I have recently been featured in the Spring Edition of “Crib” Magazine where I did an in depth interview about being an interior designer in Manchester. Here is a sneak preview:

Crib Magazine

What is the best part about being an interior designer?

The best part is that every day is different. I love my job; I get to work with lots of different people and work on lots of different challenging projects. I’m a people pleaser too, which helps in this job. It isn’t about my taste; it’s about my clients taste. And my advice. I love the whole process of discovering their wants and needs and bringing their dream rooms to life.

How do you get clients?

85% is from recommendations or repeat business. It shows I must be doing something right. I do design clinics at Tatton Park, where ive picked up some excellent new clients over the years. I’ve recently launch a brand new website where I regularly blog all about interior design trends and that has helped increase my exposure. I’m also a big twitter fan I’ve got over 300 followers now.

How long have you been in interior design?

Just over 12 years now, It’s gone real quickly

How did you start?

Well I used to run the Interior Design department in a further education college and I was asked to go into business. I had a partner for 5 years, now I work solo.

What type of person hires an Interior Designer?

I think there is a general view that interior designers are for celebrities and only the very wealthy. In fact I recently wrote an article about this on my blog. I work to all budgets so my client base is a lot wider than you’d expect. I work with elderly couples that sometimes need help choosing colours and fabrics. I work with professionals who don’t want to be involved in the creative process and busy working families who need a project manager to be their eyes and ears when they cant oversee an interior design project themselves.

How badly did the economic downturn affect your industry?

I have noticed that a lot of people were choosing not to move but I didn’t see any negative effect on my business. People still wanted to live in nice homes and they still wanted to redecorate and improve them. I’ve noticed some of my clients have reduced their budgets, but that doesn’t bother me. There is such a vast selection of fabrics and furniture on the market now, that working on a small budget is a lot more achievable. I also do commercial projects and the downturn didn’t seem to affect these jobs either

You recently featured on a BBC radio show about Interior Design, Is TV the next step for Louise Garman?

Laughing….Oh, I don’t know about that! I was asked to appear on a pilot for a new TV show, but I couldn’t take part as I had other commitments when filming was scheduled. I don’t know if you could say TV is the next step, but I never say never . Aren’t there enough crazy interior designers on the box without one more?

Yes, there are a lot these days. Tell us what you think about them. Do you like Lawrence Llewelyn Bowen?

Oh I love him, some people don’t get his style but I think he’s amazing. Maybe it because we both share a background in art.

And Linda Barker?

Oh she irritates me! Her interiors range is so safe and boring. Anyone can go and buy magnolia sheets and pillowcases!

Justin and Colin?

Oh, they are wonderful, as you could tell from I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! Their shows are more about their relationship together than about interior design though. Now I think about it, maybe we are in need of a new interior Designer presenter! If Channel 4 want to offer me a series I wont say no!

Finally, if you could outlaw one interior design crime what would it be?

Oh! If I had to pick one it would be carpet in a bathroom. I recently had a client who wanted to put a thick cream shag pile in her ensuite. Carpets in a bathroom is a big no no, it just breads bacteria, mould and mildew. I couldn’t agree to it so I asked her, ‘is your husband a perfect aim?’ “Pardon?” she said. I rephrased the question“Does your husband always hit the bowl?” I asked and then the penny dropped so to speak! Sometimes it’s my job to guide; after all I am the expert.