Giles Kime speaks to designer Charlotte Stuart, who is ensuring that interior design is enjoyable, rewarding and accessible by pioneering a collaborative new way to bring her clients' ideas to life.
Charlotte Stuart is an interior designer and BIID Associate member whose new consultancy service is a response to the way that interior design has changed in the last decade or so. Thanks to the digital world, particularly social media, those wishing to transform their homes have access to far more ideas and inspiration. As a result, they are extremely knowledgeable and visually literate, so rather than a prescriptive approach she works collaboratively helping clients to edit down their choices in a coherent way.
Charlotte helps to bring their ideas to life with the benefit of her experience working both as a designer and former Farrow & Ball colour consultant, designing stylish, practical spaces for clients. The digital world also enables Charlotte to work on Zoom which allows for the option of an economical investment for her clients.
To get in touch with Charlotte, call 07973 886 152 or email charlotte@charlottestuartinteriors.co.uk
What is your view on how interior design has changed over the last few years?
There will always be bumps in the road in regards to people’s lives and commitments. Increasingly, clients are looking for value in every purchase. Perhaps once a luxury, interior design can now be seen as an investment to ensure quality, correct decision making and longevity. Clients are keen that spaces work much harder, particularly those who work from home. As a result, they need comfortable, pleasing rooms where they can entertain, relax, work and enjoy all-important family time.
During Covid the necessity to meet via Zoom led to a sharp increase in consultations that have proven to negate the need for a site visit. This more flexible design consultation is perfect for clients who know their own style but just need that vote of confidence to either get going with a project, or to complete it. On site consultancies are agreed in advance but can cover Southwest (Hampshire, Dorset, Newbury etc) and London.
What did you learn from your experience as a colour consultant with Farrow & Ball?
As well as the transformative possibilities of colour I also gained a unique understanding of what clients need which, in many cases, was simply to be empowered with the right advice that will bring a project to life.
Taking this forward into my own interior consultancy has meant it’s a collaborative and cost effective way to work with clients. They use their own trades and contractors making communication and project management more straightforward. My service offers good value and is completely transparent. Clients can choose to work on just one space, a few rooms or a whole house — whatever suits their needs and their budget.
What do you regard as the key ingredient in a successful space?
The magic ingredients required to make a space successful are comfort and personality combined with the practical elements – everything else should take a lead from this. From artwork, lighting and comfortable upholsteries to the configuration of the space and the way that it connects and flows to other rooms. It’s important to establish the ‘bones’ too, ensuring that a scheme is built on spaces that are timeless with good finishes.
What role does pattern and colour play in this?
Layered patterns and prints create spirit and personality. I always find that encouraging clients to be brave with both pattern and colour can reap dividends.
With an overwhelming amount of choice out there, being able to edit and see the overall end picture is key. Picking the right fabric for the right usage, and understanding how they are going to perform in the scheme is integral to a successful space. Being brave with pattern and colour doesn’t have to mean a room that’s brightly coloured and loud. It doesn’t need to scream at you. It could be about small, quiet fabrics with interesting textures that are combined in unusual ways. As a designer, creating work with colour and pattern at its core is one of my loves and passions.
Describe your perfect room
My perfect room would have a good structure to work with, such as attractive architectural cornice or skirting board details. Strong use of colour is important to me, and gives a room energy, however I am equally drawn to the sophistication and serenity of a good neutral tone – it’s all about getting the balance and flow of the property right. I also think it’s always important to consider the ceiling colour, be it a warm white or matching wall colour to bring alive or soften an often-forgotten surface.
One of my favourite rooms to decorate in a house are bedrooms or sitting rooms, because I love a layered aesthetic mixing and combining patterns and prints for soft furnishings and upholstery. Good lighting can change the atmosphere and dynamic in a space, and I like to see texture in the use of different materials and finishes. Ideally, my perfect room would have a surprise element – something off-beat – it could be a lampshade that’s a talking point, some great artwork, even a glossy paint finish – just something that rocks the room from being contrived. Finally, a space that feels relevant to its occupant and comfortable to live in is the perfect room in any home.
As part of Charlotte’s interior consultancy service, she is happy to supply any fabric or wallpaper as specified during the interior consultancy at a 10–15 percent discount (applicable for up to three months from meeting). For larger ongoing projects, she can offer support throughout the process on a retainer fee. Please get in touch for further details. See more at www.charlottestuartinteriors.co.uk.
