An Interior Designer Explains the Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Renovating Your Home.
At Rachel Usher Interior Design, we love renovation projects and have executed dozens of home renovations on behalf of our clients over the years.
We’ve seen mistakes happen many times, and often these could have been avoided if homeowners had planned earlier and anticipated potential pitfalls. Renovating your home can be an exciting venture – a great opportunity to transform how you live – but without proper planning and forethought, it’s easy to fall into common traps. Not all homeowners choose to work with an interior designer who can help prevent these mistakes, so to help you navigate the renovation process more smoothly, we’ve outlined the top five mistakes to avoid, ensuring your project stays on track and achieves the results you hope for.
At Rachel Usher Interior Design, we love renovation projects and have executed dozens of home renovations on behalf of our clients over the years.
We’ve seen mistakes happen many times, and often these could have been avoided if homeowners had planned earlier and anticipated potential pitfalls. Renovating your home can be an exciting venture – a great opportunity to transform how you live – but without proper planning and forethought, it’s easy to fall into common traps. Not all homeowners choose to work with an interior designer who can help prevent these mistakes, so to help you navigate the renovation process more smoothly, we’ve outlined the top five mistakes to avoid, ensuring your project stays on track and achieves the results you hope for.
1. Failing to Establish a Clear Budget
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is underestimating the costs of their renovation. Whether you’re updating a single room or embarking upon a full home makeover, it’s crucial to establish a realistic budget from the outset. With renovation projects, costs can quickly add up. Small details are important to ensure your space feels considered and not rushed. Taking the time to plan, cost out even the less significant elements, and thoroughly research your options is essential for both the success of your finished space and your bottom line!
How often have you gone into Costco for toilet rolls and ended up spending £300, only to wonder how everything in your trolley added up to that? Then you check your receipt, and yes, it’s all there. Renovations are no different. You may have quickly calculated the price of the tiles or sanitary ware but overlooked shipping, the several bags of screed your plumber needed after discovering the state of the existing floor, and the extra-special finishes you chose for your brassware.
Many projects run over budget due to unforeseen expenses, but by allowing for a contingency of around 10-15%, you’ll be better prepared for surprises along the way.
Tip: If you’re working with a professional interior designer, be completely honest with them from the outset about your financial limits. This will help guide decisions on materials, finishes, and scope, and even manage your expectations if they are unrealistic.
2. Ignoring the Importance of Design Cohesion
Renovating individual rooms without considering the overall design of the home can lead to a disjointed look. Each space should flow seamlessly into the next, maintaining a consistent aesthetic throughout. This doesn’t mean every room needs to look the same, but there should be a sense of balance in the colours, materials, and style choices you make. Think of a hotel or a spa – even though it’s your home, you wouldn’t expect to visit these commercial spaces without experiencing a sense of unity between the spaces.
Before embarking on a renovation project, we recommend spending some time defining your preferred aesthetic. While it’s an interior designer’s job to develop this for you, if you’re undertaking the project without professional help, it’s worth immersing yourself in magazines and online imagery to create a storyboard of what you like, often this will start to build a picture of common design choices that you resonate with.
Tip: Working with an interior designer will help you unravel the more intangible elements of design – the nuances of space that relate to your personality and lifestyle. Your home should tell your story and make you feel connected to the things that matter.
3. Overlooking the Practicalities
It’s easy to get carried away with the excitement of a project, but really consider how you want to live. Functionality should never be an afterthought. Be mindful of how you use your space on a daily basis and ensure your renovation enhances your lifestyle rather than complicating it. For example, open-plan layouts can be beautiful, but they may cause difficulties for family living if not carefully considered. Imagine when one child wants to study while the other wants to play music, and you’ve only got the one shared space.
Tip: Consider the flow of your home, storage solutions, acoustics, and the practicality of your design choices, ensuring they fit the overall aesthetic and enhance your daily life.
4. Cutting Corners with Materials and Contractors
While it may be tempting to opt for cheaper materials or less expensive contractors to save money, this can be a costly mistake in the long run. We’ve often seen clients make this decision to save money by using their own contractors, but this approach rarely delivers the best results. Short-term savings often lead to long-term dissatisfaction, with poor-quality workmanship that doesn’t meet expectations. Less expensive contractors may lack the skills and expertise required to deliver a high-quality finish – it’s true that you get what you pay for.
Tip: Invest in quality materials and hire reputable contractors with the skill to deliver a fine finish. This is a decision you won’t regret. At Rachel Usher Interior Design, we carefully select skilled professionals to bring our design visions to life with the highest level of craftsmanship.
Tip: Invest in quality materials and hire reputable contractors with the skill to deliver a fine finish. This is a decision you won’t regret. At Rachel Usher Interior Design, we carefully select skilled professionals to bring our design visions to life with the highest level of craftsmanship.
5. Not Considering the Long-Term Impact
Home renovations can significantly increase the value of your property if done correctly, but if you make choices based purely on current trends, you may find your home feeling outdated in a few years. Additionally, not all renovations offer the same return on investment, so it’s important to prioritise changes that will benefit both your lifestyle and your property’s future market value.
Also, choosing materials that will stand up to daily use and won’t date quickly is a wise decision. With the rise of Instagram, it’s increasingly difficult not to be drawn into easily imitable looks, but opting for something unique and harder to replicate often means your design choices are easier to live with in the long term.
Tip: Aim for a balance between timeless design elements and a few modern touches that can be updated as your taste evolves. Thoughtful planning and a curated approach will ensure your home feels relevant for years to come.
Renovating your home should be a rewarding experience, transforming your space into one that truly reflects your personality and lifestyle. Being aware of potential pitfalls will help you navigate the process and lead to a successful renovation project. If you’re planning a renovation, the investment in expert guidance can help push the boundaries of what’s possible, ensuring a beautifully designed home you’ll enjoy living in for years to come.
The Importance of Lighting During the Changing Seasons
Lighting is more than just a functional aspect of our homes; it plays an essential part in how the interior design affects the mood, ambience, and even our sense of well-being. Throughout the year, as the seasons change, the natural light that fills our homes shifts dramatically. From the long, sun-soaked days of summer to the dim, cosy evenings of winter, understanding how to adapt your interior lighting is an important one.
Photography Credit: Two Bears Studio.
Why Lighting Matters in Interior Design
Lighting plays a pivotal role in defining the aesthetic and atmosphere of a space. A well-lit room can feel spacious and welcoming, while poor lighting can make even the most beautifully designed room feel dingy or cold. The right lighting can enhance textures, colours, and the architectural features of your home, and can play an important part in how your home feels and your enjoyment of being within it.
However, as the seasons change, the quality and quantity of natural light fluctuates. This calls for a thoughtful and adaptable approach to interior lighting, which can enhance how your home feels during any given season.
Lighting in Spring: An Abundance of Natural Light
As the days start to get longer and the sun rises earlier, spring brings a welcome influx of natural light. The light is rising in the sky and you will undoubtedly notice how spring light highlights features of your room that have otherwise been dimly lit for the winter. This change in light often also brings out our urge to spring clean. At this time of year, make the most of the daylight, try pulling back heavy curtains and blinds to let the sunshine flood your rooms.
However, spring’s often unpredictable weather means it’s important to have layered lighting in place. Opt for adjustable options, such as dimmable lights or floor lamps, to create a balance between the natural light and your indoor lighting, there are also many wonderful re-chargeable table lamps and even wall lights available now which means that lighting can be re-located easily, which can help draw attention to different parts of the room. Additionally, consider introducing fresh, warm lighting to enhance the bright and colourful atmosphere of the springtime. Think soft gold or white LED bulbs that mimic daylight without feeling too harsh.
Summer Lighting: Keep it Cool and Bright
In summer, the abundance of natural light means that indoor lighting often takes a back seat. During the day, sheer curtains or light blinds can diffuse the sunlight, preventing rooms from becoming too harshly lit and protect furnishings from the risk of bleaching. Evening lighting in summer should create a soft, relaxing atmosphere which can be a welcome and relaxing affect after a day spent in bright light.
Focus on keeping the lighting cool and minimal. Recessed lights or pendant lights in the kitchen can offer enough illumination without overwhelming the space, as the evenings are much longer lighting will generally only be used minimally. Outdoor lighting also becomes a consideration at this time of year, for a more relaxed vibe, fairy lights or lanterns can add a whimsical touch for alfresco dining or late-night summer gatherings.
Autumn Lighting: Create Warmth and Comfort
Photography Credit: Two Bears Studio.
As summer fades, the shorter days and longer evenings of autumn make a pronounced arrival and the difference in light is often something you will not only notice, but talk about. This significant change has a circadian affect upon our bodies and calls for a cosier atmosphere indoors as we begin to retreat and spent more time hunkered in our homes. Now is the time to introduce warmer tones into your lighting scheme. Soft, ambient lighting creates a snug, intimate feel, perfect for autumn’s chillier evenings.
Table lamps, floor lamps, and wall lights are your allies here, casting warm pools of light that add depth to any room. Consider using bulbs with a lower Kelvin rating, around 2,700K, for a warmer, more golden hue. This kind of lighting complements the autumnal palette of oranges, browns, and reds that typically adorn our homes during this season.
Using glass lanterns with candles also add a sense of warmth and comfort to our homes and can give our spaces an atmospheric and welcoming atmosphere.
Winter Lighting: Maximise Brightness and Cosiness
Winter brings the shortest days and the least natural light, the light is also cooler than at other times of the year and sits much lower in the sky. To combat the darker, colder season, a multi-layered lighting approach is essential. Overhead lights will provide great task lighting, however you’ll need additional lighting to avoid a cold or clinical atmosphere.
Introduce accent lighting through the use of candles, string lights, or floor lamps with warm-toned bulbs to add a soft glow to your living spaces. Consider task lighting in areas like kitchens or home offices where brighter light is needed. LED lights are a good option for winter, as they offer brightness while being energy efficient, a bonus during the colder months.
For an extra cosy touch, consider adding dimmer switches to your lights so that you can easily control the mood, whether you're hosting a winter gathering or curling up with a good book.
Conclusion: A Year-Round Lighting Strategy
Creating a lighting plan that works through every season can elevate your home and improve your quality of life. By layering your lighting, choosing the right bulbs, and embracing the seasonal changes in natural light, you can ensure your home feels warm, welcoming, and functional no matter the time of year.
When designing your lighting scheme, don’t forget the power of accent lighting and dimmable options for creating flexibility. Whether you’re brightening up a gloomy winter evening or embracing the light-filled days of summer, the right lighting can transform your space and help you to fully appreciate your home tduring the changing seasons.
Finally, at Rachel Usher Interior Design, we have always designed our schemes with a sgtrongh emphasis upon lighting, believing that lighting should always be breathtaking.
For expert advice on creating the perfect lighting scheme for your home, feel free to get in touch with us here we will help you craft a lighting installation that is not only functional, but is also a thing of beauty.
A Guide to Preparing Your Home for the Festive Season
The festive season is upon us, and as the nights draw in and the natural light takes on that northern bluish hue, it's the perfect time for us to turn our attention indoors and infuse our homes with warmth and festive touches. As an interior design studio we understand the significance of creating a space that not only welcomes guests but also embraces the magic of the season. In this guide, we'll explore practical and stylish ways to prepare your home for the holidays.
Declutter and Create a Blank Canvas
Before diving into festive décor, start with a clean slate. Decluttering not only helps you organise your space but also provides a blank canvas for festive embellishments. Put away unnecessary items, tidy up surfaces, and create a sense of openness that allows the decorations to be the focus.
