A case study of how instincts and professional option were dismissed to create a less than perfect end result.
Every designer will have worked on a project that didn't come out just the way that they envisioned, that's because every project is ultimately a collaboration with a client. Sometimes this collaboration will result in something even better than expected, but in some cases much less. I worked on a project a couple of years ago which was the latter. Some designers will only ever talk about their wins and perfect projects, however I wanted to create a blog post on this particular project as it's a good example of how you really should listen to your designer. You’re hiring them for their style, intuition and expertise and you’ll get the best results by taking their advise. They can see the big picture and will meld the new space with the old.
In this case the style and colour choices briefed from the client just didn't marry up with the property, nor did they really work practically with the use and lifestyle of its prospective inhabitants.
Some property styles will lend themselves to any style interior, like a blank canvas, or some will look fabulous contrasting the old and new, but plenty will only really ever look just right with select certain styles or colour choices. Every property is unique; well except for copy and paste new builds, but even they too have a certain style. Essentially each property should be treated uniquely with careful consideration over what would work. The same is true depending on the use of the property and lifestyle of its inhabitants. Careful consideration need to be taken on how it will be used and treated.
A client (a friend) wanted help redecorating and furnishing the living room of a large holiday cottage in the middle of an english country estate. This is a place that would be filled with large mixed groups of families and friends enjoying time together; descending on the place after a long walk through the mud and rain (al la northern weather), a place to put on the fire, read books, relax and be cosy, play games, be silly, eat and drink. The interior needed to be robust and cater for all the clientele.
The living room was huge; with wooden beams, a low ceiling, cottage windows and a red bricked fireplace, and needed to accommodate at least 15 people.
THE ESTATE
I envisioned creating an equally laid back space. Rustic muted colour would compliment the beams and the brickwork, whilst light walls would make the low ceiling in the huge space less ominous. Using an eclectic mix of layered rugs, mixed patterns, imperfect objects, velvets, linens, natural materials, and a cleaver mix of vintage and contract furniture would make the place feel cosy and essentially not too precious therefore inherently relaxing. By incorporating the perfectly imperfect the rental property could take a little wear and still look charming. I didn't want the interior to scream, I wanted it to envelop the occupants like a warm hug. Obviously this was up for development, but instinctively I knew roughly this was the right direction given the property and usage.
DESIGNERS VISION
The client however had seen an image on Pinterest and had just fallen in love: a Victorian Entrance Hall with a tall ceiling, painted in a beautiful blue with tropical touches such as tropical birds, like the Peacocks on the estate which was a nice touch. You can have a lot of fun with schemes on holiday properties, bars or hotels, this can be escapism at its max! I loved the image too and it's boldness, however, it was quite formal and I also did not think it appropriate for the low ceilinged country style space. My gut feeling was this particular look just wasn't right for the space or use, so I immediately sited my concerns over the aesthetic.
The client undeniably had great taste, so when she was determined that this was what she envisioned for the estate, I didn't want to upset or offend her by pushing my agenda. There wasn't much time to step back pause and think it over as we had a super tight deadline before the estate re-opened after covid closure. As my concerns were swiftly swept aside, I went completely against my instincts and I was instead caught up in her excitement and enthusiasm wanting to make her happy. So instead of being utilised for my design, intuition, practicality and analytic capabilities, I was hustled into just being used for my sourcing resources.
CLENTS VISION
Everything I sourced was spot on for the brief and look she wanted to achieve; dark blue velvet curtains, brass side tables, peacock art and a scatter of patterned blue cushions, even a hexagonal chandelier. We added panelling which I think worked for both the clients vision and the property style. And we colour matched the blue in a room I would soon coin...the 'Smurf room'!
The client ooh and ahh'ed at the selection of pieces, but as I added the final touches; unpacking the furniture, accessories and directing where pictures should be hung, a growing dread started to creep over me. Yes, the products were undeniably beautiful and matched the brief, but my instincts were spot on....I did not think the space and the scheme melded together! I think at this point it dawned on the client too. A while later the space was re-painted into a neutral tone.
There was no denying that I'd pushed against the scheme and that my concerns and alternative concept had been dismissed, however I regretted not just stepping back. If this had been a regular client I may have done so; followed my instincts with a project at the start that I just didn't think would work out to the best of my capabilities, with a client who didn't quite respect my instincts and opinion. Yet because the client was a friend I felt obliged to help in whatever way possible and I just wanted to help her create what she wanted. Lesson learnt!
All design is up for discussion, but let your designer lead you and expect push back if their professional opinion expresses concern on choices.
Check out our blog on 'How you can be a good client to get the best out of your Interior Designer'
At Magpye Creative Interiors we create unique space for unique clients. To enquire about working with us to create your dream interior please get in touch.
Katie
Katie Longshaw-Pye
Creative Director | Magpye Creative Interiors
Ribble Valley