Country interior design by MJ

In a recent blog; Interior Designers V's Decorators, I wrote about the fact that one of the key elements of being a class act as an interior designer, was to enable them to create your vision, you need to expect them to ask lots of questions.  Today's blog topic; Being Flexible when making interior design choices, I thought is a fluid follow up to try and manage clients expectations, because I feel it's sensible and fun to try to keep flexible when looking at your interior designers plans for your home or Property portfolio.  Here's Why? 1, You have decided to appoint an interior designer, so trust their judgement and creativity.  During your initial consultation, they should have asked lots of questions already to establish your home goals, your lifestyle and your hobbies & interests and this should have been considered in their plan. 2, It's only when the room is fully dressed, that you can truly see the complete aesthetic look and how you'll move around i...

I had such high hopes when I clicked the Submit button on my Design Masters Application.  I feel I'd added my vibrant and quirky personality in my personal statement.  Sharing stories about my craft and making skills and the various interior design projects I've started and completed on time.  From the time I took it on myself to make 10 clown outfits fora staff conference, to the full house renovation we completed on our home.  Long story short, I did not make it through to the audition stages. Disappointed is not a strong enough word to demonstrate how I felt when I received the news, however the shining glimmer of hope, came in the form of the opportunity to register my interest in Series 9 (2028). So on this occasion, I've not got through, that said I have been consoled & delighted in equal measures that Series 7, has just returned to our screens.   I'm two episodes in now and I'm amazed by the talent & creativity that all of the designers have ...

Industrial interior design as a style could be interpreted as quite cold and stark, I believe that with a few easy tweaks you can make this ID style cosy and inviting.  So, how can you achieve this? Firstly, it's worth pointing out that you can blend ID styles to your industrial look to bring warmth and depth. Add warmth through textures, layering and clever lighting.  When you are looking at your flooring choices, remember by adding rugs or runners, it can add an instant lift in cosiness. Warm colours adds depth.  Embrace ambient lighting by adding subtle lamps around the space, to add to key focal lighting features.  The filiments in your bulbs will have a impact in terms of the atmosphere it can create and give a decorative glow. The lumens (brightness), is worth checking to, as it sets a colour temperature.  Warmth can easily be added by using natural products to furnish or add finishing touches.  Greenery and large planting can instantly uplift any ID ...

The choices of paint brands has exploded in recent years, with Farrow and Balls growth becoming a more mainstream choice.  However, there are plenty of different brands out there, the question to ask yourself is: What is your paint project firstly? I could easily list the different paint brands: Little Green  Frenchic  Brian Yates  Ulf Moritz Zoffany ltd Dixie Belle Dulux Heritage  As well as the main stream: Dulux  Homestore brands from DIY outlets like Wickes, B&Q and Dunelm.  Johnstone's  I'd recommend a visit to a paint Centre initally, that was you can purchase a number of testers or sample pots and get them home to try them on the walls.  Depending on which way your room is facing, will affect the light and shade in different corners of your rooms and a colour selection may look completely different at different times of day & night. Plus if you're adding multiple coats, this could add depth to the colour.  When your purcha...

Why do you need an Interior Designer anyway? Why don't you  just appoint a decorator? This is particularly important to get across exactly the huge distinction between the two.  That way it helps you understand the additional value you receive as a client by appointing an interior designer for your next interior design project.  Ultimately decorators are purely interested in the aesthetic look of a room; choosing paint, flooring or carpets. Yes, they have extensive experience and knowledge in their area of their expertise.  That is their Strength.  In terms of Interior designers, they are more concerned with you; the client, be it for a private homeowner or a commercial Property client. They spend time initially in asking lots of questions and I mean alot of questions!! So prepare yourself for that. This is key to achieving the outcomes and dreams, your looking to replicate within your home or property portfolio.  MJ, offers a FREE 30min consultation appoin...

This blog is how you could use your holiday as a way of inspiring your next interior design project & on our SM pages recently we had a focus on the Great British Holiday, go take a look at Country Interior Design by MJ Facebook & Instagram accounts to learn more. Each Seaside area of the UK, gives a different feel, be it Blackpool, whereby the bright lights and the Pleasure Beach dominates or right down to the most Southernly tip of Cornwall, whereby a more subtle, relaxed vibe is encapsulated?  I've been working on an interior design project for my portfolio and I read a great book: The English Seaside by Peter Williams. It's a great source of inspiration for a Seaside Interior design style. Whether your looking for a Retro Seaside makeover from yesteryear or you want to recreate your wonderful holiday memories in your home, in a more subtle way? The landscape of a typical resort has changed immensely over the years, however some things remain and can help you with va...

By the time this blog is live, it will be Good Friday.  So, for those people that celebrate this season.  Happy Easter.  We see it as another opportunity to dress your homes with beautiful and tasteful items of homeware or if you want to make a statement, & you're entertaining? If you're hosting a dinner party, or having guests for Easter Sunday lunch, you could just add a few touches to dress a dinner table and create a stunning tablescape and a few dinnerware items; Decorative glasses and plates for example.  It will make your guests believe how special you think they are.  Plus it demonstrates effort on your behalf.  You could subtly decorate your home & garden with bunting or selective Easter items.Subtle Lighting is an easy option to add be it fairy lights or a Easter tree adorned with battery operated lighting? The options are infinite.  High Street retail stores like,Homesense always have unique items in there Seasonal decorations for yo...