Set the Scene with Seasonal Colours
Classic Christmas colours are always timeless and make the best investments, infusing your home with the rich and inviting colours will help to curate an elegant and tasteful look. Deep reds, lots of greenery, and touches of shimmering golds will create a festive palette that instantly transforms your space looks tied together. Consider incorporating a similar set of hues into throws, pillows, table linens, and decorative accents such as candles to evoke a sense of festive magic.
Illuminate with Festive Lighting
Lighting plays a pivotal role in setting any mood or ambiance. Consider swapping out regular light fixtures with warm, ambient lighting more atmospheric lighting. String lights, candles, and decorative lanterns all add a touch of cosiness and create a captivating and welcoming atmosphere.
Dress Your Tree with Style
The Christmas tree is the centerpiece of festive décor. Opt for a theme that complements your existing interior, whether it's traditional, modern, or whimsical. Coordinate ornaments, garlands, and tree toppers for a cohesive look that reflects your personal style. Remember that trees can look more luxurious by dressing the area closest to the trunk with fillers such as oversize baubles, or added greenery from a garland or stems or faux eucalyptus.
Create Inviting Seating Areas
As friends and family gather, think about how you will socialise with friends and family, re-arranging your seating to make spaces feel more convivial will help ensure that social events flow more easily and enhance group dynamics. Adding plush throws and cushions to sofas and chairs, and creating a focal point such as the flicker of a warm fire, or a grouping of candles will encourage guests to relax and feel immersed in the atmosphere of your home.
Embellish with Seasonal Accents
As a design studio we like to focus upon the natural elements of seasonal scheming, using natural elements such as pinecones, eucalyptus, log slices and and evergreen branches for a timeless and organic aesthetic. Creating mantle decor and table centre pieces with these fresh elements will also infuse your home with the abundance of fragrance that is so nostalgic of seasons passed.
Personalise with Family Traditions
Infuse your festive preparations with personal touches that reflect your family's unique traditions. Display handmade ornaments, showcase cherished heirlooms such as handed down dinnerware and create a display that tells the story of your family's journey through the years.
Consider Scent and Sensibility
Enhance the festive experience by appealing to the senses. Light scented candles with notes of cinnamon, pine, or vanilla to fill your home with delightful aromas. Scented potpourri and essential oil diffusers also contribute to a sensory-rich environment.
Preparing your home for the festive season is not just about decorations; it's about creating an atmosphere that resonates with joy and togetherness. With thoughtful planning and a touch of creativity, your home can be warming and inviting this festive season. Embrace the warmth and the moodiness of season, allowing your home to become the backdrop for cherished moments and unforgettable celebrations.
Elevate Your Living Space: The Value of Hiring a Professional Interior Designer
In the pursuit of creating a home that truly reflects your personality, maximises the interior architectural vernacular whilst also embodying your lifestyle, the role of a professional and accredited interior designer cannot be overstated. Interior Designers bring a unique set of technical skills that transform the spatial arrangement of homes into personalised spaces, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetics and enhancing that way in which we inhabit our spaces.
Tailored Solutions for Individual Tastes
A designer’s professional capability allows them to interpret your preferences and translate them into a cohesive design language. Whether your style is contemporary, traditional, or eclectic, a competent and experienced designer will curate a space that resonates with your individual tastes and aspirations for living.
Maximising Space and Functionality
One of the key strengths to employing an Interior Designer is their ability to optimise space. Trained to apply a keen eye for detail and the planning of spatial arrangements, ensuring that each room serves its purpose efficiently and whilst also maximising functionality and flow. With careful planning and the application of technical benchmarks delivered through CAD plans and computer generated visuals a skilled designer will ensure that all opportunities to maximise space and enhance the way in which a place will be occupied are considered.
Access to Exclusive Resources
Interior designers stay ahead of the latest design influences and innovation, attending international design events and keeping abreast of best practice and emerging materials. Often, through the application of their craft they have spent many years upon establishing a trusted network of suppliers which are not typically available to the general public. By appointing a designer your project will be curated with access to the highest quality suppliers, craftsmen, and artisans, resulting in a home which is unique and crafted from selected materials and finishes that add a bespoke element to your home.
Investment Optimisation and Cost-Efficiency
A designer’s expertise in executing high calibre projects and handling significant budgets that also have to deliver against high expectations will mean that they understand how to maximise investments and avoid costly pitfalls.
Their knowledge and access to high quality materials ensures that your investment goes a long way, dovetailed with technical expertise to transform your interior architectural space, the result is simply transformational.
Hiring an interior designer is not just about crafting a bespoke home; it's about curating a space that resonates with your soul. The technical expertise, creativity, and attention to detail that designers bring to a project embodies your unique identity and adds immeasurable value to how you inhabit your home. Investing in the services of an interior designer is not merely an expenditure; it's an investment in your well-being, and your lifestyle. Find out more about our services here.
Bathroom styling advice from an interior designer
Bathrooms can often be one of the smallest rooms in a home, creating functionality is most people’s primary objective, however, thought should also be applied to elements of the space that will create the greatest impact, enhancing your feeling of relaxation and sanctuary.
Consider your main views such as when you open the bathroom door, what will your eye immediately be drawn to? Likewise when you linger in the bath what is your perspective from there? Taking the time to imagine yourself in the space will enhance how you view it from different angles.
Early consideration of storage solutions will also go a long way towards improving the functionality, are there any awkward corners that can be transformed into a cupboard with slide out shelves that contain all of those unsightly bathroom essentials?
Often bathrooms can be considered as a purely utilitarian space, which can leave them feeling cold and uninviting. However, a bathroom does not have to feel disconnected from your overall home style and can also carry hero pieces like an open fireplace, or a dramatic coloured piece of furniture such as the vanity unit or a freestanding bath tub, these features can add warmth and an unexpected element of personality to a space.
Windowless rooms are naturally dark and so this is your opportunity to play with the atmosphere, consider installing mirror to niches and alcoves, and generally play to the moodiness of the space to create an unexpected sanctuary.
How to create a cosy bedroom using colour
Creating comfort within a bedroom space is probably the most important element to sleeping soundly, when considering which colours to choose when decorating a bedroom I recommend using neutral hues and applying texture in layers, this will create a comforting and warming space.
Colours are energetic in nature and this is why neutral off white colours which are found lowest on the visual spectrum provide calming effects which resonate more deeply, particularly during times of uncertainty. However, too much brilliant white can also risk looking stark and austere, to avoid this try applying accents of soft warmer hues particularly those which are also found in nature will help to create a sense of tranquility.
Green & Blue;
Green is known to harness feelings of trust and comfort. A soft green hue can be enough to create the sense of harmony.
Blue is also another colour that is commonly found in nature and associated with relaxation and positivity, a clear blue sky or a restful lake for example.
Recent colour trends have seen a move towards pinks and blush tones, however these colours contain pigments of red which is an excitable colour often associated with danger and anger and not conducive to restfulness and high quality sleep.
If you are enjoying the new blush tones and would like to use this palette in your bedroom try using tones which are more ‘buff’ and similar to skin, this colour is more familiar and trusted and allows your scheme to be on-trend without being over stimulating.
Read our contribution to Livingetc’s article on cosy colours for bedrooms here.
Our interior design services are crafted to offer us the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients. No two clients are the same and our service structure is reflective of this where we mindfully balance our time between projects of various sizes and locations; providing a high-end, luxury service we’re extremely proud of.
If you’re looking for interior design services, please get in touch with our studio here for further information.
Ways to refresh your home this autumn to engage all five senses
When the seasons change, it's a good time to refresh your home décor. But did you know that your interior design can appeal to all five senses? Here Hayley Baddiley from ceramics brand Denby shows you how to engage all the senses with your interiors this autumn.
When the seasons change, it's a good time to refresh your home décor. But did you know that your interior design can appeal to all five senses? Here Hayley Baddiley from ceramics brand Denby shows you how to engage all the senses with your interiors this autumn.
Autumn is a wonderfully sensory season, full of unique sights, senses, sounds and smells. The colours of the changing leaves and the sound of the rain are recognisable features of this time of year, and let us know that a new season is here. So, it's the perfect time to revamp your home to make it pleasant for all your senses, using the time of year as inspiration.
Not only is this a fun activity, but it can also make your home more relaxing. Recently, the Royal Institute of Architects conducted a survey that found 31% of respondents thought that improving their home's design would help them relax more. This is a great opportunity to turn your home into a comfortable, calm haven as the winter weather sets in.
Here's some ways that you can add to your interiors to make them sensory and relaxing.
Sight
The first sense we think of when planning our interiors is of course sight — we want our rooms to look beautiful, and to create a relaxing atmosphere. Use lighting and colours to evoke positive emotions and create a sense of calm. Neutral, calming colours can be used on walls and woodwork to brighten a room and enhance natural light. Warmer colours can be used to make a room feel cocoon like. Pick out your favourite colours, and use shades that you find soothing.
Add house plants to your décor to bring a bit of the outside into your home, as more greenery can help improve wellness and even air quality as a bonus. Dried flowers can also add a natural aesthetic, without the hassle of regular watering.
Sound
When contemplating how to bring aural elements into your décor, think about what kind of sounds you enjoy. If you have a home sound system, it could be ideal to have some calming background music or a podcast playing throughout the day, or you might consider some small speakers that you can move around the house. If you find natural sounds relaxing, consider moving your furniture nearer to the windows so that you can hear the wind and rain — the perfect cosy combination when reading on an autumn afternoon.
Touch
Touch is much more important to the design of our homes than we might think at first — we tend to concentrate on how everything looks, but how everything feels is equally as important. So, incorporate soft, varied textiles into your interiors for maximum cosiness this autumn. Wool rugs and textured throws are an ideal option for this, as are silks and cottons. In general, you should aim for organic fabrics rather than synthetic ones, as these will be softer and bring a natural feel to your house.
Taste
Many people have rediscovered cooking throughout the pandemic, as working from home has allowed us to spend more time in the kitchen. Autumn brings with it plenty of seasonal produce that we can explore in our recipes, so try using pumpkin, turnips, and carrots to create warming, hearty meals. Maximise taste by adding herbs and spices, and make it fun by trying out new dishes.
Treating yourself to some new plates, bowls, and mugs can also refresh your kitchen and encourage you to spend more time cooking. Stoneware ceramics are a classic choice that will look stylish in seasons to come, plus they feel pleasant to use too.
Smell
There are lots of ways you can incorporate scents into your décor, and it can be extremely subtle or more overt depending on how you're feeling. The most overt way is to get a diffuser, which you can choose soothing scents for such as lavender, aloe vera, or various other mixes. This is a great relaxation tool, as it allows you to have a little aromatherapy whenever you want.
For something that stays more in the background, try having nicely scented plants throughout your rooms. Herbs are a great choice, as they smell beautiful and can also be used in cooking. Mint, basil, lavender, and rosemary will all give your kitchen a nice sensory addition.
Autumn is a sensory time, from the changing landscape to the smell of the crisp air we experience in this season. So, it's a great time to refresh our interiors and make our homes into havens of wellbeing and relaxation. Follow our tips, and you'll be on your way to having a home that engages all your senses to create a calm atmosphere.
Bathing - An opportunity to reconnect mind with body.
Bathing is a ritualistic and restorative experience, and perhaps our only opportunity within a day to re-connect mind with body. We have understood for centuries that water is a cornerstone of wellness and the experience of bathing should be cherished and appreciated, as a moment where we take precious time to slow down, stop and rejuvenate.
Bathing is perhaps our one opportunity each day to reconnect mind with body.
Is it time for our approach to bathroom design to focus more upon the experience of wellness, materiality and balance rather than merely the utilitarian process of washing.
Perhaps we are witness to a movement, and one which has taken an unexpected and powerful turn. Prior to 2020 there was a recognition that our world never stopped for a moment of pause, which challenged us to think about new ways of combining our relentless need for technical connectivity into the functionality of our daily lives. We saw brands harnessing the power of integrated technology allowing us to maximise every moment to digitally connect with the world.
