Are all the new year resolutions made yet? Is it going to be a new year, new you or a new year, new home?

The last few months of the year are just spent in a mad rush for interior designers and homeowners alike, with everyone who has started the redecoration process determined to be finished for Christmas. It is so enjoyable to start the year with a few clients that sensibly decided to wait until the ‘silly season’ had past. It is so much more pleasurable being able to choose a new look for your home without everyone being under pressure with deadlines of one day.

So, what’s new with Simply Interiors this year? For those not familiar with Simply Interiors, all appointments are conducted in my client’s home. I bring with me a huge van full of thousands of samples of the leading brands of fabrics, wall coverings, lighting, floor coverings and blinds. We are a small company that offers a unique and personnel service with a high standard of workmanship with an old fashioned service. But unfortunately until now, due to the vast selection of sampling I carry, it was impossible to price the scheme while out at my clients homes, therefore now I can save both you and me lots of valuable time.

What should you be looking for if you are going to redecorate this year?  Before we go on to the bit that all us girlies love looking at, the colours, fabrics and decorative items, let’s go back to basics. The first task in any room is to get the comfort factors right. Is the room got too much or too heat? Is there electricity in the correct places where a hifi, tv, table lamps may be required? Do you wish to add/ remove overhead lighting, change to down lighters or even consider putting wall lights in? Think about this very carefully, all the above are practically impossible to do after decoration, and if they are not carried out probably will lead to an average looking and worse still feeling space. There is nothing better than coming home at night to a warm and comforting room. One person’s comfort can be another person’s discomfort, find where your own comfort zone is and stick with it, never let anyone dissuade you otherwise. Even if you are using a designer, make sure you are comfortable with his or her manner and taste. This is your home no-one else’s.

Before going any further, measure the space you are going to be working with accurately, especially where the furniture is going to be placed. Do not go and look at furniture before this as many people do, see pieces they really like, then try to incorporate it into the room, on most occasions this does not work. Decide on the size required and then start looking, it is much easier than you think. If all else fails have the piece commissioned, this is not as expensive as it sounds, but does ensure that it is the perfect size.

If you would rather take professional advice and let me worry about these details instead of you, I would be delighted to come as discuss the project with you. But, for now I had better get started on these schemes and get my new years resolutions made.