Frequently Asked Questions

Ideally, as early as possible.  Whether you’re reconfiguring your layout, planning a renovation, or simply know your home isn’t working for you, the best results come when we’re involved before key decisions are made.  That way, we can help shape the flow, lighting, finishes and furnishings as one cohesive whole — rather than working around things that are already set in stone.

We typically focus on full-home or multi-room projects, but we do take on single spaces — like kitchens, bathrooms or living rooms — when the scope and budget allow for a high level of detail and design.  We take on a limited number of projects each year, so it’s important we’re the right fit for each other.  If it sounds like we might be a match, we’ll talk you through the next steps and how we typically work.

We work with clients across Cheltenham, the Cotswolds, and nearby Gloucestershire villages — as well as those relocating to the area who want a trusted, design-led team on the ground.  If you’re unsure whether your project falls within our area, feel free to ask.

We will work further afield for a few select projects.

People often imagine a renovation as something big — knocking through walls or redesigning an entire house. But in reality, most home updates fall under some form of renovation, even if they’re not structural.

Even when you’re simply updating furniture, there’s often more to it. You might need a decorator, someone to move sockets or change lighting, fit new flooring or hang curtains. It all adds up.

We treat every project — whether it’s a full remodel or a one-room refresh — with the same careful planning and organisation. That means:

We manage all the trades so you’re not left chasing people or dealing with the mess

Everything’s planned before work starts, so there are no surprises halfway through

The process is calm and considered, not chaotic or rushed

If you’re making changes to your home, however big or small, it probably counts as a renovation. And we’re here to make it as straightforward as possible.

It’s an end-to-end service that covers everything from early layout planning and lighting design to the sourcing of furniture, finishes, and fittings. We handle procurement, liaise with trades, and oversee installation — right through to the final layer of styling. You won’t need to juggle contractors, place orders, or chase deliveries.  We manage the entire process on your behalf, so everything runs smoothly and comes together seamlessly.

We usually bring in our own trusted trades or recommend a contractor who understands how we work. This ensures we can deliver the level of detail and finish we’re known for, and keep the process streamlined for you. That said, we’re happy to collaborate with your builder if they’re a good fit for the project and open to working within a design-led process.

It depends on the scope. As a guide, the design phase for a full-home project typically takes 10–16 weeks.  Smaller projects or single rooms can be faster. What’s important is that we take the time to get it right — from layouts and specifications to sourcing and costing — so that when it’s time to start on site, everything is ready to go.

Every project is different, but once you include the design, build work, furnishings, and finishes for a whole-home project most of our clients invest six figures or more.  For just a couple of rooms, the project budget would be much less.   We’ll always give you a clear picture of what’s realistic at the start — and work with you to shape a scope and budget that makes sense.  You’re never left guessing.  For more in-depth information about the cost of an interior design project please read our post What Does It Really Cost to Hire An Interior Designer in the UK in 2025?

We start by establishing a ballpark budget based on your goals and what similar projects have cost.  As the design develops, we refine the costs in stages — from broad estimates in the early concepts to fully itemised pricing by the end of the detailed design phase.  At that point, you’ll have a clear picture of what’s included and how the budget breaks down.  During the renovation, we continually track decisions and variations against the approved figure to help you stay in control.  We keep you informed throughout, so there are no surprises.

Yes. Our design fees are quoted separately, based on the scope of work and the level of involvement required. We’re fully transparent about how everything is structured, and we’ll walk you through how the budget breaks down — from architectural changes and joinery to fabrics, lighting, and the final styling touches.

We know cost is a key consideration, and part of our job is helping you invest wisely — balancing style, quality and practicality at every step.

Our role is to shape a home that feels unmistakably yours.  We take time to understand what you’re drawn to — and how you want to live — then guide you through a process that brings it all together with purpose and polish.  While our work has a considered and refined quality, it’s never about imposing a fixed style.

That’s very common — and it’s exactly why our process exists.  We’ll ask the right questions, explore what resonates and help you make confident decisions at every stage.  You don’t need to have it all figured out — that’s our job.

Yes — it’s part of what makes the home feel finished.  We typically include artwork, decorative lighting and accessories as standard, alongside furniture, layout and soft furnishings.  If a more streamlined scope is preferred, we’ll discuss that at the outset and tailor the service accordingly — but most clients find that the finishing layer is what brings everything together.

We keep you fully in the loop with weekly updates, so you always know what’s happening and when. During the design process, we schedule regular face-to-face or Zoom meetings — but not so many that it becomes overwhelming. Our goal is to make decisions feel considered, not rushed.

From the outset, we invest time getting to know you — how you live, what you like, and what matters most.  Then we get on with the legwork behind the scenes, only coming back to you when key decisions are needed.  We’re always happy to pick up the phone or visit in person, and we often use short videos to explain ideas or choices, which clients can review in their own time — often at the weekend when it suits them best.

We stay actively involved throughout. You’ll have direct access to us at every stage, and we’re on hand to guide, proactively advise and troubleshoot as needed.  We plan our project workload carefully to ensure we’re genuinely available — not overstretched or juggling dozens of other jobs.

It’s perfectly natural for ideas to evolve. That’s why our design process includes time for review and refinement before anything is finalised or ordered.  If a change comes later in the process, we’ll always be upfront about what’s involved — including timing and cost implications — so you can make an informed decision.