What’s hot in the world of interior design? Karen Keeman talks to the team behind an Octagon development in Surrey where a fusion of colours and materials blend to form a classical but contemporary look.
Helen Bygraves and Jenny Weiss of Hill House Interiors are the designers behind Octagon’s latest courtyard development of 11 houses in the heart of Shepperton village. Behind the classical facades, the duo at Hill House has created a contemporary show home that reflects the builder’s vision.
‘We were lucky in working with Octagon because they allowed us to get a lot of furniture especially made to fit this house,’ says Helen. ‘We have created a contemporary yet timeless look that will suit the potential purchasers in this area.’
The homes at Churchfield Place in Chertsey Road each have four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a separate utility room and in addition to the separate sitting and dining rooms or double reception room, there is often a ground floor family room or study.
‘Design has changed a lot in the last three or four years. Although it is a lot less fussy than it used to be, we have moved away from the stark minimalism of a few seasons ago and are introducing colour and detail,’ explains Helen.
When designing a show house or decorating your own home, the designers believe that it is best to try to make each colour flow from one room to the next. They use mainly neutral tones on the walls and floors but add colour with accessories – that way it is a lot easier to change things if you get fed up with something.
‘Designing a home is all about creating a vision so don’t try and do everything all at once. Completely finish a room – including the last minute details – before you move on or you will never get a true feeling for what the overall effect will be like,’ says Helen.
Prices for the homes at Churchfield Place range from £545,000 to £650,000. Call the selling agents Curchods on 01932 230033. Call Hill House Interiors on 01932 855901
Top tips
· Don’t skimp on the curtain lining. It is worth spending that bit extra for quality lining.
· Think of imaginative ways to add extra storage. For example, cubed boxed seats look great but get them made or buy them so the lid opens up.
· Glass effect in the bathroom looks stunning but use sparingly because it is very expensive.
· Carry a folder of all the colours and material samples you have used. That way when you are out shopping you can perfectly match the different tones.
· If you have unusual or small shaped windows, it’s better to use shutters or Roman blinds rather than curtains. Never use long sweeping curtains in the hall because they will get trodden on and end up looking very messy.
· Use mirrors to make a room look bigger. With the lights out and candles lit, it will also give the room a lovely soft glow.
· If you reserve your new home at an early stage, work out where you think you will want your plug sockets and tell your builder. This will save on having to have wires on display.