a design assistant's point of view

2012-01-09T23:46:00.000Z

Heather Jenkinson Interiors

Hi everyone - I’m Kathryn, Heather’sassistant. I started working for Heather last October, and apart from the factthat we share the same taste in tea ('strong but milky and no sugar, thank you'), whatI’ve found most fascinating is seeing how closely Heather works with her clients.

It’s all about collaboration. Remember thatclassic 90s programme Changing Rooms? Good design works in exactly the oppositeway.

Giving Laurence Llewelyn Bowen free reignto go mad with MDF may have made for entertaining TV, but back in the realworld an interior designer won’t try and impose their aesthetic on your space.

Instead, Heather works hard getting to knowher clients. What do they love about their home, and what do they hate? Whichpieces of furniture are non-negotiable, and which are they dying to get rid of?Is their home a place to entertain or a relaxing retreat from the world? How dothey want their living space to make them feel?

All this information is gathered up before the design workstarts. Heather can then add a fresh perspective and some lateral thinking, aswell as the experience and ability to see innovative design solutions.

That dark poky room can be transformed intoa sophisticated reading area. Outdated heirloom furniture can bere-contextualised with the right colour palette and surroundings.

The result is an environment that feels bothnatural and comfortable to live in. It reflects the clients and theirpersonalities, but in a way they couldn’t have visualised at the beginning ofthe journey. That’s where the skills lies, and why you might wantto hire an interior designer.

Of course, a lot of work goes into interpretationof the client’s ideas. For some practical tips on what to do with two clients thatjust can’t agree, see Heather’s2011 interview with the Independent. Or you can read interviews withHeather on AriannaInteriors, and MyDecofor more background.

We’d love to know what you think – what’sthe best way for designers and clients to work together successfully?

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(Kathryn used to help run Hidden Art and now, aside from helping keep me sane, she is also the author of a very charming blog called 'Yes, I like that'. I love this post, particularly - isn't she clever?! HJ x )

heather jenkinson: blog

a design assistant's point of view