spent a long time agonizing over how big those petals would be, the shape of the light, how far apart the rows of petals should be.
textured ceramic lamp with multiple petals in an off white by pooky lighting.

When did you have that big "AHA!" moment when you realized that you were creating something special? 

​I don't like to be complacent about what we do, because the moment you start thinking that you have cracked it that is when the edifice starts to collapse, but it is great to read the feedback on our site. We have recently hit 10k reviews and virtually all of them are 5star reviews. Some of them are really quite moving as some people are really grateful of what we do.

What are one of the interior trends that you are loving right now and one that you are glad is over?

​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. 
black and white stripy lamp base with a black and gold marbleized paper shade against a palm print backdrop

What is the next thing that you are working on?

​We are launching our outdoor lighting which is exciting. People tend to be less brave with outdoor lighting as they see them as functional lights. We are trying to create a range of swan necks and lanterns that add that extra decorative edge to outdoor spaces. 
outdoor lighting range in brushed brass
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Congruous, incongruous and hybrid design schemes

2/8/2019

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​I had a conversation with a client last week about what style her interiors should be. She mentioned how she felt torn between the design that she loved and the age of the building. I've had this discussion myself with various other clients and thought I would share my thoughts with you today. The way I see it is, you have three ways of doing things. 

​Congruous design:

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.
the classic interior style of rosa bernal
The incredible classic interiors by Rosa Bernal (Via Nuevo Estilo)
Mid century dining set up with matching chairs and side board
Classic Mid Century Dining space by @postandbeamliving
Art Deco Wallpaper with green metro tiles from Divine Savages
The beautiful ArtDeco Wallpaper from Divine Savages
Playing within the design boundaries of the period of your home can help your interiors feel more linked and give them a sense of permanence. The trick to not make it look dated or tired is to use nods to the era but slightly more updated versions. There is a very satisfying joy of using vernacular pieces in a home. Like when you find the perfect Eames mid century arm chair for your lounge, or that gorgeous Edwardian bookcase for your alcove. It can fit like a glove and seem so timelessly beautiful.

​Incongruous design:

In this method of designing, you note the architectural age of the property, but go off-piste with your design. This can be quite exciting and scary for some people but can really render some incredible rooms. This can work both ways, old to new and new to old. Some incredible spaces can be created by contrasting the style of the interiors to the architecture. Think of a  gorgeous plastered ceiling and then a beautifully sleek modern sofa with an iridescent coffee table. Totally clashing but also beautifully striking. In reverse if you had a modern box of a room with beautiful floor to ceiling windows, why not bring some vintage charm in with an elaborate vintage Persian rug and an antique console table. Immediately enriching the space and displaying the antiques as art pieces within themselves. 
using modern furniture in an old apartment creates interest and charisma
Contrasting modern furniture and lighting with classic Parisian detailing carried out to perfection
antique furniture used in a modern space adding depth and character to a space by chad james and westbrook interiors
Placing antique furniture and art in this new home added character and depth (by Chad James and Barbara Westbook)
Some people find this design a bit jarring but when done well, and for the right person, it can render some incredible spaces that are a joy to live in and experience. 

Hybrid design:

​Here a combination of the above is used. So In an old home, using some modern and vintage pieces together to tie in the interiors with the home but also bring it forward into the modern age and ensure that the space doesn't look like a museum. Or in a modern home, balancing off the ultra modern design pieces with some older pieces - therefore introducing a mixed design. This can be a tricky affair to master but is also quite fun to play around with. It means you don't have to stick to one or the other, but just follow the beauty, and experiment with the look. It gives you more flexibility and also helps create a really eclectic and curated space filled with your favourite pieces. And if you are anything like me, and a bit of a magpie for beautiful things. You will be able to have a home that sparks joy at every corner. 
Hybrid interior design with modern furniture in a victorian room by Caroline Firth
Excellent juxtaposition of modern furniture in a traditional room by Caroline Firth
eclectic spare bedroom by Sandra Baker @the_idle_hands
Another great example of how using modern and vintage pieces create an eclectic and curated style ( by Sandra Baker)
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Throw back to my first home and what I learned.

