Sourcing

One of the most underestimated roles for a designer is product sourcing. This is a task that we at Icon Interiors take very seriously so that we can ensure that our clients get the best deals both in terms of value and product selection.

We recently went on an intensive whistle stop tour of Milan with our agent there. He had arranged for us to meet a selection of manufacturers that specialise in lighting made from beautiful crystal glass and furniture from wood that has been nurtured and where “Made in Italy” really means what it says. The factories that we toured have been privately owned & run by families for generations and it seems that each generation is more passionate about the design & quality of their products than the one before.
As one owner explained to us – a record on each piece of the furniture is kept from the moment the tree is cut down to the last person packing the finished article – each piece is that special.
Watch this space for more on the Milan trip.....

Refurbishments

There was a time when it was considered that all that was necessary to update a home was to replace the kitchen or the bathroom. Now with fewer good properties coming onto the market more home owners are prepared to reduce the interiors of their existing home to a rubble and start over.
At Icon Interiors we are finding that increasingly our clients want a more turnkey service and that is why we work closely with a carefully chosen group of Architects, builders, and other craftsmen.
There is a constant need for the design team to be part of a building strategy especially as there will be significant sums of money involved. Having one point of contact is cost-effective as the designer can then often achieve greater discounts.

Home owners today put a premium on the look of their homes, demanding more creature comforts and up to date gadgetry. To be taken seriously in this business you have to be able to deliver.

Thinking of renovating your basement?

Continuing our theme of Renovated Basements, at Icon Interiors we are seeing increased interest from our clients to maximise this often unused space. We recently completed this light filled basement in rural Hampshire. Our clients are busy professionals, with a young family, and both parents need to be able to work from home in a calm and relaxing space. We also included an area that could also accommodate the children when they were home as a place to study, relax and meet friends.

The painted floor-to-ceiling bookcases are accessorised with beautiful oak veneer and back lit to give it a soft ambient glow. The shelving has been arranged with various sizing options to accommodate a variety of books, DVD’s, CD’s and personal memorabilia. This means that everything can be organised and accessible. The Oak desk has been positioned to blend in discreetly rather than dominate the space. The Barcelona chairs add a fun design element.