Creating an energy-efficient home can lead to a building with a simple shape. I have no real problem with this. In fact, I've grown to love simple architecture I dislike sprawling, fussy homes. Hopefully our selfbuild is not seen as boring, but it responded to its location and site constraints, and used age-old materials: brick, lime render, handmade pin tiles. But what about inside? To begin with, it was simply a box.
In the past, I've visited some eco homes that you could assume had student owners. Old furniture was casually arranged around the place, the walls were plain... something about the space didn't work. Contrast that with either an owner who has interior design zest or someone who has hired an interior designer, and there is a distinctly noticeable difference.
Having owned properties before and played around with interior design, my wife Kay (pictured) and I realised that we are hopeless. We'd often decorate rooms and say things like, "Why doesn't it look as good as Catherine's house?" We'd paint a room a colour and then paint it back to how it was before.
So when we built a new home with a blank canvas before making any interior design choices - we decided to hire a professional.
We took a few different routes to source an interior designer. Recommendation is always a good starting point. I compiled some contacts through my work, but what quickly became apparent is the baffling variation of services.
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WHY I CHOSE...TO HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER
Hiring a professional to help in an area you're not confident with can be invaluable. Ben Adam-Smith did just that by employing an interior designer to inject character into his and his wife Kay's self-build
HOW TO PREVENT YOUR HOME OVERHEATING
With UK summers getting hotter, what steps can be taken to prevent overheating in homes? We outline what you can do to have a comfortable property all year round
Multifunctional home office
How to create a hybrid space that's suitable for both work and home life
Build a new garage for less
Taking on a self-build or renovation project? Then factor in a garage from the beginning you can benefit from economies of scale and efficiency tactics, says Tim Phillips
The golden rules of house design
Designing a house is hugely exciting, but knowing where to start can also feel daunting. With the help of some top architectural experts, we bring you the golden rules that will ensure you create the home of your dreams
THE HEALTHY HOME
PART THREE: BOOSTING BIODIVERSITY IN OUR HOMES
Victorian overhauls
A carefully conceived extension could be the key to unlocking the potential of your period property without compromising its character. Let our selection of innovative schemes be your inspiration...
Bird's eve view
Peter and Romney Lelliott opted for an upside-down new build, enabling them to enjoy far-reaching country views from the elevated living space of their contemporary new home
A collage to treasure
Kirstin Eriksson has transformed her Cotswold property by taking it from a neglected cottage to a perfect family home packed full of clever design ideas
Hidden, paradise
With hard work and a lot of initiative, Minnie and James Vosper lovingly brought their run-down home into the 21st century