Art In… announces a new partnership with international award-winning interior designer Dr. Vanessa Brady OBE, CEO of the Society of British and International Interior Design (SBID).
Art In… represents an international portfolio of multi-disciplinary artists and will partner with SBID’s Vanessa Brady to provide art for the yacht, hospitality and private homes of discerning clients. Art In… provides a bespoke ‘white glove’ art service. They match the most suitable artist with a client’s requirements in order to ensure a seamless process from the initial design brief and art selection through to delivery and curation.
Art In… says: “The collaboration is a really exciting next step for Art In… In true 2020 style, we started the conversation during the height of the lockdown on Zoom and during our many video calls realised there was a real synergy.
We believe that integrating art at the earliest stage possible in the design process significantly enhances the overall result. Whether we are working with interior designers on a hotel or a superyacht, a private collection for a family office, or a luxury hotel or members club, art should never be an afterthought. The collaboration with Vanesa Brady offers us a real chance to achieve our vision.”
Vanessa Brady says: “It is very important to dress a space with complimentary art to really set off what is often a neutral canvas, art focuses the eye and sets a theme. I would like to see the selected artist and designers coming together with an owner more at the beginning of a project so that the final result is truly a 360-degree design.
Art should relate to the space in which it is installed and the lifestyle of the people using it. It should also link with the function the space is used for, such as a wine cellar, a bedroom etc. making each interior as unique as the owners, their guests and the design. It is important not to leave stylising to chance at the end of a project. Quality art pieces should be considered as part of the overall installation from the concept of the design process.
It is SBID’s role to source unusual providers of interior products that are efficient, as well as beautiful to adorn such exclusive interiors – the final design presentation always requires a very special piece of art to ‘dress’ the design, and so we seek equally adventurous and exclusive partners to provide the broadest selection of art. As soon as we met, we knew it would be a perfect match”.
Cover image credits: SBID Awards Finalist 2020; Rockwell – 15 Hudson Yards
The SBID is pleased to announce that it has appointed Chris Godfrey, global principal of HBA Residential, as the new acting President of SBID to represent the British interior design body, and promote the professional practice of interior design throughout the UK and around the world.
Chris Godfrey will take the mantle of SBID Presidency from Tom Marquardt, president and founder of Marquardt+ and former vice president of HOK global interiors, who held the position for 2019 and will continue to support the growth of SBID as immediate past president. After receiving the Master of Design award at the SBID International Design Awards 2019 for significant contributions to the global interior design industry, Chris has the recognition, innovation and expertise to undertake the position as SBID President from 2nd November 2020, for the upcoming 12-month term.
Sharing his aspirations for the new position, Chris Godfrey, global principal, HBA Residential, said: ‘It is my great honour to be appointed as the President of SBID and to represent the interior design body and its membership on the global stage. I am inspired to take up the role during this particular period of time; where change is a constant, connectivity a challenge; and where proaction and vision are paramount. Throughout my career, and particularly in my role with HBA Residential, I have benefitted from working internationally and, as a result, have developed an open and global outlook.”
He added: “In this new SBID role, I want to use my experiences and lessons learnt working in both the Far East and the West and leverage off a developed network to help improve connectivity; expand awareness; and promote inclusive, cross-border engagement. With new global dynamics comes lots of new opportunities and growth potential. Through my endeavors, I would also hope to help inspire the next generation of interior designers who, despite the short-term challenges and uncertainty faced, will continue to take the industry further and wider.”
As an award-winning British Architect and designer with over 20 years’ experience producing beautifully conceived and exquisitely delivered residences for a global clientele, Chris now applies his holistic design approach as Global Principal of HBA Residential; the boutique and signature division of Hirsch Bedner Associates. Bringing his extensive professional insight and capacity for achieving interior design excellence, Chris will underpin the work SBID does to promote the interior design profession at the highest level of competence, while supporting the interests of qualified interior designers and manufacturers to drive professional standards across the industry.