The global pandemic of 2020, has presented us with a polarising need to enhance our health and wellbeing by taking valuable time to unplug and relax, whilst also simultaneously accelerating the digital revolution. It seems that our desire to disconnect, and yet remain digitally connected, have become uncomfortably intertwined.
Typically when we retreat we find inner peace, and these opportunities promote physical and mental well-being. However, the social isolation collectively brought upon us during the global pandemic, has left many of us searching more deeply to understand what it really means to take time out and reconnect with our inner state. Recent experience has taught us that simply pausing and spending time alone can be counterproductive to our emotional health if it is not done with restorative intention and mindfulness.
As we emerge into the post pandemic era, we have the opportunity to realign our approach to wellness, ensuring that human centred design enhances the emotional and sensory experiences of our daily activities, ultimately aimed at re-balancing our overall well being.
“Bathing is a ritualistic and restorative experience, and perhaps our only opportunity within a day to re-connect mind with body. We have understood for centuries that water is a cornerstone of wellness and the experience of bathing should be cherished and appreciated, as a moment where we take precious time to slow down, stop and rejuvenate.”
The act of bathing and submerging our bodies in water is understood to have the ability to improve health and wellbeing, from improving circulation and sleep quality, to lowering blood pressure and helping to fight the symptoms of depression, yet this moment of our day is still mostly regarded as a utilitarian process to wash.
Applying a deeper understanding to water and wellness and appreciating that bathing is of fundamental importance for our emotional and physical well-being, we can look to enhance our interaction within a space, and consider more carefully the material choices that we make for our bathrooms. We have an untapped opportunity to create a relaxing, spa-like experience that can nurture the soul, and whether we are looking to create a classic or contemporary space, we can enhance the feeling of authenticity by specifying finishes that epitomise timeless and effortless design such as the Samuel Heath One Hundred Collection.
The One Hundred collection has caught our attention by the stunning use and interchangeability of refined materials. Allowing one range of brassware to transcend multiple bathroom aesthetics, from the opulent clear or black crystal roundels, or the addition of gloss black chrome and knurling detail options.
It is important when creating a tranquil bathroom that careful consideration is given to the layout, materiality, and the removal of all visual clutter, which will provide a pure and meditative space, encouraging a positive and peaceful atmosphere to get lost within.
Samuel Heath - Craftmanship and Integrity
Samuel Heath have been manufacturing desirable taps, showers, bathroom accessories, and door and window furniture for over 200 years, combining a tasteful, contemporary and minimal approach to British design which simply demands to be enjoyed.
“Each collection draws upon British design talent for a sense of uniqueness, distinction and elegance. ”
Bathroom design should create a space that the user can interact with in a seamless and uninterrupted way, creating a sense of unity, serenity and calm.
A focus upon detailing and high end materials like brass and marble will create a spa like experience, whereas light reflecting finishes which create visual interest and texture such as polished plaster will create a raw aesthetic which when combined with luxury brassware results in a powerful combination.
Adding an element of the unexpected will create a more compelling space, the soft muted honey tones of the One Hundred collection in the antique gold finish provides an elegant and classic look, yet has the shape and form which is abundant of modern and contemporary styling.
A thoughtful approach to bathrooms can provide not only a quality experience which is intended to be cherished, but also allows us to engage with materials which are tactile and aesthetically refined, pieces which are intended to be objects of beauty on their own. When specifying brassware and sanitary-ware, taking the time to consider the shape and form of each piece and allowing them to breathe with the deliberate inclusion of space around them will elevate the design. Fundamentally, it is the things that we engage with, hold within our hands and interact with that resonate most deeply, forming a lasting impression of quality.
Bathroom design is an investment not only in our homes, but in the way that we approach our self-care and wellbeing. Carefully considered spaces which intentionally set out to create an enveloping and nurturing experience, harnessing the deliberate movement towards rethinking what it really means to retreat and spend time alone. By investing in our inner self we must also invest in our homes in a mindful and considered way by carefully selecting items which are designed not simply to perform, but that will stand the test of time and the transcendence of trends.
For further information visit Samuel Heath inspiration page.
Our interior design services are crafted to offer us the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients. No two clients are the same and our service structure is reflective of this where we mindfully balance our time between projects of various sizes and locations; providing a high-end, luxury service we’re extremely proud of.
If you’re looking for interior design services, please get in touch with our studio here for further information.
The Importance of Understanding the Difference between an interior designer and a home stager.
Attempting something for the first time can be daunting and hiring an Interior Designer is no exception. Knowing if your visions will align, if they are qualified professionals, how long a project takes to complete and most importantly; what is billable - are all are common questions to ask yourself. This weeks journal entry provides inspiration for the types of questions to not only ask your designer but yourself - before hiring.
As an accredited Interior Architecture and Design practice clients are often surprised what a full Interior Design service involves.
Understanding that professional Interior Designers will look at the whole vernacular of a space, and apply a highly detailed level of technical skills into the interior architecture and spatial design, achieving a highly considered and elevated space.
Identifying what value a professional Interior Designer brings to your project, and that it is not merely their creative eye that you are commissioning, but also understanding that they bring value through their high level technical capabilities and interior architectural approach. As you embark upon your project it is important that you achieve a synergy with your chosen designer, sharing a common desire for the resulting possibilities. This will often come from considering not only the unique skills that they bring, but also their particular creative perspective.
Interior Designers are experienced qualified professionals who are looking to deliver a high level bespoke service. They will have a strong portfolio of work to demonstrate their unique design approach. Whilst many designers will be able to shift across design styles, and meet varying client briefs, it is an important consideration to select an interior designer based upon their creative zone of genius and particular speciality.
It is not uncommon for prospective clients to contact a professional Interior Designer looking for colour advice and dressing/styling services. Whilst this does form part of a larger package of professional interior designers services, as a stand-alone service this typically falls more in line with the service offering of a Home Stager or Home Stylist.
In The United States this type of professional service is widely embraced and is much more common place than it is in the UK, often being referred to as an Interior Decorator, however, in the UK this can lead to confusion as this terminology would be more commonly understood to be a painter, hence why some Interior Stylists/Home Stagers often prefer to identify themselves as Interior Designers, making it complex for a client to differentiate between the two professions when the lines are so blurred.
Professional accreditation is both an important measure of a designers professional competence and academic training, whilst simultaneously offering consumers the confidence in knowing that the professional that they are looking to hire is not just a hobbyist and will approach their project with diligent care and skill.
Rachel Usher Interior Design is a fully accredited Interior Design practice with the Society of British and International Interior Design (SBID) , a tightly regulated body which requires all members to meet a stringent criteria for accreditation and follow a strict code of ethics and conduct. This particular accreditation also allows designer to achieve International recognition of professional skills which is particularly important if working overseas. We are a multi disciplinary team and all Interior Designers within our team are full professional members of SBID.
Equally, there is the Home Staging Association UK & Ireland offering accreditation and professional credibility for Home Stagers and Home Stylists, bringing recognised integrity to an alternative group of interior professionals. Rachel Usher Interior Design is not a member of the Home Staging Association, being an Interior Design and Interior Architecture practice Home Staging is not one of our offered services.
The role of an Interior Stylist or Home Stager within the industry is not to be dismantled, indeed our studio is often approached to undertake this type of work and invariably we have to decline these opportunities finding that such work is not a good fit for our team, accepting projects that are not a good fit would also be a disservice to the client.
Home Stagers / Stylists can often execute projects more quickly and typically for a lower investment due to the reduced amount of technical planning work and site remodelling required. Home Stagers / Stylists offer a skill set and professional experience which can transform peoples homes and provide a simpler level of support and guidance to clients who are looking for a creative eye to achieve light cosmetic decorative results that they themselves could not have imagined.
Understanding the different professional services, and associated professional bodies will guide clients in ensuring that the correct professional most suited to their project deliverables, is appointed.
We’ve put together five key questions to ask any Interior Designer or Interior Architect as well as five important questions to ask yourself - for clarity and peace of mind from the very beginning of the process.
5 key questions to ask an Interior DesignER or Interior Architect
1.
How do I know that you are a PROFESSIONAL interior DESIGN service ?
There is a difference between hiring an Interior Designer or Interior Architect to that of a Home Styler/Stager - Interior Designers and Interior Architects are technically skilled, experienced and formally trained in executing bespoke, structural visions. You can learn more about what makes interior design a profession, rather than a hobby here.
All good Interior Design practices will be able to demonstrate skill, knowledge and experience through a portfolio of work. If you are presented anything that you don’t understand, technical drawings for example, ask the designer to explain these to you - this will provide you with an even better understanding of both the designers technical knowledge and experience.
2.
Do you have a predefined design style or are you able to design based on an individual clients AESTHETIC aspirations?
Some clients seek a particular Interior Designers services as way of attaining a particular predefined style - which in most cases the designer is well known for, whilst others prefer to work with a designer as a means to finding their own unique look.
A reputable designer will be able offer both, catering to the individual client their own vision through various principles. At Rachel Usher Interior Design we consider the various senses when concepting a space; light, texture, scent and colour are all considered and developed based on an individual clients needs and aspirations. This approach combines what we see as integral to the success of a design and allows the clients individual sense of self and style to be reflected through our strong design perspective.
3.
Are you able to work to my budget, which is…
It is extremely important to approach design budgets with a realistic and transparent approach. Experienced designers are able to design spaces which meet varying budget requirements and will provide honest feedback from the beginning if a budget doesn’t align with the clients aspirations.
An Interior Designer won’t be able to provide an exact figure for the project as a whole from the very beginning as it takes time to develop a design and to identify the specific associated costs. They will however be able to explain what is chargeable such as design fees, admin and project coordination as well as how they invoice and purchasing procedures. A seasoned Interior Designer will also be able to indicate investment levels required to achieve certain results.
4.
How does your interior design process work?
Every interior design studio will have their own processes and structure and will be able to explain this in advance, clearly and concisely. Interior design is a process and takes time, anyone promising short timescales for deliveries should be approached with caution - it’s likely that the work produced will not be thorough. Good designers will be working with multiple clients in tandem and producing works catered to each individual client, managed effectively with specific studio time allocated to each client.
Our own interior design service structure incorporates multiple stages following the RIBA plan of works - we offer a a carefully crafted structure which allows for client feedback between each stage.
Follow the link here to learn what may be involved within each stage, according to your individual needs.
5.
How much involvement is required from me?
The purpose of paying for an Interior Design is to outsource the time, knowledge and skills required to create a truly considered, beautiful and functional space so it’s important to make the most of the opportunity. Your Interior Designer should be happy to do everything for you whilst encouraging any feedback and thoughts at key stages during the design process - to ensure their vision aligns with the project brief. As a client it is important to make time for meetings with your designer and to eliminate any distractions so that honest and thoughtful feedback can be used to progress designs in a timely manner.
5 key questions to ask YOURSELF BEFORE MEETING WITH an Interior DesignER
1.
What do I need from my interior designer?
It is essential to have a clear idea from the beginning of what is required from your Interior Designer. Start by thinking about your ideal scenario, everything you would need to fulfil your aspirations for the space, a realistic investment level and making sure that this aligns with the projects budget.
Most Interior Designer’s will be working with more than one client at any given time and will allocate dedicated studio hours; based on what has been asked of them from the beginning. If additional works with clients arise during the design process which weren't discussed at the very beginning it’s unlikely that time will be available to start extra works immediately. Designs fees will also be calculated based on the original scope provided so make sure to communicate everything that you require at the very beginning.
2.
What is my budget for the project as whole, including design fees and installation costs?