19/7/2019

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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. 
high rise living room new build
My living room in my flat
new build bedroom black and white
The evening view from the bedroom
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!
Picture
Buy the best your money can afford, as some of the pieces I took onto my next home and there is never any point throwing good money after bad. I basically furnished most of the flat from Ikea, end of season sales and vintage stores. No joke here. The value for money available for someone on a tight budget is incredible. But I did check the quality and make a balanced decision on certain items.
  • Art you can take with you, it doesn't wear much at all - so enjoy it and invest with your heart.
  • Bedding - we spend so much time here, make it comfy.
  • Plants - Unless you are a serial plant killer these can last for years. I have had an orchid for 9 years and my kumquat tree a strong 5 years!
Flat pack ikea furniture. moving in
My guest room full of flat pack furniture
Layout is important. Its no  fiction that the Brits live in some of the smallest homes in the EU. So be wise with your layouts and really think on how you want to use your space. My flat was only 700sq ft., which for a two bed two bath was actually sufficient.  But I had to plan my space properly. Some of my top space saving tricks:
  • I got a gateleg table which I tucked under the breakfast bar, as I didn't want to eat on a stool for every meal. It came out into the living room when I was making dinner for 6 (which wasn't too often) and also gave my parents something to do while I was making dinner.
  • I had some folding chairs which tucked neatly away into the utility for when I didn't need them.
  • A comfy sofa bed! As big as your space allows.
  • Ottoman beds are great for storage.
  • Go up - wall suspended furniture is great for freeing up that valuable floor space. Think about shelves above doorways and even suspending things from the ceiling. 
gateleg table, drop leaf table, console, gate leg
A good example of a gate leg table
Introduce character - I needed some soul in my place. A new build has no history, no-one inhabited this space 20 stories up in the air at any time before me. So there I was the pioneer, needing to inject some humanity into this man-made space. I went vintage. This was a cheap and environmentally sustainable way of decorating my home. I trawled the vintage markets around Manchester for anything from vintage frames to ottomans and serving plates. Things that caught my eye came home with me. That reflected some of my soul back into my space. I still do this from time to time. 
Gallery wall, vintage furniture, art, midcentury modern,
Combining vintage and new pieces in your home can introduce much needed character in a new build
Command 3m Hooks are great! I had most of my art work up on these babies, and they rock! They don't destroy your walls and  are super easy to move about. Winner!
If I was giving advice now to myself a few years ago , I would say: Don't be too precious with those brilliant white walls. Enjoy it a little, go for colour. If you really do not think that your property will sell with that colour on the walls, you (or the new owners) can re-paint it when it comes to selling. Also buy once and better, I had some purchases that after 3 years of life, looked very worn, and that s fine, but there is no point in wasting your hard earned cash on something that isn't going to last you any significant period of time. 
sunset view, manchester
The view from my balcony
I totally sobbed when I locked the front door of my flat for the very last time. The movers were beside themselves. And even though I love my current home, there is always a little special place in my heart for my first nest. 
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Why hire an interior designer?

15/4/2019

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​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. 
breakfast nook with cobalt blue seat coushins, white round marble table in the centre with three metallic vases with flowers in the centre. pink cushions on either corner are fringed with pompoms. There is a large bright window across the nook and a gold multi drop pendant above it. a roman blind hangs in the window with a paisley/leaf blue pattern on it. In front f the table are two gold wire framed chairs with fabric seat cushions
​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. 

The value I give to my clients as a designer includes a dedicated and well thought out scheme from beginning to end, with all aspects considered for the process ahead.

​This is including lighting, heating, furniture layouts that work for different times of the day and uses of the space, storage, aesthetic  cohesion and detail.  I draw inspiration from the clients and what they require and dream of the space before we embark on the journey as it allows me to create a more bespoke space and a place that they truly feel nested in. 
Click here to book your free consultation
dark blue painted fireplace and alcoves with treasures and frass highlights. a large sweatheart plant is  trailing on the mantlepiece. on the floor there is a berber rug and a  tan leather sofa to the right and a cream armchair to the left. Above the mantle is a round mirror reflecting light across the room. the coffee table in the centre has some lovely flowers and books on it
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. 
a long marble breakfast table with modern brass legs sits in front of an ochre upholstered bench. opposite it are three green chairs with dark wood frames. The table has a large vase with a green branch in water. looking further into the next room you can see a large sectional sofa in a dark brown agaisnt a large piece of art and a panelled wall.
inky indigo panelled walls and brass lights above with a grey sofa on the right side. two cream arm chairs on the left and a leather ottoman in the centre. on the ottoman is a brass tray with some beautiful objects. in the corner is a large fiddle leaf fig tree.
These images used above are not of my own work, but inspiration images I used on clients mood boards.
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Peter Grech in Altrincham, Cheshire, UK on Houzz
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Peter Grech in Altrincham, Cheshire, UK on Houzz
Peter Grech in Altrincham, Cheshire, UK on Houzz
Award winning Interior Design  & Styling -  Cheshire, UK
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