SPONSORED CONTENT REBECCA FIELD MANERA INTERIORS
07906 507228 www.manerainteriors.co.uk Why hire an interior designer? An interior designer plays a central role in shaping a project brief, balancing practical use of space with the aesthetic, so the finished result is both functional and beautiful. They also ensure designs meet heritage conservation requirements for listed buildings and handle planning submissions when needed. By overseeing project management, designers remove much of the stress from renovations, making the process smoother and more enjoyable for clients. What’s the most interesting aspect of working in homes in the city? Bath is full of captivating buildings. Exploring them and uncovering each house’s history is endlessly fascinating. It is a great privilege to be able to discover hidden features, such as an old bread oven or restore an original Georgian wood panel.
MARY BARBER FRAY
MARY BARBER FRAY INTERIORS 01225 337655 www.marybarberfray.co.uk
What is it that you love about working in interiors? I have worked as an interior designer for 30 years, and what I most love is being able to advise my clients on how best to achieve what they desire for their homes, from the feel, style and function. Every single client has different types of property, styles they like, and of course budgets and timescales. It is my job to help them to visualise, plan and implement with a team of contractors who I oversee, with regular communication between all parties. I have clients returning to me sometimes years later to help with another home, major works or a new room.
How would you describe your signature style? Interiors that sensitively recapture the age and grace of a building. I breathe new life into historic properties, re-defining spaces, recapturing an essence of decadence.
Where do I get my inspiration from? Inspiration can come from anywhere – travel to other countries and the UK, shops, magazines, trade shows and suppliers, art galleries, nature, visiting grand properties, exhibitions, fashion, architecture. And of course, from my clients themselves if they have a piece of art or furniture or a wonderful rug which they want to incorporate in their new schemes.
What is it you do that makes you different to your competitors? Manera Interiors specialises in investment properties. After over ten years founding and managing a multi- award winning holiday let business, we know the key elements that maximise return on investment.
How would you describe your signature style? I don’t have a signature style as such, but do like homes to feel happy, safe, comfortable, well-lit, elegant and functional and not overly complex or ‘on trend’. And I think artwork in whatever form is a must!
SARAH CONNER STUDIO MAYFIELD
07792145140 www.studiomayfield.co.uk What do you specialise in? We specialise in designing modern interiors for period properties. Our clients choose their homes for their rich character and history, and we help them reimagine these spaces for modern day living while respecting their original architectural charm. Why hire an interior designer? Most of our clients don’t lack ideas, they have too many. The challenge is knowing what will work together, where to invest and how to avoid decisions they may later regret. We bring clear direction and calm to the interior design process, helping them update their homes with considered modern touches that sit comfortably within the existing architecture. The result is a space that feels cohesive, beautifully composed and a joy to live in. How does your design process work? The key to a successful project is a solid foundation. We spend time getting curious about our clients, how they live day to day and their likes and dislikes. These insights inform the layouts and concepts that form the basis for the entire design. The result is a home that feels personal and unique. What’s the biggest mistake homeowners make? Trying to manage a period renovation themselves while making design decisions in isolation. Without a clear plan, projects often become more time-consuming, costly and disjointed than expected.
92 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
VANESSA SAYCE
THE MARMALADE HOUSE
07733 263844 www.marmaladehousedesign.com Where do you get your inspiration from? Marmalade House Design was conceived to realise a life-long love and study of interior design, home styling, textiles and paint finishes. We are celebrating 15 years of business, and our work has changed and developed over that time. In addition to our busy interior design studio, we specialise in French and Gustavian-style furniture painting and have worked on many fascinating projects at home and abroad for both domestic and commercial clients. How would you describe your signature style? Our signature house-style is rustic with a strong European influence, and we love to work with aged patina paint finishes, and texture within the home. How does your design process work? Our design element is very much a collaboration between us and our clients, making sure our interpretations are fit for purpose, budget and are always sustainable. What is it you do that makes you different to your competitors? We also train people to find their own creativity and offer both furniture painting to professional standards, and interior design day courses. Each day in our studios is different, and we work with seasons and trends as they unfold. Our advice for anyone starting out is to trust your own style and instinct. Whether it is a room, a piece of furniture or an idea, it will speak to you, and a professional will help you to translate that into a reality.