Category Archives: Home interior design

How our design build and renovation project is progressing

Posted by Alison on May 1, 2012 None comments

As much of the building work is now complete we have moved on to the outside wall and the rain has never stopped. It certainly has been the wettest drought I have ever seen. Back in April I was advising garden clients on how to conserve water and still keep newly planted bare root hedges and shrubs alive. Today I am bemoaning slow progress on three landscaping projects due to the wet weather!

 

Starting to tile the en suite

We are making good progress inside our new extension with a dehumidifier helping to dry the floor and plasterwork. We have painted the new extension on both levels and are just awaiting final plumbing before we can move back into our bedroom. After much head scratching and removal of both the head and handrail from the staircase and the carpets we have managed to get the shower screen up the stairs – shouts of ‘yippee’ and much clapping, plus beers all round for the builders who helped maneuver it.

 

Juniper Ash on site decorating

Liz Stephens, from Juniper Ash Decorating, has really enjoyed painting with the Earth Borne and Little Greene paint we have been using. Both have provided excellent coverage and are low odor, the Earth Borne paint has a really lovely smell! The feature wall was an inspired decision once we had seen how lovely the large wall looked. It will now make a great display case for my collection of cream-ware vases –  more on this in a later blog.

 

The finished en suite awaiting shower screen

If you have a building project, interior or garden and landscaping project which you need help with or ideas for then please give me a ring: Alison 01572 747318 or 07973843020.

 

I work on interior design and garden design projects in Stamford, Lincolnshire, Oakham, Uppingham and Rutland as well as further afield. I will design a garden to complement the architecture of your home and choose the right landscaping materials to complement it. If you are frustrated with endless searching for the right fabric or wallpaper and paint colours and overwhelmed with the enormous choice, then allow me to make a handpicked selection for you. I will complement the style of your existing rooms and provide a few choice pieces which will bring the whole look together.

 

 

 

Laying under floor heating on a design and build project

Posted by Alison on April 19, 2012 None comments

We have moved on a long way since I last put some images on the blog but I’m continuing the sequence so that you can see just how we have progressed.

Once the floor membrane and insulation was down we could install the under floor heating. We’ve opted for a wet system, having had a dry electric system before,  we know how great under floor heating is, but a wet system is more cost effective in terms of  running costs. Laying the under floor heating works on a grid system. It’s a bit like egg crates and the water pipes flow within the grid to ensure even coverage across the floor. Once this has been pressure tested a screed is applied which becomes the finished floor level ready for tiling. We are now waiting for the screed to dry out – in this weather it may be some time!

 

Laying the under floor heating

 

 

The red pipes snake across the floor

 

Platerboards are in place ready for the plasterer

All plastered and waiting for it to dry out

After you’ve plastered its important to get as much air circulating as possible to dry the room. It will be a minimum of 2 weeks before we paint but even so I have opted for an Earthborn clay paint which will allow the walls to breath. www.earthbornpaints.com

I’ve used this at our holiday cottage in Norfolk : www.pimpernelcottage.co.uk which has traditional lime plaster and where breathability was even more important. It’s been really successful: it’s hard wearing but also allows me to re-touch as needed without any visible lines – perfect if I just want to cover up a dirty mark on the sitting room wall!

If you have a building project, interior or garden and landscaping project which you need help with or ideas for then please give me a ring: Alison 01572 747318 or 07973843020.

I work on interior design and garden design projects in Stamford, Lincolnshire, Oakham, Uppingham and Rutland as well as further afield. I will design a garden to complement the architecture of your home and choose the right landscaping materials to complement it. If you are frustrated with endless searching for the right fabric or wallpaper and paint colours and overwhelmed with the enormous choice, then allow me to make a handpicked selection for you. I will complement the style of your existing rooms and provide a few choice pieces which will bring the whole look together.

 

Rutland design, build and renovation

Posted by Alison on October 18, 2011 None comments

 The concrete blocks on site seem to be breeding this week. I go back in to the office and the next time I look out the window we have another piled stacked up and waiting. They’re like a marching army ready to make progress as soon as the builder says go.

