Nautical interiors are making waves this summer

If you’re looking to redecorate, white washed tongue and groove flooring or wall panels are a super, stylish way to kick-start your nautical makeover. Accent walls with a splash of bright blue is the perfect choice. Throw in some red gingham soft furnishings or bedding and matching cushions with big buttons to compliment the look. Stripes are everywhere this season and nautical accessories are very popular so look out for striped cushions, vases, and even wallpapers, pictures and crockery.

And if you’re looking to splash out, why not replace your curtains with shutters and add a ceiling fan? You’ll soon have a beach heaven that will keep you looking and feeling cool this summer. Now lets just hope for some sunshine!

Interior Design Trends 2010

Key colours are gold, green, rich blue and strong yellows. Don’t forget to look out for the 80’s style revival and a return to paint effect walls, especially colourwash.

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.

Going Up Autumn 09

• Accessorise your sofa! Brightly coloured cushions and throws to update the look
• Want to make a room look larger? Make a classic statement and paint
  it white with all white furniture and accessories! Beautiful!
• Purple purple and more purple! Wallpapers, fabrics, trim!
• Dont be afraid to make a bold statement……black and white is very striking!

Going Down Autumn 09

• Forget minimalism! Lets get eclectic!
• Huge plasma screen T.V.s……..please!
• Nets at the window. Swop for white wooden blinds….very European!
• Cream carpets? Tried it – Forget it!

Going Up

• Jaipur colours… yellows, hot pinks, lime greens
• Feathers! The design world is alive with plumage
• Asking for discounts! Any place! Any how!
• Japanese-inspired wallpaper designs

Going Down

• Bigger is better re: plasma T.V. screens
• Magnolia… YAWN!
• Moving up the property ladder… again
• Dried flowers. Do me a favour, PLEASE!

Forget moving up the housing ladder. Instead, sit out the credit crunch and liven up your home with our thrifty tips for 2009

As times change, and we are becoming conscious of our spending this Autumn, there are many ways you can update your home without breaking the bank! Let Louise Garman Interiors guide you through the myriad of design alternatives to suit any budget:
1) Wallpaper a feature wall. You’ll only need a few rolls, so go for broke using the latest bold, geometric and retro styled wallpapers from only £10.99 per roll!
2) Add warm, autumnal colours to your décor for a striking cost effective new look. This seasons must-have colours are steel grey, creamy cocoa and sensual wine.
3) Mix and match silks, velvets and lace to rejuvenate any room.
4) Reinvent a sofa or chair. Spend a lot less by recovering your chair
or cushions using only one metre of designer fabric for a fresh, bold look.
5) Hire a stripper! Original floorboards sanded and varnished can get the natural look
6) If you can only afford to one thing this season, add sensuous feather trims to cushions, lamps and pelmets for an exquisite and expensive look. Trims start at only £4.99 per metre!

Louise offered the BBC Radio Manchester listeners her advice on home improvements on a shoe string.

Louise Garman Interiors of Manchester will be hosting a ‘Design Clinic’ for informal, one-to-one interior design advice, in the beautiful setting of Tatton Park.

This is your opportunity to sit down with Louise and discuss any queries you may have about your home interiors.

Christmas at Home, The Design Weekend Home and Garden Exhibition at Tatton Park Knutsford, Cheshire 8th – 9th Nov 2008.

The exhibition will showcase all the latest trends within the design world

Louise Garman Interiors will also be attending the Decorex International Show 2008 and the Chelsea Harbour Design Show 2008 in search of the newest and most stylish ideas for your home in 2009.

Since the Millenium, interior designers in the North West have seen a definite shift from the safety of cream and brown, and the limitations of minimalism to a more exciting and eclectic look. Bolder colours are more popular (vibrant lime green to vivid pinks), striking looks ( combining stripes and florals) are now commomplace, with an emphasis on eclectic and individual, rather than safe and repetitive.

Often clients are mixing bespoke with less expensive, designer brands for less popular makes, creating individuality in the home. Expensive trim is mixed with less expensive fabrics, designer fabric with less expensive wallpapers, but always adventurous and new.

The homes of Greater Manchester and Cheshire appear to be leading the way, moving away from the more traditional and classical looks!