Creating two living rooms in one with careful space planning and complementing colours to create a balanced room with character and purpose.
Creation of a Bespoke Media Wall
A while ago I was commissioned to design a bespoke media wall unit for a clients living room. The brief was for a contemporary and clean design with storage and shelving for decorative items to be placed creating a central focus for the room.
I presented my clients with a number of different sketch designs and created 3D sketches of the furniture placing it in situ to allow them to more clearly understand the scale and future look of the finished product. A wall hung ‘floating’ design was chosen which included 3 storage cabinets and shelving spaced around the TV. Finishing touches were added to the design such as warm LED strips concealed within the shelves to illuminate her decorative items and to create a warm glow in the evenings.
Working alongside my local furniture maker we finalised the measurements and finishes, agreed on final pricing and schedule the fitting of the furniture. And Ta da! The finished media unit appeared with my services taking the stress out of the process and creating a bespoke item which ticked all of the boxes!
If you think you need help with your own home design please feel free to contact me for more information.
2022 Home Trends - The Chinoiserie Revival
Taking inspiration from the 18th Century trend for Chinese and Oriental wall coverings comes a bold new take on Chinoiserie. Whether it’s a subtle nod in the direction or a head on riot of pattern and colour, Chinoiserie subtly started sneaking back in 2021 but for 2022 there is no doubt it’s returned in a big way.
Contemporary Living Room Shelving & Storage Solution
I frequently work with my clients on bespoke carpentry solutions for their home. Often I work with homeowners to create a concept and produce drawings for them to use with their own carpenter, which is the case with the example shown here on the blog today. In other instances I work to create a concept, produce the drawings, then liaise with my local team to build and install the piece in to a clients home, this could be in the form of say a media wall or home office.
A Home Office Haven
A botanical inspired design for my clients home office. Now that hybrid and home working has become the norm then why would we choose to sit at a drab desk in a forgotten corner of our homes. By investing in our home office we are investing in our wellbeing. See how nature and femininity has inspired my clients new sanctuary for a productive home working life.
Luxury Ensuite Bathroom Transformation
From a depressing time warp to a luxurious contemporary ensuite bathroom. I share my plans for my hardworking clients ensuite, a place for them to relax and refresh. A high-end finish with honed marble, brushed brass taps and designer lighting and a lighting plan to ensure their new ensuite would transform in to a sanctuary to be enjoyed for many years.
Choosing the Perfect Sofa for your Home
For many of us choosing a new sofa is a big investment so we really want to make sure that we still love it in years to come. In fact, there are so many elements to decide on when selecting the perfect sofa that the whole process can become a little daunting. That’s where my new Sofa Selection Service comes in to play, as I help clients to select the perfect sofa for their home and guide them away from any potential pitfalls helping them to make an informed and happy decision. Oh and did I mention that my service also offers access to my trade discounts with major sofa companies such as Love Your Home, Darlings of Chelsea, Swyft, Loaf and Sofa.com with savings up to 20%!
So what kind of things should be considered when selecting your new sofa? Of course there’s the size; from fitting it through the door way to ensuring it doesn’t over crowed the room and block the flow, plus crucially the correct seat depth for a comfortable lounge. How about the style? For example will you be seating guests and therefore need a slightly more formal style or do you want to cozy down with your feet up to watch a movie in front of the fire at the end of a busy day? Fabrics can also be a tricky decision especially when you throw in to the mix children and pets! Then there’s the colour, leg style, height, filling material, price and manufacturers guarantee. Phew! Who knew it could all be so complex. But as a I mentioned before…it doesn’t have to be if you give me a call!
Eclectic Blue Living Room: A Quick Room Refresh
Sustainable Fabrics for the Home
A recent client project took me on a search to find sustainable soft furnishing fabrics. With sustainability and eco consciousness becoming a hot topic in the world of interiors I thought this would be a straight forward search however finding beauty amongst the beige proved a little more challenging. Here I share my top pics for sustainable home fabrics, showcasing talents such as Charlotte Gaisford and Fermoie amongst others.
The Pink Bathroom Project
A beautiful yet functional downstairs family bathroom with a pink and clay scheme complete with brass fittings and a natural terracotta floor. Farrow and Ball’s Jitney and Setting Plaster combine to make a soft and natural scheme for a relaxing bathroom.
Project Boot Room
Detailing a clients boot room project with bespoke cabinetry with plenty of storage and atmospheric vintage style decor.
My Top Picks of the Best Interior Design Books
The best interior design books not only serve to inspire but helpfully guide the reader through their problems and deposit them out the other side with practical solutions and a solid foundation on which to create their ideal interior space. So today I’m sharing my top 5 interior design books which have helped to inspire and educate me along the way and should stand proud on any interior enthusiasts immaculately curated bookshelf.
Let There be Light! My Favourite Plug-in Wall Lights
If you’re looking to light up that dingy corner of your living room or create some much needed drama to an uninspiring space take a look at my top picks of plug-in wall lights currently available on the market. Discover my favourite plug-in wall lights to help create interest in your home without a hefty electricians bills. Perfect for task lighting in your home office or to create cozy bedside lighting in an instant, these will be your new go to home accessory.
Create Your Dream Bathroom with 3D Rendering
Create your dream bathroom using the magic of 3D rendering. Bringing your perfect bathroom to life before making any big investments, allowing you to see different styles, fittings and layouts in lifelike images.
https://www.helenshoemark.com/blog/createyourdreambathroomwith3drendering
How to Plan Your Perfect Room
Home Interior Design services to help you plan your perfect room. Using 3D rendering to create a lifelike room for clients to see before making the investment.
Creating a Concept Board for a Shaker Style Scullery
CommentA concept board for a Shaker style scullery using rich greens, copper, terracotta and ceramics. Building atmosphere and a timeless design incorporating antique paintings, traditional laundry maid, shaker shelving and panelled walls.
The Perfect Pink Tile
“I’d like to do pink tiles..but not pink pink, more blush or maybe natural, not girly, a grown up pink..does that make sense?” So this was how my search began for the perfect pink tile for my clients family bathroom.
Are You Pandemic Nesting?
Is pandemic nesting now ‘a thing’? Read my musings of how todays frantic world is causing us to hit the DIY shops.
My Favourite Online Stores for Affordable Lighting
Introducing my favourite online shops for affordable home lighting. With a penchant for high-end designer lighting I take a look at the affordable alternatives available to buy online, with design led pieces that don’t break the bank and will add style and interest to your home decor.
How Hiring an Interior Designer Could Save You Money.
Did you know that hiring an interior designer can actually save you money rather than adding an additional cost to your home improvements? Find out about how you can benefit from our industry discounts and how technology has helped reduce the costs of hiring a designer.