Our blocks stand to attention

They strand to attention and wait for the final pieces to be pout together and then we can start on the walls and those columns of blocks will soon be walls at window level. Which reminds me I must get the window catalogue back out and finalise just what we are having. What was putting me off making a decision was the window furniture – the latches and locks can be so ugly (or just utilitarian) and its small details like that which I like to get right to begin with, rather than have to replace later on. Talking of window furniture, did I mention the lovely door knobs I got from the Walcot reclamation sale, they are stunning.

After the block and beam floor went in last week we have made good progress, the only thing holding us up at the moment is the need to underpin the garage as it was only on a floating slab.

A moment to think!

The holes which will form the concrete pads for the supporting beam

The structural engineer has been and produced a set of new calculations so we know how to proceed but digging out for the concrete pads is hard going as the ground is so stony – but at least it means we know the garage isn’t going anywhere!

If you have a building project, interior or garden and landscaping project which you need help with or ideas for then please give me a ring: Alison 01572 747318 or 07973843020.

I work on interior design and garden design projects in Stamford and Rutland as well as further afield. I will design a garden to complement the architecture of your home and choose the right landscaping materials to complement it. If you are frustrated with endless searching for the right fabric or wallpaper and paint colours and overwhelmed with the enormous choice, then allow me to make a handpicked selection for you. I will complement the style of your existing rooms and provide a few choice pieces which will bring the whole look together.

Interior inspiration from Decorex

Posted by Alison on September 30, 2011 None comments

It’s amazing how a small amount of progress on the ground can spur you to thinking about all the finer points of interior decorating. I was inspired after my visit to Decorex on Monday.  Decorex is the UK’s show for architects and interior professionals where we all go to get inspiration, to see the latest interior trends and talk to new and existing suppliers.

The grounds of Chelsea Hospital are transformed with the installation of a large marquee and trade stands. We had a great day and met with many existing suppliers who were launching new editions to their already stunning interior selections. And found new suppliers with amazing things to offer.

Here are some of my favourites:

who could resist this London bus rug

 

 Getting lighting right can transform a room

Interior Lighting

I love this

wall treatments can be amazing

An alternative to a boring stair carpet

Add colour to your stairs with a runner

I went a bit dotty over these carpets and runners

A dotty runner

Choose paint colours with care to make the best use of your interior space

Paint colours of the world

 
For more of my inspiration,  or to dicsuss a project call Alison 01572 747318 or 07973843020.

Managing a design, build and renovation project

Posted by Alison on September 28, 2011 None comments

Can this weather get any better – we are so blessed with having a dry spell in which to get our build up and out of the ground. Work has now begun on the block work and once the finished level has run through to tie in with the existing cottage then it should start to go up quite quickly.

Perparing for the block work

We’ve been tying in all the existing drainage to the new pipe-work which will run our new utility/boot room and the bathrooms. Now that this is complete progress should happen apace and each day will bring a new level.

Another delivery of bricks and blocks

Rutland design and build project

The first course of block work goes up

arrived this morning so the boys next door will be thrilled watching the hiab arm unload with such precision. They make it look so easy.

My husband, Peter, and I went to Decorex, the trade show for interior designers and architects, on Monday. This was a buying trip for clients but also offered a wealth of ideas for us too. I was keen to make some decisions on flooring, lighting and switches. Recessed ceiling lights are easy to place but I wanted some more unique lights for our new kitchen and bathroom.

Choosing bathroom lighting

We have an Art Deco basin and pedestal which I want to incorporate in the new bathroom so getting lighting to match is quite a challenge, but I think we are nearly there. I also needed a hall light for a client where we are mixing contemporary furnishings with more traditional pieces to tie back into the architecture of the house.

Choosing lighting for an older property with a contemporary feel

This is something I love to do as I often think the architecture of a house speaks to you and simply adding contemporary pieces, without a reference back to the history of the place, is soul destroying. This too was resolved so we are all happy and moving forward with our various projects.

If you need some help or support with your own design, build or renovation project give me a ring for an informal chat or to arrange an on-site meeting. Tel: 01572 747318 or 07973 843020. I work countrywide but especially on interior and garden design projects throughout Rutland, Stamford and Lincolnshire.

How do I work with an interior Designer?

Posted by Alison on September 16, 2011 None comments

As the weather turns cooler our thoughts naturally turn to our homes and making them cosy for the winter. Working with an interior designer can help you transform your home  and build your confidence in using colour and pattern.

