Faced with a myriad of choices, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s where a talented interior designer can help. We talk to Alison Downs, aka The Interior Design Oracle, about what it’s like to design other people’s homes.
Q What led you to set up The Interior Design Oracle?
A I set up my company as I identified that it is often the procurement element of projects which both clients and professionals find most time-consuming and stressful. We aim to take the hassle out of this process. Through our extensive contacts, we can keep costs down by sourcing elements with different price points.
Q What do you feel passionately about when it comes to design?
A Put simply, the quality and feel of a completed scheme. I always advise clients to use the best quality finishes that they can afford and to keep a close eye on the small details. The concept can be great but if the delivery is not perfect, the effect can be compromised. Often finding the right suppliers and contractors is the key to delivering a successful project.
Q What aspect do you find to be the most challenging?
A It can be difficult when a couple have very different ideas for their project. The skill is then finding a way of fusing the two together. Once we have a clear vision and everyone is happy we can set about delivering it. It can sometimes take a few discussions to get there.
Q How would you sum up your style?
A I like to use classical details – think original cornices, characterful window shutters, fireplaces and old bookcases – mixed with modern fittings and fabrics. At the moment I love the boxy, contemporary shape of David Seyfried’s Gilston Sofa highlighted with Boeme Design’s Tide Sunrise cushions.
Q What would be your dream project?
A I like to work with old and new so a historically interesting building, with a contemporary addition is always fantastic. I find it fascinating how well conservation and contemporary work can complement each other, when done sensitively.
Q Whose home would you most like to design and why?
A I’d love to work with Kristin Scott Thomas. She is incredibly stylish but, more importantly, is an independent thinker who doesn’t follow the crowd.
Q What inspires you?
A Travelling can provide great inspiration. Many of my holiday snaps are of little details that I have spotted or of products from newly discovered shops that might be useful in the future.
Q What’s new for 2015?
A I am quite drawn to dark walls, in grey or very dark blue tones, and contrasted with furniture or fabrics in vibrant yellows and greens.
Q Describe your own home…
A I am very lucky to live in a beautiful house on the Hatfield Park Estate in Hertfordshire. The main part of the house dates from around 1780, and it has had a number of later additions.
We spend a lot of time in the kitchen. The units are painted in Farrow and Ball’s Ball Green and were customised with antique brass handles. One of my favourite things in the kitchen is a beautiful painted wall cupboard, which we found in Switzerland and dates from 1781.
The study is also well used. This has timber panelling and bookcases with simple Georgian mouldings painted in Farrow and Ball’s Lichen. We’ve kept the original fireplace and put in a log burner. Above the fireplace is a 19th century bird’s- eye view of Cambridge, from the Lawson Gallery in Cambridge. It’s cosy with oak flooring, a small leather chesterfield and lighting dotted about. This helps to give the room a great atmosphere at night.
Q Can you give any design tips for readers?
A Don’t go with the latest fads, they date very quickly. Specify the best quality you can afford, you will not regret this. Take time to think about what your requirements are before you embark on a project. It can be unnecessarily stressful when decisions need to be made in a hurry. I would advise homeowners to keep things simple, perhaps investing in just one key piece that they love. Don’t be afraid to try small suppliers or to go direct to the manufacturers. Think creatively and don’t be afraid to ask for advice – specialist knowledge can be invaluable.
For the full feature, including advice from three more local interior designers, pick up your free copy of Cambridge Edition today.
