Interior Designer Q&A

At the end of each blog we ask you to write in and let us know of any questions that you may have! Thank you to everyone who has sent in a question. We will be going through a couple and writing our answers below!

1. What made you choose to become an interior designer?

I have always wanted to become an interior designer. As a child I was always creative and busy making things out of anything I could get my hands on. I wanted a career where every day is different and that is certainly the case with interior design!  I am obsessed with before and afters and seeing the transformation gives me such a good feeling.

2. What made you decide to start your own business?

I have dreamt of having my own business for years. It was the ‘end goal’ after training and gaining experience. Being made redundant, due to the company I was working for going into liquidation, forced me into it a little bit sooner than expected. But taking the ‘leap of faith’ has been the best decision and it feels really good.

3. What made you call your company Athena Interiors?

Athena is the Greek goddess of amongst other things, wisdom, courage and inspiration.  I wanted a name that embraced my passion for design and creativity as well as appreciating the everyday process that a designer goes through as we research ever-changing trends.

4. What is your biggest inspiration as a designer?

I live in the beautiful Monmouthshire countryside and that’s one of my main inspirations. I love all the colours and textures that are found in nature and I  use them in my design.

As a designer you are required to design for your clients brief. People’s lifestyles can be a huge inspiration, especially when you meet people and listen to their stories and their lifestyle.  Learning how they use the space they occupy.

Georgian and Victorian buildings and interiors are also an influence,  I like to add a contemporary twist that will allow the designs to sit in the modern world.

5. Who is your favourite interior designer?

I am a great admirer of Sophie Robinson and the way she uses colour to create fabulous designs.  I love colour and the psychology of colour.  How you use colour will change the mood of a room. It’s about creating a scheme which enables people to feel the room as well as respond to what they see visually. Sophie Robinson is also passionate about the psychology of colour and this is so evident in her work.

Kelly Hoppen is also a huge inspiration, her achievements are incredible and she is often talking about her journey. Her biography is definitely worth a read!

6. Can I afford an interior designer?

There is a lot of assumptions with interior designers and how they may not be affordable. At Athena Interiors we pride ourselves in offering affordable design services. Our design fees are refundable against a minimum spend.

In general, you can often save money by hiring an interior designer. They often have access to discounts from multiple businesses that they can pass on to their clients. Interior designers are trained to work to your budget and can help you to work out the areas that money is worth spending on. You can avoid costly mistakes and purchases by utilizing a designer’s knowledge before starting a project.

7. What interior design services should I expect from my designer?

Most interior designers offer an initial free meeting to discuss the design brief, budget and expectations.  Other services an interior designer can offer are;

PDF presentations, Colour scheming product boards, samples, lighting designs and plans, CAD plans, Elevation drawings, Visuals, furniture selection, product research, space planning, product and cost comparisons, flooring selections, wall finishes, window treatments, lifestyle requirements, budget plan and accessories.

8. What is the most important factor when designing a room?

The most important factor is having a vision of what you want. If you are not sure how to achieve this then hiring an interior designer is invaluable. You want your space to reflect your personality and be functional and inviting at the same time.
If you are doing a room yourself, be care not to get ‘excited’ and carried away. Before you go out and start buying pieces of furniture and accessories that may not match, get help in narrowing down your options and take your time focussing on the look you want to achieve. Some colours complement each other whilst others clash.

9. Should I have anything ready before I meet with an interior designer?

Before meeting with your interior designer it is really important to think about what you want to achieve in your desired space. For example how you will be using the space, is it a dining area? Entertainment space? or a room that you want to relax in in the evening?

Budget is a large factor to think about. You don’t want your designer to create something that is completely over budget and just not achievable. This would leave both you and your designer disheartened.

Any photographs or inspirational images that you like are also really helpful for your designer to get a good starting point.

10. How do you make a small room look bigger?

A simple way to start is by eliminating any clutter. Small objects make a small space look too busy. Go for a simple, streamlined look. Use cool light colours, such as pale blues and greens and use a colour scheme that isn’t too ‘fussy’ as this would cause the room to look cramped. Add a few large but simple accents, such as a large lamp in a clean design.

Sarah x

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If you are interested in our interior design services please get in touch.  We offer an initial complimentary meet and greet with prospective Clients.

It is essential for us to get to know our clients to get the best out of the project. This is an opportunity for us to discuss the project in some detail, and for us to gain an understanding of what is required.  We specialise in space planning, lighting and colour scheming.

Sarah and her team can call on the expertise of local crafts people skilled in making furniture, headboards, curtains and blinds.

If you are unsure about the service you require then please get in touch. We are a bubbly, friendly team and are more than happy to discuss your requirements and answer any questions.