Having a clear understanding of the costs involved in designing a space is the most important factor to consider when hiring an Interior Designer. Remember, it’s not only the products which require a budget, in most cases design fees will be charged and invoiced in stages along with the costs incurred for project coordination, craftsmen, admin and handling the procurement process.
Transparency is the best way to approach all new relationships and this open approach from the beginning will allow the Interior Designer to work towards your individual needs - and budget.
3.
When do I require all works to be completed by?
Just like the best restaurants or hotels - most Interior Designer’s require booking in advance. The design process is just that, it’s a process and time is required not only to research and develop ideas but to source individual samples or finishes and then formulate these into a clear presentation.
Once designs have been finalised nearly all high-end products require a lead time which can be anything from a few weeks to a few months. Quality items are in most cases made bespoke for you by skilled craftsman - they’re not mass-manufactured ‘off-the-shelf’ products and time is required to engineer these investment pieces which are intended to last a lifetime.
When working with builders or architects the most efficient and cost effective way to manage a project is to hire your interior designer at the same time, this will ensure clear and effective communication from the very beginning and eliminates the possibility of repeated works due to design changes.
4.
Do I have an idea of what my personal style is?
You’re hiring an interior designer because you recognise that you require professional expertise however it’s likely that you will already have an idea of what you like and also what isn’t reflective of you. Communicating this to your interior designer in your initial meeting will be beneficial to yourself and to the interior designer, setting the project off in an appropriate direction from the start.
Providing visuals is the best way to communicate any initial ideas or thoughts, many of our own clients come to us with rough ideas collected on Pinterest which is quick and simple way to demonstrate your thoughts and feelings; just one or two images will be more than enough for an Interior Designer to get an idea of what it is you are looking for . If you do feel unsure and need a place to start - think about hotels or restaurants where you loved the decor and wished you could have something similar at home.
5.
In what areas can i be flexible and what do I not want to COMPROMISE on?
Most clients don’t have a limitless budget and occasionally comprises have to be made. Core elements of a design which you feel would add value to your life should never be compromised on and identifying what these individual components are is important to avoid disappointment - as is thinking about what you could live without if your investment doesn't quite cover your ideal scenario.
Contact us
Our interior design services are crafted to offer us the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients. No two clients are the same and our service structure is reflective of this where we mindfully balance our time between projects of various sizes, scopes and locations with varying deliverables; providing a high-end, luxury service we’re extremely proud of.
In most cases we begin new relationships with a friendly chat on the phone. We will ask you some questions around your project aspirations and it is important that you answer them as transparently as possible, this allows us to gain a better understanding of the project and it’s individual requirements. We will follow up the call with a an overview of how we work and examples of previous client projects, a FAQ’s document and an investment planner if required. Following this, if we feel that we are a good mutual fit we will offer an initial design discovery zoom call during which we can establish the full scope of work allowing us to prepare a design fee proposal for your consideration.
If you’re looking for residential interior design services, get in touch with our studio here for further information or follow this link to our Interior Design Services page.
Reflecting upon a pivotal year - 2019 in review
2019 offered our studio the opportunity to continue to deliver a number of discerning projects, utilising our design teams high level technical capabilities, we were able to continue to build upon our prestigious portfolio of highly crafted and meticulously detailed luxurious interiors.
Clients have recognised Rachel Ushers design aesthetic, which has a clear focus upon bespoke finishes, texture, intricately considered details which are highly complex in the background, yet deliver a strong aesthetic which is bold in form and also demonstrating simplicity, which is achieved through the thoughtful application of considered design details executed in the early planing stages.
2019 - The National Stage
Winner of the Best Interior Design Practice at the Northern Design Awards.
Luxury residential Interior Design Studio
After our move to our current studio in late 2017, initially taking the time to establish our design teams presence within the space, we entered early 2019 with a review of our branding. Choosing to work with the highly talented Two Times Elliott . Working closely with director and founder James Horwitz, James developed our brand identity in-line with our studios design philosophy, curating a brand which demonstrates a subtle expressing of light and shadow, materiality and texture, a reflection of light and balance. Our brand is an ongoing journey and we continue to develop plans to drive our creative direction forward into the next decade, ensuring that as a design studio, we practice our own beliefs and values, and create a client experience that is as considered at all touch points as it is within our digital and physical space.
As a company we have continued to nurture up-and-coming talent, seeing our junior Interior Designer develop her skills before relocating to be with family, and our undergraduate intern flourish before returning to university to complete her studies. 2019 has also seen the recruitment of a full time Project Manager and Design Technician - Peter Lodge, and more recently an in-house accountant - Eve Lager. We continue to offer a paid internship placement for an undergraduate student - having recently welcomed Harriett Jackson from the University of York to work with us during her undergraduate studies, and we look forward to welcoming another full-time Interior Designer to our team in the very early part of the New Year.
“I have always believed in people, and people, much like teams, will evolve over time. Encouraging and developing talent is part of my responsibility to the industry. At any one time my studio team are like an extended family, each bringing their own depth of character into our company culture, and rolling their sleeves up and delivering work with dependability and commitment time after time, I am deeply proud of what our team have achieved this year”
Stockholm Furniture and Light Fair 2019
In February we experienced a true Scandinavian winter and visited the Stockholm Furniture and Light Fair .
Perhaps the most obvious influence was the wave of beige that could be seen repeatedly throughout the show, encompassing a range of warm almost terracotta hues within the shade - a bold and significant step away from the tonal greys which have dominated interior palettes for many years now. This new palette was accented with subtle pinks, and organic greens, feeling semi flamboyant and energised against the backdrop of many years of monochromatic greys.
We listed our top-five-highlights from this most influential design show here, noting references which we felt were most notable within our industry; in particular, accessories, colour, functionality, tactility and scent.
The Scandinavian Furniture and Light Fair is unlike many design shows, in that Stockholm itself is somewhat geographically interesting, and many of the installations are spread across large distances around the city, adding into this the harsh Scandinavian winter which can make navigating around challenging. However, we can now laugh at how we walked in 3 ft snow drifts for over an hour to reach a train platform that took us on a train right passed our accommodation, quickly learning, once aboard the train, that we need not have walked at all. The reward for this school boy error was undoubtably seeing wild deer meandering around the suburbs in pristine snow and that sense of appreciation at something so breathtaking amongst the sublime.
When the walk home just gets too much.
ISH Frankfurt 2019
In March we visited ISH Frankfurt, which is the leading event focussing upon water and energy design within buildings, setting the trends for modern bathroom design, sustainable heating and air-conditioning technology as well as intelligent home systems.
Our visit to Frankfurt was courtesy of our industry partners C.P.Hart and offered an insightful opportunity into many brands which we regularly specify, in particular Gessi, their exhibition display was a jungle of botanicals and water, celebrating the philosophy of water and wellness. This philosophy resonates deeply with our own brand values - the understanding that thoughtful and considered design has a positive impact upon our emotional wellbeing.
In addition to Gessi, a strong focus was placed upon the importance of seamless and integrated technology, allowing our experience with water to remain a ritualistic experience, whilst also delivering connectivity of the modern age. Hansgrohe for example have expertly developed Raintunes, a shower scenario which treats all five senses, combining sounds, light, scent, touch and balance to create various experience’s - ranging from exercise recovery to relaxation after a long day at work.
We wrote about the emotionally considered home following our trip to Frankfurt and our post can be read here
Luxurious residential Projects
2019 offered our studio the opportunity to continue to deliver a number of discerning projects, utilising our design teams high level technical capabilities, we were able to continue to build upon our prestigious portfolio of highly crafted and meticulously detailed luxurious interiors.
Clients have recognised Rachel Ushers design aesthetic, which has a clear focus upon bespoke finishes, texture, intricately considered details which are highly complex in the background, yet deliver a strong aesthetic which is bold in form and also demonstrating simplicity, which is achieved through the thoughtful application of considered design details executed in the early planing stages.
2019 has represented a significantly busy year to date for the studio and we are very privileged to have been commissioned to work upon some truly prestigious projects, many of which will come to completion during 2020. As we look forward to an energetic year ahead, we are planning with meticulous detail our studios programme to deliver a wide genre of projects, which are already set to include a midcentury style outdoor garden pavilion, a selection of large prestigious home redevelopments, and a mix of luxurious kitchens and bathrooms. Rachel our Founder, and Claire, our Design Director remain focussed upon delivering all designs under their joint close eye and direction, working personally to all clients and supported by a carefully selected team of Managers, Technologists, and Interior Designers.
With so many outstanding projects delivered this year, each with their own carefully crafted design and ethos, we have selected two projects that were particularly technically driven demonstrating our studios expertise in executing truly bespoke interiors. Our Conscioulsy Connected project where we carefully detailed a bespoke home office maximising the use of engineering throughout the design, and also Renewed Wellness, our latest bathroom project which has been delivered using a thoughtful application of materials to deliver a seamless impermeable finish.
Further projects completed towards the end of the year have been photographed and will be added to our website shortly here, follow us on Instagram for automatic updates when new projects are incorporated online.
Amara Interior Blog awards
The Amara Interior Blog Awards celebrates and engages with the most authoritative and respected bloggers in the interior blogging industry. Interiors retailer Amara recognised blogging as an integral part of the interior design industry.
We continue with our aim of deconstructing the commonly perceived notion of design simply being about aesthetics only, and our interiors journal helps us to explain why, to us, creating a memorable interior experience with an emotionally considered approach is the only way to add meaningful value to a space, to add a benefit to our experience from the built environment and why health and well-being are so innately connected to our experience of the space around us.
We were overjoyed to learn that for the second year running we were nominated within the ‘Best Interior Design Blog’ category. With your help we became finalists and were lucky enough to attend the prestigious awards ceremony at One Marylebone, London hosted by renowned interior design duo, Sophie Robinson & Kate Watson-Smyth who is otherwise known as Mad About The House
“To attend the ceremony was reward in itself, and to learn on the night that we were crowned as winners of the Best Interior Design Blog UK was a phenomenal surprise and a huge accolade to the time that we invest in sharing our philosophy with you. We were described as the ultimate trend setters by some of the most significant influencers in the industry - we remain bursting with pride at this magnificent achievement. ”
Thank you to the judges and to everyone who voted.
NORTHERN DESIGN AWARDS
The Northern Design Awards immediately followed the Amara Awards, and bring together designers, architects, retailers and property developers in a glittering celebration of northern design and style. 2019 saw the Rachel Usher Interior Design Studio become finalists in the categories for Amazing Spaces, and Best Interior Design Practice.
Judged by the best in the business, these awards serve to recognise excellence across the North of the UK, and to achieve a finalist position is a fantastic achievement.
Culminating in a glamorous gala dinner at the Principle Hotel in Manchester, Founder - Rachel and Design Director - Claire attended the event and received the winners award for the Best Interior Design Practice, presented by Aneeqa Khan, founder and CEO of E-Porta.
“This award is a recognition of the outstanding talent within our design practice, the bravery to apply new and innovative techniques to our work, and most of all the confidence to lead the interior design industry and not to follow. ”
Rachel and Claire will also vouch for how much fun a silent disco can be! - Human glitter ball anyone?
Winners - Northern Design Awards 2019 - Best Interior Design Practice
What to expect in 2020
As we glance back to what has been a magnificent year, and still buoyed by the glittering award ceremonies and accolades, it is at the forefront of the entire teams mind that 2020 promises to be an exciting year that will only be achievable with dedication, focus, and commitment. We have some of our most outstanding projects yet to come, and almost granularly precise time management will be the order of the day/year.
As we enter 2020 it is at the back of our mind that we are also forging our international reputation and whilst much of this remains under wraps for now, we are excited to be developing new and key relationships overseas in some of the most interesting places.
We will continue to take inspiration trips and for those who would like to share the experience with us - follow us on Instagram here.
