Interior designer

 : 

Catherine Cornelissen

Depending on the nature of the project as agreed on, fees will either be payable 50% in advance with the balance on completion, or monthly by invoice.

We start off with a consultation where the client will tell me a little more about yourself and style preferences, describe your project, vision and budget and show some photos of your space and floor plan. The Scope of Work is a comprehensive and detailed list spelling out what will be delivered to you and is formed after you have engaged my services. The Concept Design is based on the Initial Consultation, consisting of physical and digital boards incorporating materials, fabrics, finishes and furnishings as a visual aid for the you. I use a variety of softwares which enable you to view the costs in relation to the budget in real time as well as see pieces I am sourcing, allowing you to approve / disapprove and comment. When the Concept Design has been approved, a detailed Specification will be assembled including the confirmed pieces and services, all supporting documents (drawings, floor plans, building works, CAD illustrations, CGIs) and invoice(s) relating to the Concept Design. I will then work with the your calendar and timeframe to schedule deliveries, works on site and installations.

I studied Art History and Art Business in London at Christie's Education and Sotheby's Institute. During my Art History degree, I extensively studied the Fine and Decorative Arts throughout history up to modern day enabling me to hone in on a variety of styles and pieces, contemporary modern and antique. I worked at David Gill Gallery as a Sales Assistant where I undertook a variety of roles, but was very involved in the interior design aspect, working with clients. I then worked for a Chelsea-based interior designer in London for just over two years when I realised I wanted to start my own interior design studio.

Interior Design and Art have always been passions of mine; ever since I can remember. I believe that everyone's home is a sacred and unique space and I love helping people create somewhere that truly feels like home.

I mainly work with residential clients in London, around England but also in Toronto and Vancouver, Canada. I am a Canadian, so I work in both the UK and Canada. I also undertake commercial projects, working with a company to visualise represent their brand in an attractive and effective manner.

I recently helped a retired couple refurbish their open-plan Living and Dining Room. While it was a small project, I was able to freely illustrate how I envision their space since they did not have many requirements. We incorporated some of their existing homewares and heirlooms within the new design and incorporated a media unit, window seat, panelling, textured wallpaper and brand new window treatments to tie the space together. The couple had four chairs that had been in the family for a few generations and we breathed life into them with some Thibaut fabrics. I really love repurposing old pieces of furniture as I think they add charm to a home!

Go with your gut! Make sure you have a relationship with your interior designer as it's important to ensure there is trust, transparency and enthusiasm for your project.

- What is your budget? - What is my buffer zone? (Sometimes project go over budget, so you should be prepared to have a buffer zone which you don't want to enter into, but can if necessary with unforeseeables). - What function do I want my space(s) to serve? - How do I want to feel in my space(s)? - How long will I be living here? (ie. is this my forever home or somewhere I intend on selling in the near future).