A catch-up with interior designer, Nicola Manning.
Describe your design style.
Client-led and customised. I don’t have one style, but I do enjoy industrial aesthetics, art deco, and Hollywood glamour!
What services do you offer?
For residential renovations and new builds, we offer the full range of interior design services: spatial planning, kitchen and bathroom design, cabinetry design, furniture, accessories, window treatments, and all interior finishes.
Tell us about your fees?
It’s a combination of flat fees and hourly charging. After our initial meeting, I prepare a design proposal outlining the scope of work, deliverables, and fees. Also included here is the information on product purchasing and discounts. Communication is key so that there are no surprises.
Can you work within a budget?
Absolutely, the earlier we discuss the budget the better. We also involve tradespeople early on to discuss the expected cost. As we move through the design process, we remain focussed on the three pillars of design, budget, and timeframe. If we believe that the budget is too small, we can work to prioritise and maximise your investment.
Will there be regular updates?
We have scheduled in-person meeting as we move through the design process, for design presentations, feedback, and product/showroom visits. We also keep in touch regularly through email.
What’s your approach for clients with their own style?
A client’s home should be a reflection of them, not the latest trend. We use detailed client briefing sessions to really drill down into the details, guiding clients and suggesting new ideas. It’s good to push them to the edge of their comfort zone while honouring their vision for their home.
How do you prioritise functionality and practicality?
In our concept design stage, we use floor plans to work with our clients to create the best flow, layout, and functionality. Once that’s locked in, we layer on the visual aspects, illustrated through the elevations, 3D perspectives, and coloured renders.
Assessing the durability and practicality of materials and finishes of products is crucial. We need to use products which suit the requirements of our clients to enable a timeless, durable design.
How do you handle selecting and sourcing material and furniture?
In the concept stage, we create mood boards showing the direction of the materials and finishes, enabling us to share our design vision with clients and to get feedback. In the developed design stage, we refine the selection of hard surfaces, fittings, soft finishes, and furniture. We then take our clients to see full-sized stone slabs, appliances, plumbing fittings, and furniture selections. Once finalised, everything is documented in a specification schedule.
We have developed strong relationships over the years with manufacturers and suppliers meaning we can offer clients access to a wide range of products – often discounted.
Do you mind working with existing furniture?
No, we often work with clients moving from a family home into a smaller place; or into a larger home as their family grows. We work together to select existing furniture pieces which will work both in terms of style and size. We may select new fabric to have furniture pieces recovered, or have furniture renovated and refinished.
Do you collaborate with contractors and other professionals?
Collaboration is a strong aspect of our service, and we work closely with architects, builders, and other tradespeople for the very best results.