Towards the beginning of the year we will be looking to expand our studio team further still. Our future vacancies will posted via our careers page here but in the meantime, if you’re a qualified interior designer, technician, programme manager or you are an overall highly organised and creative individual with a genuine passion for design - we’re happy to hear from you on a speculative basis. If you would like to get to know our current team a little better, you can read about our studio team on our website.
You can also expect exciting digital content collaborations with some of our industry’s finest pioneers - add @Rachel_Usher to your follow on list on Twitter for collaboration updates as they happen. We would also encourage you to join our community of loyal journal subscribers here .
We would like to take the time to say thank you to everyone who has joined us on our journey so far, we choose to only work with the very best suppliers and industry professionals, and our peers share our passion for attention to detail and uncompromising quality.
We would like to wish all of our suppliers, industry peers, and most of all our clients, without whom we would be nothing, a wonderful, happy and healthy 2020.
A Sanctuary For Sleep
A restful night's sleep is crucial in our efforts to live a happy and healthy life. Sleep has profound effects on both body and mind, reducing stress, improving memory, maintaining weight whilst positively impacting our general well being state of mind. This month's journal entry explores the key elements required to create serenity and peace for the ultimate sound sleep experience…
Image Credit: Harrison Spinks
Creating comfort within a bedroom space is probably the most important element to sleeping soundly. A high-quality mattress should always be the foundation of the space, providing the body with correct and proper support is integral when encouraging restorative sleep, as are the fibres used to create the mattress itself.
Harrison Spink are one manufacturer whose exacting standards for quality sleep have resulted in award winning mattresses, crafted using natural sheep wool fibres without the use of pesticides, best for wicking away moisture and regulating body temperature.
“Innovation is at the heart of Harrison Spinks, and it is the continuous investment in technology which has allowed us to become the most vertically integrated bed manufacturer in the world. We never rest, because only the very best will do.”
Body temperature regulates over the course of the day by internal rhythms, the bodies temperature begins dropping in the evening and continues throughout the night. This drop in body temperature triggers drowsiness and is your body’s cue that it may be time to go to sleep. It also makes you increasingly sensitive to external temperatures throughout the night and it is therefore, extremely important to regulate the temperature of both your bedroom and any other elements we come into contact with when sleeping.
The companies use of locally grown fibre crops such as hem, flax and wool lessens the impact on the environment too with lower CO2 and greenhouse emissions.
Alpaca wool is another ethical option that we advise, with products free from the use of chemicals or dyes and the animals themselves treated with the best of care to ensure a healthy and glossy fleece is maintained. Unlike other industries, Alpacas are not killed for their fur or meat and are unharmed when sheared and the hollow nature of the wool fibre allows molecules to move freely ensuring body temperatures remain cool and dry consistently throughout the night.
“Sleep keeps us well. So when the world is fast, we slow down. When there is noise, we are quiet. Where there’s plastic, we go back to nature. And where there is waste, we build to last a lifetime. We make fewer than 1000 beds a year, because quality sleep needs the best beds, not the most.”
Other healthy and breathable materials best for moisture wicking and temperature regulating include Horse tail, Mongolian yak, cashmere, cotton. Having spent over a century perfecting the art of sleep, Savoir Beds hand craft their luxury mattresses using these natural materials, tailored to each individual clients specifications, body, your style. The result is luxuriant, unparalleled bounce and longevity, reducing pressure points in tandem with regulating body temperature.
Bedlinen is equally important. Utilising soft, luxurious natural fabrics equates to better absorption and is breathable whilst providing insulation in colder months. The premium cotton ranges by Coze are a natural take on opulence and are products we regularly specify within our high-end interior design schemes due to the linens luxury credentials and the brands sustainable ethos.
High-quality & restful sleep
Lighting is also an integral aspect of a considered sleep environment and requires thoughtful planning at the initial design stage.
Eliminating electronics also encourages enhanced sleep quality, the blue light often associated with electronic devices is known to suppress melatonin production which can impair sleep. Watching television for example stimulates the mind, leaving you feeling more awake and less able to fall asleep easily. The same applies when using mobile phones, tablets or laptops at bedtime, creating an electronic-free bedroom will result in a balanced atmosphere and encourage a sense of restfulness.
When heading to sleep it is extremely important that the space is as dark as possible, we understand that this sentiment isn’t for everyone, however, darkness does protect your body’s ability to produce melatonin, the hormone responsible for making us sleepy and will promote a high-quality and restful sleep. Curtains and blinds which black-out external light sources also help to provide the required level of darkness, as well as the sensory textures required to make a space feel soft and comfortable.
It is essential that the lighting levels throughout the space are balanced to create a comfortable environment. When considered in layers lighting is not only more visually interesting but also allows the space to be customised depending upon how the space needs to function at different times. Curating lighting in this way provides the option to turn down the illumination of the space through each individual source, gradually reducing light to ease the mind fluidly towards sleep.
Image Credit: Harrison Spinks
The sound of Silence
Noise at night can obstruct sleep, creating restless and inconsistent sleeping patterns, even if these sounds don’t consciously wake or interrupt a sound night of sleep. Sound interruptions affect the movement from the lighter to the deeper stages of sleep, protecting your environment for the duration of the night will provide consistent sleep patterns resulting in a higher quality sleep.
The introduction of carefully considered layers of tactility will not only add to the sense of luxuriousness but will also help to absorb noises coming from elsewhere. In bedrooms the use of carpets and the abundant use of highly textured fabrics such as within the curtains, will all increase the noise cancelling benefits.
Comfort & Contentment
Curating a subtle yet warm palette of colours, obtained through building a variation of earthy neutral hues at different levels, provides a harmonious atmosphere to connect with. Warm and embracing, these palettes resonate most in times of uncertainty as warmer hues are found lowest on the visual spectrum and provide calming effects. Layering tones with accents of chalky hues, complemented with natural materials such as lightly toned wood further enhances an emotionally rewarding aesthetic.
Allowing a space to breathe highlights the design choices made within it. An appreciation of object’s and their narrative value, whether that be collectables or iconic furniture design, is integral as an approach when crafting a space to leaves us filled with comfort and contentment. Minimising items of loose furniture and accessories creates a sense of space overall and the feeling of calm within, required to ensure a rejuvenating night of sleep.
Contact us
If you’re in need of professional expertise please do get in touch; our interior design services are flexible, allowing us the freedom to cater to projects of various sizes. We work closely with all of our clients to realise imaginative spaces which truly reflect your vision and aspirations with the aim of enhancing your at-home-experience.
We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions here, with detailed answers to provide you with reassurance and some clarity of what to expect when working with our experienced design studio.
Best Interior Designer Blog 2019; Rachel Usher Interior Design Nominated For Amara's Annual Interior Blog Awards #IBA19
We’re incredibly proud to announce that for a second consecutive year we have been nominated within the Best Interior Designer Blog category at the annual Amara Interior Blog Awards. This year we continued to take a fresh look on how interiors are inextricably linked to health and wellbeing and why investing in an Interior Designer is just that; an investment.
After years of working closely with many talented individuals, interiors retailer Amara recognised blogging as an integral part of the interior design industry.
Introducing the concept of an Interiors Blog Awards in 2013, the campaign to celebrate and champion bloggers from various backgrounds has since grown tremendously.
Last year Amara introduced a new voting system for shortlisting each categories entries - combining a judging panels views with a public vote to produce an overall score; culminating in a prestigious awards ceremony held in London.
The Amara Interior Blog Awards 2018, saw nearly 50,000 votes cast, of which many of you contributed; resulting in ourselves as a top three finalist for the all-important Best Interior Designer Blog category.
We couldn't have been more grateful, the grand-finale awards ceremony hosted by former ELLE Decoration UK Editor-in-Chief, Michelle Ogundehin, was an evening we’ll never forget and are extremely thankful for. It was a truly rewarding experience and confirmed that what we do, and say, connected with both our clients and the prestigious judging panel.
Rachel Usher Nominated for a second consecutive year
We’re incredibly proud to announce that for a second consecutive year we have been nominated within the Best Interior Designer Blog category.
This year we continued to take a fresh look on how interiors are inextricably linked to health and wellbeing and why investing in an Interior Designer is just that; an investment. Our 2019 journal entries explored these sentiments, where we discussed topics such as Emotionally Inspired Home Technology, our discoveries at the Scandinavian-design epicentre, Stockholm, The Annual Furniture and Light Fair and saw an interview collaboration with Eporta, where Rachel Usher discussed the studios interior design perspective and why emotionally considered design truly matters.
RACHEL USHER INTERIOR DESIGN X EPORTA: HOW DESIGN DEFINES MOOD.
In a conversation with Eporta, the fresh-thinking interior procurement company for some of the worlds most iconic brands…
Rachel Usher discusses the studio’s latest projects, our interior design perspective and why emotionally considered design truly matters.
STOCKHOLM FURNITURE AND LIGHT FAIR 2019
We travelled to the Scandinavian-design epicentre, Stockholm, for the cities annual Furniture and Light Fair…
Filled with the latest innovations in interior products and lighting, we the city left feeling re-energised, inspired by the latest materials and design trends.
How to vote
If you would like to take part in the preliminary voting stage, we’re delighted to announce our nomination within the ‘Best Interior Design Blog’ category, voting opens from Tuesday 10am BST – 13th August at 10am BST here.
Voting will close on Wednesday 11th September at 12pm BST.
Rachel Usher Interior Design x Eporta: How design defines mood.
In a conversation with Eporta, the fresh thinking interior procurement company for some of the worlds most iconic brands, Rachel Usher discusses the studio’s latest projects, our interior design perspective and why emotionally considered design truly matters…
In a conversation with Eporta, the fresh-thinking interior procurement company for some of the worlds most iconic brands…
Rachel Usher discusses the studio’s latest projects, our interior design perspective and why emotionally considered design truly matters.
Design is a method of expression, a form of communication and a visual message to ourselves and others.
But why does Rachel Usher believe that great design matters? What inspires the studio’s projects? Does Rachel Usher Interior Design have a signature design trait that identifies us no matter what? - These are just some of the questions Eporta ask in a rare interview with Rachel herself.
We’ve included a brief excerpt below, to read the interview in full make your way over to the Eporta journal here…
Why do you believe that great design matters?
Our lives are too full, from crazy schedules to a never-ending drip of technology, along with the ‘things’ we accumulate over our lifetimes. Being in a well-designed space, with a careful curation of ‘things’ can make us feel more comfortable, enabling us to feel more focused, relaxed and content.
Interior Design is often perceived as superficial. However, it has such a significant effect on our mood and emotional wellbeing. It fundamentally alters how we live. Specifically; colour, texture, and lighting have huge cerebral impacts. Then there is scent! I bang on and on about the importance of perfume as smells have the power to unlock parts of our memory in much the same way a nostalgic music track can do, which is why it's a critical element of all our designs.
Questions left unanswered? We’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions with detailed answers, to provide you with reassurance and clarity of what to expect when working with our experienced design studio. For further information please get in touch here.
Is emotionally inspired home technology the future of interior design?
Smart homes of the future past have largely painted a picture of automated domestic chores, robot assistants and instant entertainment - all of which are notions that assume saving time is our number-one priority. Is this however a truly accurate prediction of what we seek from our homes spaces in a currently unstable world? What does the future of our homes actually look like? This weeks journal entry explores emotionally charged home innovations which inspire for a new, more considered way of living...
Smart homes of the future past have largely painted a picture of automated domestic chores, robot assistants and instant entertainment.
Is saving time however a truly accurate prediction of what we seek from our homes spaces in a currently unstable world? What does the future of our homes actually look like?..
The evolution of home technology has changed the way in which we interact with our homes on a daily basis, in many ways for the better but as these technologies become increasingly intelligent it’s important to sustain a human connection to the elements of our interiors which bring joy or wellness to our lives.
