Design Dreams in Kent. An Interview with a interiors visionary, Elle Kirkwood.

Elle, why should people appoint an interior designer instead of managing their own project?

Whether you are looking to renovate your home in its entirety or to do just one room, consideration given to employing a designer/project manager can be daunting. It is easy to underestimate the amount of time, research, effort and planning involved when considering a project and for these reasons, passing the baton to an experienced designer is a smart choice. It is imperative that your investment yields the very best results, that costly mistakes are avoided, that you have access to services you do not have to research find and manage yourself and that you are secure in the knowledge that a professional is in place to do the very best job on your behalf. A good designer will take away the stress of the process, so you get to enjoy transforming your home rather than becoming entrenched in the problems that most certainly will and do arise. I am employed to take on every element of the design process as well as full implementation of projects from beginning to end including all elements of project management.

What type of projects get you most excited?

I particularly love working with clients who are open to and excited by new ideas and who are keen to embrace change and put their trust into the overall process.

My business has evolved from its conception to my preferred offering of an ‘under one roof’ service utilising my established and trusted trade team which includes builders, master joiners and all relevant tradesmen. I collaborate with Purdom’s Bespoke Furniture to design, create and install bespoke kitchens, dressing rooms, home offices, bar and entertainment areas, bedrooms and so much more. It’s exciting to design and create bespoke fitted and freestanding furniture and to offer this personalised service to clients. Each project I work on is unique and exciting in its own way and the reward and satisfaction for me is felt in all of the work that I do. More often than not, if I’m employed to work on one space in a home it is not unusual following completion for there to be a roll out to other areas of the home.

Who or what have been your major influences and role models?

Both of my parents are extremely creative and were most definitely a huge influence throughout my childhood and later years. I continue to be encouraged to work hard, be consistent and to follow my path with courage, determination and enthusiasm. I also have a great appreciation for the work of the renowned Spanish architect and designer, Patricia Urquiola. Inspiration comes from the everyday colour palettes that are all around us, artwork and continued inspiration from clients and how they want their homes to feel and be used.

In developing a style for a client’s property who takes the lead or is it a collaborative effort?

Whether a client is aware of a particular design style or not, there simply must be an element of collaboration when I am working on a residential project. A home has to reflect the people who live in it and my expertise is utilised to guide clients towards the best possible outcome whilst also gently nudging them in a direction they may not have considered but that will yield the best results. Some clients choose to be less involved than others in the overall process so each project is based on its own merit. With commercial projects, the personal involvement is obviously less and clients are looking to utilise my skills in a way that produces ideas and designs that will enhance their business and client base.

Is there a project that you are most proud of?

I’m proud of all the projects I’ve worked on for many different reasons. I’ve recently completed a redesign of both the interior and exterior of a family home and seeing the transformation has been a rewarding experience for me.

Contact Elle: www.guthrieandkirkwood.co.uk

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