KCR Summer 2024 Magazine FINAL 1 - Flipbook - Page 26
IN CONVERSATION WITH CLAIRE GARNER,
Director, Claire Garner Interiors
Can you tell us about your background in interior design?
From my teenage years I always knew I wanted to work in the world of
interiors, and being someone who is particularly driven by my senses
- I decided to study a degree in Textile Design. I loved this course; the
tactile and intricate details of fabrics opened my mind to all the creative
possibilities9 textiles could ofer. Following this, I really wanted to build
my knowledge and understanding for the business side of the industry
and began working as a Design Assistant for an Interior Designer. It was
wonderful to see projects from start to onish and working on the full
360 of a project provided me with a strong foundation for both business
and design.
What inspires you when you9re designing?
When I9m designing, my greatest inspiration comes from my clients
themselves. Designing their homes is an incredibly personal process,
and by learning about their daily routines, cherished memories, and
individual tastes, I can craft designs that resonate deeply with them
and enhance their lifestyle. Whether it9s drawing inspiration from their
family dynamics, travel experiences, or beloved artworks, my aim is to
craft spaces that mirror their identity and bring to life the atmosphere
they seek in their home. Ultimately, my goal is to curate bespoke design
schemes that are a true renection of our clients9 individuality and vision.
yet remain livable and understated. We achieve this by meticulously
considering every detail of the design to ensure it aligns seamlessly with
our clients9 lifestyle and preferences.
What9s your process for getting started on a new interior
design project?
We pride ourselves on ofering a diverse range of services tailored to
meet the unique needs of each client. From comprehensive turnkey
design services for entire house renovations and new builds, to nexible
consultancy services available by the hour, we accommodate various
project scopes and budgets.
Our expertise spans across joinery design, lighting concepts, and meticulous space planning, ensuring every aspect of your project is thoughtfully considered and executed to perfection. For clients who are not local
to our studio, we ofer convenient virtual and hybrid design packages,
enabling seamless collaboration regardless of location. Whether you are
based nationally or internationally, we warmly welcome discussions for
projects of all sizes and complexities.
At Claire Garner Interiors, our goal is to provide unparalleled service
and expertise, guiding you through every step of the design process to
create a space that is both functional and renective of your unique style
and preferences.
How do you approach designing a multi-purpose space?
Approaching the design of a multi-purpose space requires meticulous
planning and thoughtful consideration of various factors. Beyond just
spatial planning, it involves sourcing or crafting furniture pieces that are
versatile and complement each other seamlessly, as well as developing a lighting plan that9s adaptable and strategically placed to avoid
cluttering the space with unnecessary plug sockets. Custom joinery also
plays a crucial role in maximising functionality while maintaining visual
appeal. For instance, incorporating closed storage units that seamlessly
transform into a working-from-home desk adds both practicality and
elegance to the room. It is also important to consider modular systems;
our Ashridge modular sofa for example ofers nexibility, allowing for
hidden storage or even a sofa bed, making it ideal for spaces doubling as
a media room or bedroom.
What are some of the challenges you9ve faced in your career,
or in some of the projects you9ve worked on?
There were numerous challenges I encountered when launching my own
studio. One signiocant hurdle was establishing trade accounts without
the backing of any trade references, which initially seemed daunting.
However, I was fortunate to have built valuable relationships with
representatives over the years, and their support proved instrumental in
navigating this process.
You9re known for your timeless style. How do you go about
incorporating colour and texture?
We carefully select colours that stand the test of time, opting for
timeless hues like soft neutrals, muted tones, and classic shades that
evoke a sense of warmth and sophistication. I love to introduce texture
through various elements such as cushions, throws, rugs and furnishings, incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, and linen to add
tactile richness. By delicately balancing colour and texture, we are able
to create spaces with visual interest and depth, while remaining inviting
and harmonious for years to come.
What9s next for Claire Garner Interiors?
We9re gearing up for a busy year ahead, olled with a variety of projects
which we are extremely grateful for. One particularly exciting prospect
is the impending launch of new products meticulously designed by myself and the team. These pieces, made to order by our trusted artisans,
renect our dedication to quality and craftsmanship nurtured through
long-standing relationships. The business also celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, so we are planning some celebratory events for the
summer. We are excited to see what else this year has in store for us!
www.clairegarnerinteriors.com
Every aspect of starting a design studio presented a learning curve and
boy did I learn fast! Embracing a mindset of continuous learning and
seizing every opportunity that came my way became essential. It was
about diving headorst into every task and having the conodence that I
would ond solutions along the way.
How would you describe your work style?
At Claire Garner Interiors, we pride ourselves on ofering a warm and
personalised approach to every client, building a deep understanding of
their lifestyle and preferences. We love to work collaboratively with our
clients to design homes that are both functional and renective of their
personality and sense of style. Our goal is to transform spaces into havens that truly resonate with each client9s unique identity and lifestyle.
What sets us apart is our down-to-earth and approachable nature,
coupled with the strong relationships we build with our clients. We understand that embarking on a house build or renovation project can be
a lengthy journey, which is why we prioritise building a connection and
trust with our clients throughout the process.
Our ultimate goal is to create homes that bring joy and a sense of luxury,
