Finding the Light

I was chatting with our Project Manager this afternoon when she mentioned in passing that she had recommend a potential client look at my blog before she even thought to mentioned my website (which is lucky as it's not ready, yet...). 

A couple of things she mentioned liking about this blog are that 'it's generously spirited' and that I don't ever try to sell my work to my readers. Of course, it's always great when people get what you're about but it made me think about why I don't share my work with you, more? You know, chat about what I do and how I do it?

And so, earlier this evening I popped in to see a client who's project I had completed a while back (he has asked me to do other sections of the house, this time). It was such a pleasure to see the place in much the same state that I left it. I took this photograph of the bathroom storage area that I conceptualised (furniture designer & maker Claire Darwent designed and built it out of solid Iroko - this wood was once science school desks) and I wanted to show it to you because I think it's a very clever use of space. 

There is not a straight wall in this house and so Claire had a job on her hands getting it to work but doesn't it look great? I love the warm wood against the cool charcoal (metallic) wall tiles. 

What I love most about this project is how well it flows - you may have heard of this term. Flow relates to how light (and colour) moves through the home and it has everything to do with good spatial layout. Achieving a good flow is one of the most important things to get right when designing an interior.

A little known fact: for a year, whilst completing my studies at Saint Martins, I worked as a florist - much like interior design, it's not nearly as glamorous as it may sound but knowing how to arrange flowers is such a useful skill. In fact, I've found that there are a number of 'transferable skills' between being a chef, a florist and an interior designer. Working with colour is an obvious one but really, time management is king.

   

I selected and commissioned most of the art in this house. The architectural paintings are the work of Beth Louise Walker. Just how talented is she?! I love these paintings - she also did the life drawings, above. (Beth is a delight to work with and a wonderful friend, too.)

This handrail was originally painted white and once we stripped it down we found out why... (Luckily, it was nothing a little restorative work couldn't fix.) Now, it's a defining feature of the house. We also stripped the (yellow toned) Maple floors and applied a walnut finish.

Do you see the how the light and colour palettes, in each room, connect?  What do you think? Does it work for you? And whilst we're here, what hidden skills do you have? I'm curious...