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Home Page > Property > Quality Interiors on a Budget

Quality Interiors on a Budget

julia_kendell1.jpgBy Julia Kendell

Now celebrating 20 years as one of the UK’s most sought after interior designers, Julia Kendell - presenter on ITV’s 60 minute makeover is a true star in the world of interior design. 

2008 will be a stunning year for affordable Interior Design. Take it from me!

One of the manvervevirtue_02.jpgy joys of working on a show like ‘60Minute Makeover’ are the introductions to good quality high street products and furnishings. Over the past few years the high-street has really caught-up with the latest trends and where a well-designed interior was aimed exclusively for the well-heeled, now everyone has the chance to create an A-list residence.

To build a base pick a ‘focus wall’, preferably one not too cluttered by windows or doors. This is the wall to use either a strong colour or a fabulous wallpaper with a bold design. Bring the colours from this into the furnishings of the room and you are on to a winner. ‘Harlequin’ have some particularly strong designs this season for under £26 per roll. Their new ‘Contour’ design from the Virtue range is a particular favourite of mine. Walls: Contour 60645 £35.00/roll from the Virtue collection by Harlequin
Harlequin Stockist no 08708 300 050 www.harlequinharris.com
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Ever since Jasper Conran created a range for Debenhams there has been a rush by well-known designers to produce ranges for the high-street. Kelly Hoppen has produced a beautiful collection of cushions, lamps and accessories for BHS which will give any dowdy living room or bedroom the up-lift to interior-design heaven. This fabulous headboard will add ‘boutique-hotel chic’ to any bedroom, priced at £349 Bedlinen: Pillowcases from £10 Duvet cover £55 (double) Faux fur throw £80 Faux fur cushion £25 Small crystal lamp £60 Stockists: 0845 196 0000  Have a look at www.bhs.co.uk

Here’s a few other favourites to help you achieve stunning rooms.
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Visit Dwell for a tremendous selection of sofas that wouldn’t look out of place in any glossy magazine. The vibe for furniture is ‘sculptured whilst comfortable’ and Dwell’s ‘Oslo’ sofa achieves this VERY well at just £475 -  http://dwell.co.uk/  Orderline: 0870 241 8653

My absolute favourite for interiors is Designers Guild. Tricia Guild has been at the forefront of design for many years and leads the trend in colours and paobject_havoc.jpgtterns. If you can afford even a few cushions in her wonderful fabrics you will be rewarded with a vibrant energetic room. http://www.designersguild.com/

Once you have your room design in mind, accessories are key! If you are looking at ‘natural/organic’ products you will do well to consider the stunning offerings from Objecthavoc who source and supply some of the most beautiful and interesting vases, lamps and accessories I have come across. Vases made from jungle vine!  Featured: Darter Vases Tel: 01874 620640 http://www.objecthavoc.co.uk/
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For pure, natural glamour ‘Retreat Home’ supply some really gorgeous items that wouldn’t look out of place gracing Cate Blanchett’s bedroom.   - Linen cushions from Retreat-Home. http://www.retreat-home.com/

Every room should have a ‘talking point’’, whether an item of furniture or art.  Even a funky swivel armchair such as Littlewood’s Cuba leather swivel chair at £249 can make an otherwise uninspiring room more glamorous.

If you are after a more personalised look try Asco Lights to create a lampshade from your own photograph. http://www.ascolights.co.uk/
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Most of all enjoy what you are creating. Respond to your feelings and pick colours and textures that make you FEEL something.   A well-designed lighting scheme can totally transform a room and add instant value. An uncluttered space will create an area to breathe. But most of all, remember that it is your home, a place for you to express yourself and let caution fly to the wind!


About Julia
A highly experienced renovation, refurbishment and design expert, she specializes in property remodelling, lighting design and interior transformations. Moving effortlessly between television assignments and her established professional career working on multi-million pound projects to small charitable concerns, Julia enthuses passion and energy.

Julia started her design career as a Saturday girl for an interiors showroom and hasn't looked back. This year she has launched a new company building stunning carbon-neutral riverside homes which will, of course, be cutting edge and set new trends in design coupled with environmentally conscious building techniques.

Not at the expense of the planet, she believes that style and glamour can be achieved by using carefully sourced products from reputable sources and has endeavoured to reflect her beliefs in her makeovers and private schemes.

Julia has also appeared on Tonight with Trevor McDonald and GMTV in her bid to prevent demolition of Victorian houses in the north of England.

For more information about Julia – visit her website Trade Designs - http://www.tradedesignshenley.co.uk/




 
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