Sometimes we are asked to save a project. It is not uncommon that clients contact us with gripes about their current designer. Their expectations are not always met. If a client is after a very special quality finish with a lot of thought , we can help.

Most recently we were called to a barristers chambers in the heart of London. We were invited to walk around the space. It was strange, with bright white glaring lights, shiny thin flooring, odd rooms assigned to useless tasks and all completely unused. From the outside the building was full of promise and was engaging to the eye, I have no idea how clients felt visiting this space, but it felt uneasy. Our job was to transform the rooms , add detail and fittings to help make this place more relaxed and give personality back from where it had been stripped out. We could not refurbish completely only touch lightly the surfaces.

In such a place as this it only seemed fit to introduce a look that was traditional but not stern, almost in a bid to feminise the place. We decided that pinstripes (like smart shirts) and traditional shaped sofas could work wonders in their waiting areas. Hints of nature with William Morris portrayed in wall prints. Subdued colours which warmed the place and created calm. Long opaque linen curtains to hide security bars but allow a glow in and perhaps a glimpse of the view outside.

It’s these simple touches that create place and feeling, it cannot be drawn from white minimal walls and carpets. This why such a skill as to convert a space into something with feeling is so valuable. It really is an art that is learnt with experience.