Services

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Our bespoke services are tailored to suit the requirements of your specific property so we happily provide a free initial inspection and discussion of your needs to ascertain budget and scope of work.  

Following our appointment and payment of fee deposit, we then undertake a detailed space survey and provide more detailed design proposals.

What do we do?    The Landlord's Designer prepares your property for market, transforming it from its new or existing condition to a fully functioning home for 
let or to be presented for re-sale.

Unlike conventional designers, we are market-led, not design-led.  That means that our purpose is to satisfy your needs in the property market and not a creative itch.  We charge a modest fee by comparison, since it is not appropriate for this market to produce extravagant designs that run the risk of turning off a tenant or prospective buyer and are costly for the investor.   We create simple interiors with broad appeal and maximum longevity, all as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. 

Unlike contract furnishers, we are acting in your best interests, not selling you furniture.  We do not mark-up product to pay for "free" design advice; we simply charge you a fee so you know the true cost of your furnishings.  

We project manage all work on-site, not just furniture installation.  That means that we will do whatever is necessary to show your property at its best by bringing in trusted tradesmen and overseeing their work to ensure your satisfaction, typically: 

·         Refurbishment of kitchens and bathrooms 
·         Re-decoration 
·         Exterior/garden work 
·         Gas and electrical safety checks 
·         Off-site storage or disposal of furnishings and personal items 
·         Repairs and odd-jobs 
·         Fitting out cupboards and hanging shelves 
·         Installation of new lighting 
·         Soft furnishings, window coverings and carpets
·         New electrical goods and appliances
 

As an added service to assist letting or private sale, we can design and produce a property schedule suitable for marketing the property to potential tenants, buyers or major employers in the area.  With permission, these can be branded with the letting agent’s logo.

How Do We Do It?    There's more to this than meets the eye...

·         Sociodemographic factors are taken into account based on the individual property, its location and market value and therefore typical buyers or tenants in that market.   We advise on budget accordingly, minimising your capital expenditure.   The letting or estate agent is included in this process to ensure their knowledge of the local market is fully optimised.  This increases the likelihood of a quick rental/sale.

·         Each space is surveyed and furniture planned to ensure a successful layout for a tenant or to suggest best use of space for potential purchasers.  We assess cupboard spaces, the position of sockets, lighting layout and other services.  

·         Interiors are designed to compliment the design style of the overall development, carrying through finishes and flavours where appropriate.  This makes your property look like it "belongs" there.

·         Storage furniture, shelving or under-bed storage is provided where additional space is required.  Extension cables are supplied where electrical sockets are inconveniently located and layouts planned to optimise natural and artificial light sources.  All of this is important to ensure that any tenants are happy living there and increases likelihood of a longer tenancy.

·         Key furnishing items can be proposed to the investor for approval, prior to appointment if necessary, although most clients prefer a hands-off approach.  Detailed design and selection of other furnishings follows upon appointment, when stock availability can be determined and special deals secured.

·         Maximum use is made of natural materials such as wood, glass, leathers and metals since these are timeless in style and have their own natural colour that does not readily date.  This is particularly important with high quality furnishings since they will last many years.  

·         Colours and styles of furnishings are carefully chosen to avoid short-term, high fashion statements or this season's colours that will quickly lose appeal and be expensive to replace.  This is the opposite of the approach taken by show-house designers who often focus on the here and now since their sales process is short.

·         Designs aim to be attractive to both male and female tenants, irrespective of religious or cultural background, and to cover a broad age range.

·         Finishes are chosen to be robust, durable and easily cleaned (sofas often have fully washable, fully removable covers).  Bedding, where supplied, is usually plain since this is easily replaced without compromise to the colour-scheme, and is easily laundered.

·         Protective pads are applied to the base of any items that may scratch surfaces and to the backs of pictures to protect walls. 

·         Window coverings are functional and attractive - usually self-coloured vertical, roller or Venetian blinds, and/or simple curtains in a plain fabric to match the interior.  We aim to buy ready-made curtains since these are significantly less expensive, then alter if necessary.  Window coverings are chosen to ensure privacy and security, protect furniture from the sun, in mid-weight fabrics that are suitable for both Summer and Winter use.

·         Lighting is assessed and revised where necessary to provide flexibility and ambience.  Often changing standard overhead lighting to adjustable fittings or adding table lamps, uplighters or dimmer switches can be the most cost-effective approach to transforming a bleak space into a stunning room.

·         Artwork and a minimal number of accessories are the finishing touches - carefully selected to add design interest and splashes of colour without personalising the property to a particular taste or individual's interests.