Often we search for opportunities to streamline our hectic and busy lives but there are some aspects of our daily routine which should be cherished and appreciated, where we take time slow down, stop and rejuvenate.
Hansgrohe - A new way of living
In a world that never stops our moments of pause, where we retreat and find inner peace, are few and far between however it is possible to combine our daily routines with elements which promote physical and mental well-being.
The future of connected devices is to us, utilising technology to address our physical and mental needs, creating regenerative experiences which relax and restore and improve our lives in valuable ways.
During our most recent inspiration trip to Frankfurts annual ISH exhibition, we discovered a bathroom company with a distinct difference; Hangrohe, a brand whose values are centered around the emotional and sensory experience of bathing.
“At hansgrohe, your needs take centre stage when it comes to product development: our aim is always to make showering and bathing more enjoyable, comfortable place to be. Our guiding principle in product innovation is to produce top quality design which outlasts short-lived fashion trends.”
Hansgrohe designs are a luxury to be enjoyed every single day. Powder-Rain showers for example, where thousands of micro droplets are optimised to create a relaxing, spa-like experience in your own home, provide a meditative space as soft droplets with sound as a delicate as a whisper effortlessly encourage a positive and peaceful atmosphere to get lost within.
Utilising the latest innovations in technology Hansgrohe have expertly developed Raintunes, a shower scenario which treats all five senses, combining sounds, light, scent, touch and balance to create various experience’s - ranging from exercise recovery to relaxation after a long day at work. Due for release later this year, this particular sensuous design is one we’re following closely.
Gessi - The Private Wellness Company
Another company we’re eager to embrace within our schemes is designer brand, Gessi. Having manufactured high-end bathroom and kitchen fittings for over 20 years, Gessi are recognised worldwide as ‘ THE designer of water’, mixing H2O with air and light to create environments which provide customisable pleasure for a private and personal home-spa experience.
Gessi’s considered approach to private wellness stems from a clear acknowledgement of multi-sensory feelings and our relationship with water, the pleasure and sustenance it provides on a daily basis - where we renew and connect with our inner-self.
“Gessi believes in innovation as a means of fulfilling dreams and anticipating needs. Not limiting itself to the invention of new stylistic solutions for luxury bathroom suites and well-being, Gessi stresses on respecting the environment, with new technologies, new production processes and new materials.”
Elements such as bracing hydro massages, including delicate rain showers and waterfalls may be cleverly automatised for a streamlined experience but perhaps one of the brands most exciting developments derives from the concept of chromo-therapy - an alternative medicine or method, which utilises the use of light in the form of colour to balance ‘energy’ within the body, whether this be physical, emotional, spiritual or mental.
Hi-Fi by Gessi unites design and technology in a contemporary and original collection, perfect for furnishing the bathroom as a room of wellness, beauty and living well.
These multi-sense simulations are carefully designed to offer not only a quality experience to be cherished but are aesthetically refined, designed to be objects of absolute beauty too.
The Gessi Architectural Wellness project is a new concept in design that makes the functions of “wellness of the five senses” modular and customisable, with significant technical advantages. Binario, the system that inaugurates the new project, envisages the overhead installation of wall mounted tracks, similar to those used in the lighting sector.
Our interior design services are crafted to offer us the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients. No two clients are the same and our service structure is reflective of this where we mindfully balance our time between projects of various sizes and locations; providing a high-end, luxury service we’re extremely proud of.
If you’re looking for residential bathroom interior design services, get in touch with our studio here for further information.
Stockholm Furniture and Light Fair 2019
The halls of Stockholms annual Furniture and Light Fair are filled with the latest innovations in interior products and lighting, for both the home and more commercial environments. We travelled to the Scandinavian-design epicentre ourselves, in search of the latest interior products, materials and trends to assist the continuous development of our own mission; enhancing interior environments in inspiring and innovative ways. In this weeks journal entry we share our top-five moments from an unforgettable studio excursion…
We travelled to the Scandinavian-design epicentre, Stockholm, for the cities annual Furniture and Light Fair…
Filled with the latest innovations in interior products and lighting, we the city left feeling re-energised, inspired by the latest materials and design trends. In this weeks journal entry we share our top-five moments from an unforgettable studio excursion…
1.
Accessories with personality
Accessories by Danish design company, 101 Copenhagen, were a key element for dressing the individual brand spaces throughout the Stockholm furniture and light fair and various other interiors showrooms throughout the city.
As a brand, 101 Copenhagen create beautiful and timeless, hand-crafted pieces with personality and a real edge. The brands distinctive aesthetic and homage to artisanal techniques were values we instantly felt a connection to, a true passion for high-quality materials and discreet textures was evident throughout each individual piece that we discovered - minimalistic in style as way of enhancing the natural features of the materials.
2.
the New Neutral
A new wave of beige could be seen repeatedly throughout Stockholm’s 2019 furniture and light fair, encompassing a range of hues within the shade - all of which felt fresh and contemporary.
We understand that you must be wondering how can a color as boring as beige could possibly be exciting but the particular hues shown as well as their monochromatic application created a richer feel than the traditional shades you may remember from the late 90’s.
In the vast world of color defining specific shades can be a complicated task and whilst variations between the bolder hues can be hard to define, neutrals are among the most difficult. The shades shown during Stockholm 2019 fair were formed of bolder undertones and appeared organically inspired from sources such as ash, maple, pine, oats or sand.
Ferm Living in particular embraced the beige aesthetic, cohering various pieces with a simple, minimalistic palette which provided clutter-free notions.
3.
Discovering Lintex
Rarely do we discover effective, functional office products which are also aesthetically beautiful, a requirement of any professional interior design or architecture studio however, Lintex were for us, an exception - their product offering, dare we say it, was quite simply exceptionally beautiful.
Quietly confident with simplistic, crisp designs the family owned Swedish design brand showcased a wide range of truly functional design aids, all of which worked cohesively as a customisable collection. Their aim to “make functional products more fun to use, in effect increasing their functionality” felt relatable to our own work within the practice, the slick writable surfaces (which left no trace of a fingerprint) and considered pin boards in subtle hues we could honestly envision simplifying communication for any modern design office or studio environment.
4.
True Texture
The foundation of our schemes at Rachel Usher Interior Design is formed through building designs with various considered tactile elements. Texture as a sensual element is an area we explore and push the boundaries within consistently and because of this our eyes are naturally drawn to interesting and unique textures wherever we are.
Repeatedly throughout our Stockholm inspiration trip were aesthetically subtly yet exceptionally tactile fabric choices - from flooring to wallcoverings and luxurious lounge chairs.
The &Tradition, Little Petra chair designed by architect, Viggo Boesen, was a particular highlight, it’s distinguished and abundantly soft upholstery complimented by an organic and minimalistic aesthetic felt both intriguing and inviting - it would have been impossible to walk by without running a hand across the sculpted backrest.
The Barba armchair by Swedish design brand, Fogia, provided another strong aesthetic expression through texture, perhaps more subtly with a gentle boucle, a fabric which appeared the most consistently through the fair.
5.
the Scentense Experience
Away from the main show located within the outer perimeter of the main city centre, Muro Scents Co., Monica Förster Design Studio, frankly//Aakerlund, and Zanat, presented a collaborative project, “Scentense”, a sensual experience in scent and design, as part of Stockholm’s main Design Week.
Muro Scents Co. is a Swedish olfactory brand that creates specially designed scents for various aspects of life and this particular collaboration was created with the aim to explore the possibilities of enhancing one’s surroundings through the power of scent - taking inspiration from a multitude of sources around the world whilst looking closely into various cultural rituals, significant social or artistic movements and eras. These inspirations were then developed further to offer scents relevant and inspiring to current times.
Wooden objects designed by Monica Förster were intricately carved by Zanat, hosting the left-over wood shavings which held the various scents, stacked organically to create an immersive art installation.
We were invited to the shows opening night where we were personally talked through the stories behind the individual scents and stories which recalled distinct atmospheres and memories when smelt with the eyes closed.
Taking time to reflect; 2018 in review
2018 saw a year of continuous change at Rachel Usher Interior Design, where we challenged our approach within the practice, keeping pace within an industry that’s ever changing . We welcomed new members to our small but perfectly formed team, held our first event at our new studio premises, visited product launches for some of the world's most iconic brands and travelled all the way to Milan for the busiest design week on the interiors calendar. As we continue to look forward, this weeks journal entry takes a brief look back our highlights from what can only be described as a transformative year…
2018 saw a year of continuous change at Rachel Usher Interior Design.
As a team we challenged our approach within the practice, keeping pace within an industry that’s ever changing. This week we look back at just a few of our highlights from the last 12 months, a year which can only be described as transformative…
Luxury residential Interior Design Studio
Surprisingly we’ve only been working from our current premises for the last year, the space has gradually filled out as our studio team has expanded with the addition of a Business Development Manager and additional Project Site Managers - it’s hard now to imagine that our close-knit team were ever based anywhere else.
We welcomed clients and suppliers to our first ever open-studio back in April and couldn't have been more grateful for the love and support of all those who attended; the space was filled with positive vibes and judging by the late hour of the evenings end - you had as good a time as us. Since our open-studio event the space has developed further as new suppliers have been added to our ever-expanding sample portfolio and our existing collection has been edited in keeping with our commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Our website and social media accounts have all transformed into a streamlined representation of both the expertise our highly talented team provide and the inspiration behind the luxury residential spaces that they transform. If you’re not following us on social media already, you can join us by following the individual icons at the bottom of this page.
Milan’s prestigious Salone del mobile
Each year the eyes of the design world firmly fix on Milans prestigious Salone del Mobile. It’s the busiest design week within the interiors calendar, on an international level, showcasing and celebrating creativity, innovation and quality in equal measure. Towards the beginning of the year we immersed ourselves within Milans creative districts, in search of the latest inspiration from the exhibition itself as well pop-ups, installations and more.
We listed our top-six-highlights from the world’s most influential design week here, noting references we felt were key within our industry; in particular the focus on emotional experiences within a space, a principle demonstrated within every design we saw - from furniture to installations. Architectural botanicals, minimalistic integrated lighting and everlasting iconic designs have become present in all of our design schemes since, individually catered to each space and client.
There’s a a lot of ground to cover at Salone Del Mobile, the exhibition itself is vast and covering the external pop-ups and installations too is a challenge. A lot of walking was involved, something as a team we’ll never forget, along with the reward of unmeasured Gin & Tonics…
Iconic brand Tom Dixon - The Coal Office
Internationally renowned brand Tom Dixon opened its doors in 2018 to the design brands most ambitious development yet; The Coal Office, located in the heart of London’s Kings Cross. We were lucky enough to be invited to a private press-preview of the space, the first interior design studio to do so, for a behind-the-scenes look at how the space had been transformed.
Since our initial visit the restaurant collaboration between acclaimed chef Assaf Granit and Tom Dixon has now opened, the final touch on The Coal Office experience which serves as the ultimate centre for interiors. We were invited back during London’s Design week for a private preview of Electroanalogue, a collaborative installation with friends and partners Bill Amberg Studio, Teenage Engineering, Ege carpets, Timorous Beasties, Spiritland, Formica and Kirkby Design - exploring the impact of digital innovations.
The design destination is now somewhere we regularly visit when working in London, refreshing our product knowledge but also as a source of inspiration with continuous pop-up events and installations held within the space throughout the year.
To see more from the HQ of iconic brand, Tom Dixon, follow the link to our journal entry here.
Luxury and contemporary residential Projects
Last year we purposefully embraced a limited number of clients to afford ourselves the time to offer a truly personalised service whilst fully utilising our teams wide-ranging experience.
