Q&A with Nicola Burt Interior Design Posted on 5 Mar 15:06 , 0 comments

Here at The Shutter Shop, we are very lucky to get to work with some hugely inspiring and talented Interior designers on supplying shutters and blinds for their projects. Nicola Burt Interior Design is one of these brilliant talents! Nicola, who trained at KLC School of Design, established her studio in 2006 and has been helping clients transform their interior spaces ever since.

Images by Nicola Burt Interior Design

Their projects are both residential and commercial, offering different levels of bespoke and tailor made services to their clients. They certainly are the approachable and knowledgeable go-to experts. We were delighted to be able to catch up with Nicola and ask her a few questions about her work as well as finding out a little more about her upcoming workshop!

• How would you describe the style of your work?

Beauty, function, comfort and style are at the heart of what we do, and the client is always at the very centre of that. We listen to the client’s ideas to help them create a space that is functional, beautiful and uniquely theirs. We don’t have a signature style but I do love pattern and colour so I don’t think I’d be able to design a pure minimalist interior!

Image by Nicola Burt Interior Design

• Where do you look for inspiration when you take on new projects?

The client is the first point of inspiration. I try to find out as much as I can about them, their likes and dislikes, and what makes them ‘tick’, so I can design a space that they feel is truly ‘them’ but better! I also love visiting the showrooms in Design Centre Chelsea Harbour for inspiration and sourcing. Art galleries, museums and exhibitions are all wonderful sources of inspiration too. I feel so lucky to live in London as it is bursting with creative energy – inspiration is everywhere!

• What are the most important factors for you when starting a new project?

The most important factor for me is that the client and I have a rapport, as we will be working very closely together for some time. It’s very important for a client to feel comfortable with their designer, as trust is a big part of the job.

Image by Nicola Burt Interior Design

• You are co-hosting ‘The Interior Home Workshop’ in Buckinghamshire alongside fellow interior designer Samantha Johnson later this month, what will be the main focus of the workshop and how did the idea come about?

The main focus of the workshop is to give people the confidence to design, decorate and style their home. We’ll be sharing practical tips to help people at each step of the way. It will be a fun, hands-on, and inspirational day and I’m really looking forward to sharing my knowledge and expertise! Sam and I are both BIID registered interior designers. Creating beautiful interiors and sharing our knowledge is something we both feel passionate about so we decided to join forces to create this workshop.

Image by Nicola Burt Interior Design

• What advice would you give to a new home-owner wanting to improve their home?

It depends on how much needs to be done to their new home, and their budget! The most cost–effective and quick way of improving your home is to redecorate. Painting walls in colours that appeal to you, or papering walls in vibrant and exciting wallpaper, will give you an instant lift and make you feel like you are putting your own personal stamp on your new home. I would say live in your new home as it is for a little while, don’t rush to get it ‘finished’. This will help you to get a sense of how you live in the space, and where the right improvements can be made, that work for you and your lifestyle.

Image by Nicola Burt Interior Design

• Finally, as a fantastic trade client of ours! Please can you tell us about a recently completed project where you used shutters and why you decided they were the right window treatment for the space?

I work on a lot of period properties and I love shutters as they work with the period look but also in contemporary settings. They also work in a variety of rooms – living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms. It’s important to consider how the window dressing looks from the outside, and shutters always add that something ‘extra’ to a period property, both inside and outside. My favourite are tier-on-tier shutters as you have so much control over light filtering and privacy - I just love the way they draw light into a room!

Image by Nicola Burt Interior Design

For more information on the upcoming workshop please call Nicola on 07766 133 727 or email info@nicolaburtinteriordesign.com

Website: nicolaburtinteriordesign.com

Image by Nicola Burt Interior Design