Nicola Manning is the insightful and talented head of NM Design. She’s an expert at curating and creating designs to fit every brief. Whether it’s natural, contemporary, classic, timeless, quirky or elsewhere—Nicola knows how to incorporate a bit of your character effortlessly into a space. Verve had the chance to chat with the multi-award-winning designer about business, life and inspiration.
What does an average day look like for you?
Varied, I could be out meeting clients or suppliers, or in our studio office working on concepts and detailed designs. No two days are the same.
What are the benefits of a well-designed home?
So many! A sense of being ‘at home’, comfort and enjoyment in their home. A lifestyle improvement — they can now entertain family, friends and share their home with them. An improvement in the financial value of their home. A sense of being safe and comfortable. These feelings are even more important in the Covid environment we are going through. We are finding that home working spaces are becoming a critical part of what clients need for their homes.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing the look of delight on our clients’ faces when they see their completed spaces. Over the years, I have had clients say that the space we created for them, has totally changed and improved their life.
Where do you seek inspiration?
Pre-Covid, I travelled to international design fairs and events, which were very inspiring. Seeing the latest products, meeting other designers and product suppliers encourages new ideas. Even if you don’t realise at that exact time. Ideas and thoughts come back to you. I find, the colours and textures found in nature and in different seasons, can trigger exciting ideas.
What are the rewards of hiring an Interior Designer?
Engaging an interior designer in your project will provide significant value-for-money. You will have a partnership to work through the necessary decisions like layout, design, finishes, colours, appliances, lighting, and so on. It can be overwhelming to make these decisions on your own and costly mistakes can happen. A professional and experienced designer, with a proven design process will help you achieve the feel, functionality and vision. The process will be considered, logical and less stressful.
How do you create character for a client’s project?
We look at what the character aspects are in their spaces that need to be enhanced or built on and we also look at aspects which need to be minimised or completely changed. The architecture of the building also plays a large part. Another significant way of adding character to our client’s spaces is to incorporate features and pieces — such as furniture, art, accessories or travel mementos — that are unique to that client and their taste. It’s very important that their home tells a story about them, rather than look like a bland staged space.
What are the unique markers of your design style?
Attention to detail and incorporating our client’s favourite items. Each client’s project is unique and has design solutions customised specifically for their needs and spaces.
