HISTORY My interest in fabrics and design began at Lady Manners Secondary School, Bakewell, Derbyshire, in Textiles which I studied through to A’level. I loved the freedom it gave to learn and explore texture, colour and form through creativity and experimentation. The subject saw set briefs which needed to be answered but ultimately, design and aesthetics were the main point here.
Following a one year course at Chesterfield College to obtain a BTEC National Diploma in Art Foundation Studies, I began my degree in 3-Dimensional Design at BIAD, UCE, Birmingham. This course explored the design of a whole space both visually and practically. Specializing in Theatre, I worked with stage, touring and site specific locations with a variety of texts and themes. Understanding and translating the brief and realising my design to suit the specific space.
AND NOW My early interests and my BA (hons) degree transferred through to Interior Design perfectly. Being able to create a visually beautiful, personal room, as well as a workable comfortable space to live in is the main aim. Often including Soft Furnishings, Interior Design will generally see the use of numerous international suppliers who create the ‘tools’ for any room scheme; knowledge of this product range is essential and having worked in the industry for over 13 years, I am lucky to have learnt a great deal. It is surprising how quickly collections move on in this industry, the arrival of the latest launches with their exciting new additions and trends. I find it essential to keep my knowledge very broad on style, so I can source suitable traditional fabrics and schemes for my customers, as well as the more contemporary.
My business involves a close working relationship with my customers, and understanding them is the main objective; it is often the most tricky, but definitely the most important element, as it is their home and must feel as such once the scheme is installed. Incorporating their living style, perhaps children and animals, and also including their personal possessions is essential to a successful result. Assessing how much seating, furniture and storage is required, balancing the filling and utilising of space and light, allowing room to live, the positioning and placement of colour - all these elements give comfort and sense of a 'personal home' for the client. For all projects, big and small, the best part to me is their satisfaction.
I love working with beautiful fabrics and accentuating rooms and comfort through their use and that of shape and texture. Domestic homes, stately period properties to small cottages, town houses, and modern apartments; all tastes, styles and looks..to suit all ages.
I also have experience of larger projects including annual Hotel refurbishment, full home builds or renovations and more recently, working on the Interior Design for the conversion of a large business premises being turned into 11 luxury apartments.
Product specific design has included my bespoke bar design installed in a local hotel lounge area. The decorating of homes for Christmas or other special occasions is also a particular passion of mine.
Industry Specific Certificates Merrick and Day Qualifications
'Merrick and Day have a successful, top quality curtain making and publishing company recognised by fellow professionals and enthusiasts alike. Their creative courses on curtain design and make-up techniques are very popular and they are much in demand for lecturers both at home and abroad. 'Based in North Licolnshire they have an appreciation of the best in the finest materials and hand finishing as well as the practical and technical knowledge which can turn inexpensive fabrics into delightful window treatments'.