We began building a new portfolio of high-end interiors where we honed our skills in designing bespoke pieces, developing lasting relationships with suppliers for bespoke elements such as fixed- joinery, furniture, upholstery and luxury flooring. As the year progressed these individual elements evolved to form part of the studios overall designs aesthetic as clients understood the value and our knowledge within these areas. As a result we carved out a particular Interior Design niche within the North of England, for interiors which are truly luxurious and high-quality whilst remaining contemporary and modern.
Commissioned artworks by artist Fenella Elms were a particular highlight from our residential project ‘New Reflections’ - Fenella is an award winning artist and designer with her bespoke pieces notably having been presented in ceramic art books as well as high-end interiors and architecture magazines.
Our trip to Milan’s Salone del Mobile taught us to embrace simplicity, allowing iconic pieces such as the Bocci’s Series 21 Pendant to speak for itself within our luxury master bedroom scheme, ‘Relaxed Luxe’ - as an impactful feature to compliment our studios’s bespoke specialities.
Further projects completed towards the end of the year are due to be photographed and added to our website shortly here, follow us on Instagram for automatic updates when new projects are incorporated online.
Amara Interior Blog awards
After years of working closely with many talented individuals, interiors retailer Amara recognised blogging as an integral part of the interior design industry. Introducing the concept of an Interiors Blog Awards in 2013, the campaign to celebrate and champion bloggers from various backgrounds has since grown tremendously - thanks to the awards philosophy of being open to all, regardless of size or stature within the industry.
With the aim of deconstructing the commonly perceived notion of design simply being about aesthetics only, back in February we launched our own interiors journal to explain why, to us, creating a memorable interior experience with an emotionally considered approach is the only way to add meaningful value to a space.
We couldn't have been more proud, when after only a few months of exploring topics that our studio are extremely passionate about, we were nominated within the ‘Best Interior Design Blog’ category. With your help we became finalists and were lucky enough to attend the prestigious awards ceremony hosted by former ELLE Decoration UK Editor-in-Chief, Michelle Ogundehin.
It was a truly rewarding experience and confirmed that what we do, and say, connected with both our clients and the prestigious judging panel. This year we’ll continue to take a fresh look on how interiors are inextricably linked to health and wellbeing and why investing in an Interior Designer is just that; an investment.
What to expect in 2019
Along with fresh photography from our ever-expanding portfolio of luxury interiors, we will also be embracing some other visually exciting changes towards the beginning of the year… Keep your eyes peeled in early 2019 for a streamlined high-end service experience - with a contemporary new look.
In February we will be travelling to Stockholm for the city’s annual Design Week, a Furniture and Light Fair which is considered a leading event for Scandinavian Design. It will mark our first inspiration trip of the year - seeking out the latest developments from the world’s most prestigious and innovative interior brands. We will of course update our online journal upon our return but for those who would like to share the experience with us - follow us on Instagram here.
Towards the beginning of the year we will be looking to expand our studio team further still. Our future vacancies will posted via our careers page here but in the meantime, if you’re a qualified interior designer, technician, project manager or you are an overall highly organised and creative individual with a genuine passion for design - we’re happy to hear from you on a speculative basis. If you would like to get to know our current team a little better, a page on our website will soon be added - dedicated to each individual member who make our design studio the skilled practice that it is.
You can also expect exciting digital content collaborations with some of our industry’s finest pioneers - add @Rachel_Usher to your follow on list own Twitter for collaboration updates as they happen. We would also encourage you to join our community of loyal newsletter subscribers here - as invites to this years carefully curated open-studio event for both clients and suppliers will be sent electronically (expected towards the beginning of Summer 2019).
We would like to take the time to say thank you to everyone who has joined us on our journey so far, here’s to another transformative year…
Investing in luxury; Where quality, personal expression and longevity collide
Consuming without thinking long term is a costly cycle that many find themselves lured into. Buying objects that rapidly become irrelevant or worse, quickly fall apart, is all too common - not only is this bad for the wallet but it is equally damaging to how a space feels to interact with on an emotional level. This weeks journal entry explores why embracing good quality and authentic design is truly an investment.
Consuming without thinking long term is a costly cycle that many find themselves lured into.
Buying objects that rapidly become irrelevant or worse, quickly fall apart, is all too common - not only is this bad for the wallet but it is equally damaging to how a space feels to interact with on an emotional level.
Over the past decade trends such as simplicity and slow fashion have dramatically risen in popularity with the vast majority of us now increasingly aware of what adds value to our individual lives.
Where or how we choose to invest is undoubtedly subjective, everyone is different but one common similarity between us all is our homes. The impact our home spaces have on our overall well being is easy to recognise, think about your own spaces which allow you to truly switch-off and relax or those spaces which bring your family and friends together - they bring immeasurable joy and contentment to our lives and the experiences we have within these spaces are directly affected by how it is designed and the individual elements that are included.
Iconic and authentic Design
Investing in high-quality, timeless pieces within a space is not only an investment in luxury but is also a way of expressing ourselves, it is an approach which encourages conscious decisions, mostly due to cost, developing into a unique style that is distinct, determined and self assured.
Many authentic design classics increase in value over time appreciating like any other investment, due to the fact that they are designed to last a lifetime; serving functional style for generations.
Arguably one of the most admired and iconic chairs of all time, the Vitra Eames Lounge Chair is the perfect example of what defines an iconic design. The lounge chairs established history dates back to the 1950’s, designed by Charles and Ray Eames and is recognised as a notable piece of twentieth-century design, combining elegant aesthetics with comfort.
The high quality materials and proportions, carefully designed with ergonomics in mind, are precisely what differentiates the iconic design from other off-the-shelf pieces. To this day it is still crafted using the original methods and after decades of continual testing at Vitra’s own facility in Basel, Vitrahaus, the chair still shows no sign of wear and tear; authenticating the designs quality.
The natural materials used to create pieces such as these will form over time depending on the owner and how they interact with it. This allows the design to evolve, transforming from simply ‘a beautiful lounge chair’ to ‘your beautiful lounge chair’ - unlike any other and ultimately irreplaceable.
High Quality Design
The biggest difference between bespoke or iconic design and ready-to-buy furniture is the quality of manufacture and the materials used. Designer brands such as Vitra, Flos or Carl Hansen have spent years perfecting their craft, innovating the processes used in their manufacturing to ensure the highest quality is achieved, creating pieces which are built to last.
Buying once and buying well is the most resourceful way to utilise both money and time, the need to constantly repair or replace is eliminated and you are able to relax, enjoying each and every element within your space; which after all is the very reason we invest in our homes in the first place.
Bespoke design requires the ultimate level of attention to detail, crafted with care these pieces add enormous amounts of value to how a space feels to interact with. Incorporating high quality craftsmanship with carefully selected materials each piece is again designed to last a lifetime, whilst allowing the freedom to create pieces which are unique and are truly reflective of you as an individual.
Personality and Sentiment
Aside from quality and longevity, iconic and bespoke designs over time become a reflection of your own personality and style. A quick fix may be tempting but it’s an approach that rarely leads to owning objects that hold any personal sentiment; just like a valuable heirloom or irreplaceable momemoto, it’s the beloved pieces you hold on to over the years which provide an abundance of positive energy from the memories they hold.
Perhaps the most overlooked reason to invest in high quality furniture and lighting is the actual design itself - pieces with striking forms, in addition to the value they provide through their function, provide an additional element of joy to a space. To create these contemporary pieces, months or sometimes years are spent planning the materials, fixings and overall style of a piece and it’s this thoughtful attention to detail throughout the process that really sets iconic and bespoke design apart from the alternatives on the market.
Luxury Residential Interior Design Services
Our studio team understand that we are more than simply ‘an interior design studio’. We create experiences and enhance lifestyles adding meaningful value to a space, mostly due to the fact that we think past the notion of design simply being just an aesthetic.
Quality and craftsmanship play a major role in all of our processes, we don’t view our clients journey as merely a transaction, to us the ‘client journey’ is the full experience we provide for you - where we thoughtfully hand-select each individual element for your space, carefully and consistently analysing each and every component throughout the process.
To learn more about the Rachel Usher Interior Design services click here.
Hiring an Interior Designer; 10 key questions to ask a designer and yourself
Attempting something for the first time can be daunting and hiring an Interior Designer is no exception. Knowing if your visions will align, if they are qualified professionals, how long a project takes to complete and most importantly; what is billable - are all are common questions to ask yourself. This weeks journal entry provides inspiration for the types of questions to not only ask your designer but yourself - before hiring.
Attempting something for the first time can be daunting and hiring an Interior Designer is no exception.
Knowing if your visions will align, if they are qualified professionals, how long a project takes to complete and most importantly; what is billable - are all are common questions to ask yourself.
Identifying what a client and Interior Designer partnership is going to look like should always be considered at the very beginning. Most Interior Design studios will allocate a certain amount of consultation time without charges before design fees commence, ourselves included and it’s an opportunity for both parties to suss out not only whether you’re a good fit for each other but also the finer details of what in most cases will be a long-term relationship.
Interior Designers are experienced professionals who have met with a variety clients and so of course will have their own pre-prepared questions, without detailed thought before an initial consultation clients can be ‘put on the spot’ with inaccurate or unrealistic expectations expressed.
We’ve put together five key questions to ask any Interior Designer or Interior Architect as well as five important questions to ask yourself - for clarity and peace of mind from the very beginning of the process.
5 key questions to ask an Interior DesignER or Interior Architect
1.
How do I know THAT you are a professional interior design SERVICE ?
There is a difference between hiring an Interior Designer or Interior Architect to that of an Interior Decorator - Interior Designers and Interior Architects are technically skilled, experienced and formally trained in executing bespoke, structural visions. You can learn more about what makes interior design a profession, rather than a hobby here.
All good Interior Design practices will be able to demonstrate skill, knowledge and experience through a portfolio of work. If you are presented anything that you don’t understand, technical drawings for example, ask the designer to explain these to you - this will provide you with an even better understanding of both the designers technical knowledge and experience.
2.
Do you have a predefined design style or are you able to design based on an individual clients AESTHETIC aspirations?
Some clients seek a particular Interior Designers services as way of attaining a particular predefined style - which in most cases the designer is well known for, whilst others prefer to work with a designer as a means to finding their own unique look.
A reputable designer will be able offer both, catering to the individual client their own vision through various principles. At Rachel Usher Interior Design we consider the various senses when concepting a space; light, texture, scent and colour are all considered and developed based on a individual clients needs and aspirations. This approach combines what we see as integral to the success of a design and represents clients individual sense of self and style.
3.
Are you able to work to my budget, which is…
It is extremely important to approach design budgets with a realistic and transparent approach. Experienced designers are able to design spaces which meet budget requirements and will provide honest feedback from the beginning if a budget doesn’t align with the clients aspirations.
An Interior Designer won’t be able to provide an exact figure for the project as a whole from the very beginning as it takes time to develop a design and to identify the specific associated costs. They will however be able to explain what is billable such as design fees, admin and project management as well as how they invoice and purchasing procedures.
4.
How does your interior design process work?
Every interior design studio will have their own processes and structure and will be able to explain this in advance, clearly and concisely. Interior design is a process and takes time, anyone promising short timescales for deliveries should be approached with caution - it’s likely that the work produced will not be thorough. Good designers will be working with multiple clients in tandem and producing works catered to each individual client, managed effectively with specific studio time allocated to each client.
Our own interior design service structure incorporates four stages; concept, scheme and detail design and installation - a carefully crafted structure which allows for client feedback between each stage.
Follow the link here to learn what may be involved within each stage, according to your individual needs.
5.
How much involvement is required from me?