With Chris Godfrey at the helm of SBID Presidency, SBID looks to the year ahead with great optimism as it promises to continue championing the profession of interior design and steering this rapidly evolving industry into long term growth and financial recovery.
Designing a home specifically with entertainment in mind requires a completely different approach and introduces another layer of consideration for the end-user and end result. Some people love elegant cocktail parties, others like a cozy space that exudes comfort. If you are a homeowner who loves entertaining and you’re about to remodel your home, you will have the perfect opportunity to really incorporate everything you need to make the space more enjoyable for yourself and your guests.
Founder of Katie Malik Interiors shares some of her tips and tricks to consider to make your home design more equipped for guests and gatherings!
The kitchen. The open plan nature of modern kitchens means that having guests, family and friends round for get-togethers has become a prime function of the space and is top of the list of requirements in most briefs. It’s important to balance the essential elements and day-to-day needs of a family kitchen with the desire to entertain. Regardless of the kitchen size, the key to making it work for entertaining is to consider how people will move around it. As well as thinking about where and how you’ll be cooking, you need to plan where to serve food and if you want your guests to gather around a breakfast bar, sit at a table or make use of more casual seating.The open floor plan trend means a kitchen space often also includes a comfortable seating area and fireplace as well.
Flexibility is the single biggest thing that an entertainment-friendly home should have. The multi-use trend extends outside as well. Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular, in part because they serve to keep guests and hosts together. There are other, less structurally invasive ways of making a home ready for entertainment. Music is one way to bring energy to a party and to tie several different spaces together, so investing in a sound system that connects rooms inside and outside is a great idea. Also, introducing both direct and indirect lighting with dimmers can help achieve a multitude of desired ‘atmospheric’ effects to set different moods, inside and outside.
If you’re entertaining, especially frequently, it’s important to have ample space to store items, such as platters and serving ware (either in a separate room, a pantry or a sideboard), but also provide some storage for your guests, even if they’re staying with you just for a night or two.
You can also make small changes that will make a big difference to how welcome your guests will feel in your home; think about providing a set of fresh guest towels or ways to fragrance your home that’s not too overpowering!
About the Author
Katie Malik, founder & creative director of Katie Malik Interiors built her career in residential interior design, assisting on projects in New York, Chicago and London before setting up her practice in 2014. Inspired by colours, the interplay between symmetry and asymmetry and wellbeing, Katie’s aim is to bring authenticity to each project.
If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here to find out more.
Many homes tend to look similar because they share similar features, such as plain white coloured walls, simple neutral furniture, and wall to wall carpeting to name a few. To achieve a ‘wow factor’ in the design of your home, you must have something that is unexpected… There are things that you can do both structurally and internally – depending on your budget. The sky really is the limit, but SBID Accredited designer and founder of Katie Malik Interiors shares some of her expert ideas for simple ways to add that extra ‘wow’ to your interiors.
If you’re looking to create an architectural statement, add value and space to your existing property, you can definitely get creative with an extension. Instead of opting for simple rectangular roof lights and a standard flat ceiling, this is the perfect opportunity to introduce an angular ceiling-scape to complement or highlight the shape of your kitchen for example.
Adding something different in the structure of your extension with a unique ceiling design can really help add that extra dimension and visual intrigue. A combination of sloped, angled and vertical elements can definitely enhance the drama of a room! If you do decide to extend or rebuild, opt for a double-height. Not only does it provide an impressive vastness of space, but seeing it from different viewpoints can create multiple ‘wow’ moments.
If building up is not an option, consider adding skylights or even an octagonal roof lantern for a similar effect; adding glass to low ceilings you can make it feel higher, flood the room with natural light and create the illusion of bringing the outside in!
If you’d like to work within the existing space, there’s still a lot you can do. The right mirror, in the right size, in the right finish, can add a touch of glamour as well as make the interior space look and feel bigger and brighter. If you experiment with different shapes, sizes and even positions of a mirror, this could certainly help you achieve wow factor. You can also add unique features such as oversized artwork to a hallway or entrance walls – really going big will create an eye-catching statement with a contemporary, gallery-esque feel.