Whether you have a large or small home you want it to look right for you. Working with a designer does not have to be a costly or scary event. I work with clients in large and small houses to help them transform them into the homes they have always wanted. The process can often save them money in the long term as they decorate once and live with the results for years to come, perhaps adding a new piece every few years to keep the look updated.

If you are frustrated with endless searching for the right fabric or wallpaper and paint colours and overwhelmed with the enormous choice, then allow me to make a handpicked selection for you. I will complement the style of your existing rooms and the architecture of your home and provide a few choice pieces which will bring the whole look together.

I love to mix contemporary styles and furnishings with antiques. If you want your interior to be timeless, and yet up to date in terms of current colour trends and styles, let me take the strain away from you and find the pieces for you. I will present a personalised range for you to choose from which complements your own furniture and furnishings.  Decorating in this way allows the interior to reflect your life and the way you live.

With my help and professional expertise you will make the right decisions and transform rooms into classic interiors full of timeless elegance. This is particularly evident in my kitchen designs where you want to feel relaxed and comfortable but for the practicality of cooking to work for you and your family too.  In this way a home looks lived in despite the decorator only having completed the project last week.

I will understand what you are looking for, the quality and standard you expect and deliver a personal choice for you. This might be a mood board specifically designed for your room incorporating the colour scheme, all fabrics, furniture and lighting with samples of each. These help you capture the entire look of a room so that whether I project manage its implementation or you take it on yourself you have all references to hand.

I will blend the different styles of your current interior using existing pieces and supplementing with custom made pieces or by reupholstering your cherished items.

Show me what you’d like changing using my initial consultation meeting at a cost of just £100. Telephone to book an appointment now:  01572 747318 or 07973 843020

or email me: alison@alisonhutchinsondesign.co.uk

Home Interior Styles

Posted by Alison on May 19, 2011 None comments

I heard a lovely thing on radio 2 recently: a caller said he knew it was Spring because his wife had said “this lounge needs painting.” I’m sure I say it every year but this is my favourite time of year. There is so much promise in the air, new buds are awakening every day and long forgotten bulbs are appearing like buried treasure from the damp earth.

For the interior one of the easiest ways to create a new look is with paint or wallpaper and I think the Radio 2 caller’s wife had a point. At this time of year light levels change and our homes do look different and a freshen up with some paint can work wonders. If you’re feeling brave you could also think about decorating a feature wall with a strong colour (if the room is big enough to take it) or a feature wallpaper. The fabric houses are full of strong primary colours at the moment with dominant patterns in striking color combinations so work these into your new scheme too. The colour at the Cannes Film Festival this week is reportedly WHITE but my Global Colour Research partners inform me that the colour for May is GREEN. There’s so much green about at the moment from the very restful to the striking and vibrant limes. I love some of the new looks the fabric houses are launching. If your budget is tight simply opt for a change of cushions and accessories but if you have more to spare then a new set of curtains or blinds will transform a room.

Little Greene Paint creates a striking feature wall

Paint has come a long way in recent years and we are all so much more aware of its environmental impact not just in terms of voc’s but in its storage and handling too.

One of my favourite paint company’s, Little Greene’s, offers a fantastic range of environmentally-friendly water-based paints. They are passionately committed to acting positively and responsibly in order to minimise the ecological impact of their manufacturing and distribution process. All the company’s paints are manufactured in their own UK factory using only the finest organic, natural and safe-synthetic pigments.

They have such a high reputation that Little Greene Paints were selected to decorate The Prince’s Foundation Natural House at this year’s Ideal Home Show.

The company has been working on this project with The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment, an educational charity founded by HRH The Prince of Wales, for some time and is a source of considerable pride as well as much inspiration for Little Greene.

The Foundation aims at establishing sustainable, responsible construction methods for the planning, designing and building of community housing, thereby improving the quality of people’s lives.

Little Greene’s water-based paints are quick drying, virtually odourless and brushes can be safely washed in tap water after use. Colours selected are evocatively (and appropriately) named shades such as Salix, Celestial Blue, Acre, Linen Wash and Clay Mid. If you’d like more information on Little Greene visit their web site or give me a call and I’ll order samples for you.

I believe that every space can be comfortable, relaxed and beautiful without you feeling pressured to be perfect.  I would love to help you achieve your beautiful home. If I can help with a home or garden project please give me a call. Alison: 01572 747318 or 07973843020.