Consider bay and other unusual window configurations at the planning stage. Boussac Fabric is used here.
Consider bay and other unusual window configurations at the planning stage. Boussac Fabric is used here.
When building or renovating a home, honest collaboration between you, your interior designer and architect will manifest the best results, says interior and fabric expert Rebecca Bowering.
We loved it, but damage from the earthquakes meant we had to say farewell. It was a sad day, but we've now moved into a new building. Fabulous concrete, glass, sunny and bright. It's a blank canvas on which we're quickly putting our stamp. The Mainland Design Centre lives onin our new premises in the city's Madras St.
And so it is with so many new homes. The very best homes are a collaboration between the architect, home owner and interior designer. This meeting of the minds needs to come early - at the planning stage. Bring your interior design consultant on board early so they understand what you and the architect are trying to achieve. Often the architect's lines are vitally important for the final look and the last thing he envisages is fussy curtains or curtain track systems that cover important detailing.
Conversely your interior designer will give consideration at the planning stage for how blinds or curtains are to be hung, where the tracks or rods are best placed and where enough wall space needs to be allowed for the curtains to stack back without masking the view or natural light.
Your designer will also offer advice based on the plans for furniture placement to ensure easy movement throughout your home. They can help you set a budget from the outset so the important finishing details are included. We often hear the entire budget has been spent on the build, not allowing for those final touches that truly make the difference between a house and a home.
Remember this is your home and it's important to make your views known all the way through the process.
If you love fabulous, full-bumphed curtains and a more traditional look in your decor, make sure the architect knows this, as it may influence the final plan. Your designer will happily be your advocate and work with the architect to ensure you aren't working at cross-purposes.
Work with your designer and architect on finer details such as methods of hanging your curtains. These are from Colefax and Fowler.
Equally, if you and your architect want a highly structured house with a minimalist feel, let the designer know early on. They may suggest recessed curtain tracks or even a motorised system.
Make sure you consider your glass choices - try to specify glass with high UV ratings to minimise damage from the sun on your furnishings.
Discuss such finer details as the location of the beds and whether you will have bedheads and bedside tables. If space is a premium the designer may draw up a built-in bedhead encompassing wall-hung side tables. The things to consider are endless, but the results will be worth every moment.
A blank canvas is unbelievably exciting, but can also be a daunting task. Somehow it's easier to imagine the final result of a renovation. Enjoy the process and relax in the hands of the experts.
Atelier Textiles owner and managing director Rebecca Bowering explores the latest textile trends and new interior design ideas every week. For more information visit www.atelier.co.nz