The purpose of paying for an Interior Design is to outsource the time, knowledge and skills required to create an truly considered, beautiful and functional space so it’s important to make the most of the opportunity. Your Interior Designer should be happy to do everything for you whilst encouraging any feedback and thoughts at key stages during the design process - to ensure their vision aligns with the project brief. As a client it is important to make time for meetings with your designer and to eliminate any distractions so that honest and thoughtful feedback can be used to progress designs in a timely manner.
5 key questions to ask YOURSELF BEFORE MEETING WITH an Interior DesignER
1.
What do I need from my interior designer?
It is essential to have a clear idea from the beginning of what is required from your Interior Designer. Start by thinking about your ideal scenario, everything you would need to fulfil your aspirations for the space but be realistic and make sure this aligns with the projects budget.
Most Interior Designer’s will be working with more than one client at any given time and will allocate dedicated studio hours; based on what has been asked of them from the beginning. If additional works with clients arise during the design process which weren't discussed at the very beginning its unlikely that time will be available to start extra works immediately. Designs fees will also be calculated based on the original brief provided so make sure to communicate everything that you require at the very beginning.
2.
What is my budget for the project as whole, including design fees and installation costs?
Having a clear understanding of the costs involved in designing a space is the most important factor to consider when hiring an Interior Designer. Remember, it’s not only the products which require a budget, in most cases design fees will be charged and billed in stages along with the costs incurred for craftsmen, admin and handling or processing of product orders.
Transparency is the best way to approach all new relationships and this open approach from the beginning will allow the Interior Designer to work towards your individual needs - and budget.
3.
When do I require all works to be completed by?
Just like the best restaurants or hotels - most Interior Designer’s require booking in advance. The design process is just that, it’s a process and time is required not only to research and develop ideas but to source individual samples or finishes and then formulate these into a clear presentation.
Once designs have been finalised nearly all high-end products require a lead time which can be anything from a few weeks to a couple of months. Quality items are in most cases made especially for you by skilled craftsman - they’re not mass-manufactured ‘off-the-shelf’ pieces and time is required to engineer the designs which are intended to last a lifetime.
When working with builders or architects the most efficient and cost effective way to manage a project is to hire your interior designer at the same time, this will ensure clear and effective communication from the very beginning and eliminates the possibility of repeated works due to design changes.
4.
Do I have an idea of what my personal style is?
You’re hiring an interior designer because you recognise that you require professional expertise however it’s likely that you will already have an idea of what you like and also what isn’t reflective of you. Communicating this to your interior designer in your initial meeting will be beneficial to yourself and to the interior designer, setting the project off in an appropriate direction from the start.
Providing visuals is the best way to communicate any initial ideas or thoughts, many of our own clients come to us with rough ideas collected on Pinterest which is quick and simple way to demonstrate your thoughts and feelings; just one or two images will be more than enough for an Interior Designer to get an idea of what it is you are looking for . If you do feel unsure and need a place to start - think about hotels or restaurants where you loved the decor and wished you could have something similar at home.
5.
In what areas can i be flexible and what do I not want to COMPROMISE on?
Most clients don’t have a limitless budget and occasionally comprises have to be made. Core elements of a design which you feel would add value to your life should never be compromised on and identifying what these individual components are is important to avoid disappointment - as is thinking about what you could live without if your budget doesn't quite cover your ideal scenario.
Contact us
Our interior design services are crafted to offer us the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients. No two clients are the same and our service structure is reflective of this where we mindfully balance our time between projects of various sizes, scopes and locations with varying deliverables; providing a high-end, luxury service we’re extremely proud of.
In most cases we begin new relationships via email. We kindly ask all prospective clients to answer a list of guided questions as transparently as possible which allows us to gain a better understanding of the project and it’s individual requirements. We also include an overview of how we work and examples of previous client projects. This approach allows clients the time to think about their needs - without putting them on spot
Once we have an idea of what is required from us we invite clients to our South Yorkshire studio for a one-hour initial consultation, free of charge, where we discuss projects in much more detail but most importantly we get to know our clients and they get to know us.
If you’re looking for residential interior design services, get in touch with our studio here for further information or follow this link to our Interior Design Services page.
Considered choices rather than expensive mistakes; Why you should appoint an Interior Designer
Interior design is a profession, not a hobby. When hiring an interior designer you are embarking on a valuable journey, utilising skilled practitioners who spend dedicated time developing designs and are able to draw upon years of knowledge - with refined technical capabilities and the experience to execute ideas into a reality. This weeks journal entry explores why an aversion to asking for advice leads to expensive mistakes.
Interior design is a profession, not a hobby. When hiring an Interior Designer you are embarking on a valuable journey, utilising skilled practitioners who spend dedicated time developing designs and are able to draw upon years of knowledge - with refined technical capabilities and the experience to execute ideas into a reality.
Interior Designers are literally experts in interior design. They are professionals, who have spent a minimum of three years studying, in most cases undertaking multiple placements within established firms before building extensive portfolios working within the industry.
It’s important to understand the difference between hiring an Interior Designer to that of an Interior Decorator - the latter will only able to make light aesthetical improvements whilst Interior Designers are skilled and experienced in executing bespoke, structural visions.
Interior Concepts
When hiring an Interior Designer you’re gaining their intellectual property, an intangible skill of creativity - a natural quality you either have or you don’t; creativity can't be learnt or taught.
The number one problem encountered when designing a space without a professional is caused by buying pieces before the design is complete. Without thorough research and extensive libraries of finishes and fabrics, ideas can’t be compared next to one another and the design will ultimately lack any sense of cohesiveness. It’s an expensive mistake, where you can end up with lots of things you like which simply don’t work in harmony together.
Designing an emotionally considered space is important too - acknowledging the various senses directly impacts how the final space will feel to interact with. As designers we encourage clients to consider mind over matter, thinking about the emotional needs of a space in conjunction with aesthetical aspirations. When going it alone this particular aspect of the design process is often ignored and final spaces lack individuality and a sense of self.
Interior Schemes
Once a concept has evolved into a clearly defined design the most complex part of the process begins and at this stage a lack of technical ability and precision could be costly. Bespoke design requires exact specifications and detailed technical drawings to aid space planning and room flows.
It can also be challenging to envisage something which doesn’t currently exist and without technical drawings or elevations the reality of a design could be quite different to what was imagined or intended. Our detailed elevation drawings allow for designs to be perfected, adapted and discussed with experienced craftsmen, ensuring bespoke designs are not only beautiful but functional too.
DETAIL Design and Installation
In many cases the little things, such as handles or switches, are often overlooked or ignored - despite the fact most of us connect with these smaller details on more than a daily basis. During the detail design stage of the process all details, big and small, are considered and hand-selected based on the individual client’s needs.
Most interior products, even when not produced bespoke, do involve a lead time. Planning orders and deliveries can be stressful and if not timed correctly can mean that storage costs are involved. It’s also extremely important that items are checked upon receipt, if damages during transit occur - which does happen occasionally - these must be reported to the manufacturer's in a timely manner; otherwise you may find yourself stuck with an item which isn’t fit for purpose. When working with an Interior Designer, all of the above is looked after for you with all the individual elements which make up your space arriving according to your project deadline, checked and unpacked safely.
The final installation process involves numerous skilled craftsmen working alongside and in tandem with one another. Electricians, joiners and decorators are just some of the skilled tradesmen who schedules need to be carefully planned in advance to ensure works are carried out in the correct order - according to the individual projects development stages. Without carefully planning works may need to be repeated and project deadlines are often extended dramatically. An Interior Designer can be utilised at this stage to not only plan and book all works in advance but also provide invaluable advice if adaptations due to unforeseen issues arise and to check works are carried out to a high standard.
Interior Design Services
Our residential interior design services are crafted to offer us the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients. Our formally trained and experienced team work with client projects of various sizes, scopes and locations with varying deliverables, providing a high-end, luxury service we’re all extremely proud of.
Head here to learn more about the Rachel Usher Interior Design Studio Services
or if you have any questions please do get in touch here.
Rachel Usher Follows - Our top 10 interior Instagram accounts to follow
Instagram. It’s an outlet for creativity, filled with inspiration or perhaps even escapism with the power to influence our decisions - designers included. Here’s our top 10 interior instagram accounts to follow for a daily dose of dream worthy design.
Instagram. It’s an outlet for creativity, filled with inspiration or perhaps even escapism.
Viewing the world through a screen is perhaps ‘the’ modern-day phenomenon of our time. First it was food, then fitness and now interiors and architecture are also succumbing to the influence of our ever growing relationship with digital media...
Businesses are being challenged to make their physical premises as attractive and on-brand as their digital output, styled to look their best on social media as a way of luring in followers who seek the perfect photo-opportunity. This need is reshaping the design world with Instagram now utilised by many designers as a platform for inspiration and research - not just a means to document their own work.
Here’s our top 10 interior instagram accounts that we follow for a daily dose of note-worthy design inspiration.
1.
@Gubiofficial
Gubi's dream worthy designs translate into various interior styles, from Contemporary Luxury to Mid-Century and Scandinavian styles. Their instagram is a shrine to the brands iconic designs and shows that - no matter the setting or style - the eye is always drawn Gubi's evolutionary work.
“Designs that stimulate the senses, are beautiful yet usable. GUBI is pursuing perfection with passion and courage. Evolution is the essence.”
2.
@parisianfloors
Photographer Sebastian Erras explores the world beneath us through his Instagram feed, Parisian Floors - an account like no other. Documenting the colorful floors of Paris and beyond, Erras inspires us all to start watching our step.
“Travelling the world and exploring new cultures is a passion I try to fulfil as much as I can.”
3.
@haydesign
Contemporary furniture brand Hay have rapidly become synonymous with Scandinavian design, their Instagram feed is reflective of the more playful side to this design movement and feels accessible to all - As cool and casual as the brands founders Mette and Rolf.
“We are inspired by the stable structures of architecture and the dynamics of fashion, which we seek to combine in durable quality products.”
“We celebrate destinations, journeys, processes and the smaller details of life through our imagery.”
5.
@upshotsheffield
Upshot Espresso passionately believe all of the food and beverages that they offer should be approached with integrity. Their Instagram feed is menu of delicious visuals - beautifully presented dishes and authentic daily snapshots.
“Our approach is to only brew coffee that is traceable, sustainable and impeccably roasted.”
6.
@theperfecthideaway
The Perfect Hideaway believe that travel feeds the soul and their Instagram account beautifully documents this with design-led properties for the modern traveller.
“It’s not about luxury, it’s about experience. To me, that is heavily influenced by the space itself and the people who created it, and ultimately, how it makes you feel.”
7.
@riba
The Royal Institute of British Architecture are well-known for their work supporting British Architects. Their Instagram account plays with different aspects of the design process through various types of media - Inspiring to both industry insiders and lovers of design in gerneral.
“We serve our members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Being inclusive, ethical, environmentally aware and collaborative underpins all that we do.”
8.
@cerealmag
Cereal is a bi-annual magazine about travel and style and their Instagram feed reflects this with moody contemporary snapshots of various subject matters - from dreamscapes to luxury hotels and fashion.
“Each issue focusses on a select number of destinations, alongside engaging interviews and stories on unique design, art, and fashion.”
9.
@nichba_design
Founded by Danish metalworker Nicholas . Anderson, Nichba Design utilise Instagram to showcase the brands minimalistic crittal designs which are simple and streamlined whilst honouring traditional manufacturing methods.
“Denmark is a nation of proud craftsmen and I want to represent that too. It is important to me to maintain the traditions and craftsmanship.”
10.
@thespacesmag
The Spaces is a digital publication which features inspiring residential and commercial buildings that are pushing boundaries and changing how we experience a space.
“Exploring the rich urban fabric of cities across the world, we want to inform and spark new conversations about design and property, while inspiring people to look at their environments differently.”