Another trick is to introduce shiny surfaces; reflective surfaces such as mirrors, metal and high gloss is sure to add an expensive edge to any space. For an additional wow effect, lighting is a key consideration too! Pick statement lights, for example a feature lamp; choose the one that is spangly and oversized for the ultimate look-at-me designer luxury.
Don’t be afraid to get experimental with dark colours, or any colour for that matter! The use of bold colours in the right amount, can definitely give a room some extra punch – whether dark and moody or bright and playful. You can also try using luxury, patterned or textured wallpaper – it will give your walls a more opulent and intimate look. If you’d rather not wallpaper the whole room or even just one wall (which is not recommended for certain rooms), you can always frame a piece of wallpaper instead!
Adding a stand-out headboard is a simple way to take your bedroom design to the next level, and look much more luxurious – like a boutique hotel! If you have a headboard already, why not re-upholster it in a bold fabric with interesting patterns or colours? If you decide to have one made, go big! Instant designer look guaranteed!
Choose a statement rug or a cowhide – this should instantly pull a room together and tie in the whole scheme. The size of your rug is quite important too – make sure it’s big enough to cover the area between the sofas or under the bed. If it’s too small, it might look out of place and you definitely won’t achieve the designer look.
Latest figures estimate that 12 million households (44 per cent) in the UK have pets. According to the CDC, owning an animal can “increase opportunities to exercise, get outside, and socialise”. Regular walking or playing with pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. Pets can also help manage loneliness and depression by giving us companionship. In return, we can certainly make our homes friendly for them!
Katie Malik, SBID Accredited designer and founder of Katie Malik Interiors shares her top tips on how to design a pet-friendly home.
The most straightforward way to make our homes pet sanctuaries is to make an investment in pet furniture. As with any home furnishings, the cheaper the purchase, the less likely it will last and provide comfort for your four-legged loved ones.
Carefully weigh your furniture choices when decorating for a pet-friendly house; leather or leather- like materials that are easy to wipe clean, often durable, and can help keep a fluffy pet cool in warmer months. Try to avoid materials that might be tempting for your pet to scratch or chew!
If you are considering new flooring, you may want to opt for a wooden floor over a light coloured carpet! Wood floors are much easier to clean if our furry friends come home with muddy paws! It’s also worth considering the colour. For instance, you might want chose the colour of your flooring that matches go the fur colour of your pet, so those stray hairs around the house are less noticeable.
A pet friendly home must make special considerations for just how many accidents can happen around bushy tails and clumsy paws, and one solution could be a dog-gate. Especially if you have or are thinking of getting a puppy, you might want to create a friendly separation, so that you can, for example, eat dinner without being disturbed!
SpeakEasy with Geoff Wilkinson
Following on from Geoff Wilkinson’s first appearance on the SpeakEasy podcast, this episode revisits the topic of garage conversions with Building Inspector and managing director of Wilkinson Construction Consultants, as Vanessa Brady presents key questions submitted by SBID members.
Converting a garage into a usable home office sounds simple enough, but there are considerations you must bear in mind before you start picking up the power tools and knocking down walls! Geoff offers his wealth of expertise in the construction industry to answer a series of follow-up questions on the topic of garage conversions, addressing some of the more technical considerations from plaster boarding, air conditioning and effective energy supply, to window applications, security systems and insurance.
Tune in to the whole conversation to discover more.
Finding the right builder for a project can seem like a daunting task, however, it doesn’t need to be difficult. SBID Accredited Designer, Katie Malik, founder and creative director of Katie Malik Interiors talks us through her tips for deciding which builder to work with. Most reputable contractors will be quite happy to show off their previous work and provide all of the things she recommends below…
In the studio, we never ask for any quotes unless we have a detailed Schedule of Work (SOW) and a drawing package ready. This ensures everything that we want a contractor to do is going to be quoted for and executed. Also, this gives us and the client a chance to compare the quotes like for like. If you’re going to execute the project by yourself, we strongly recommend preparing a list of jobs by yourself instead of leaving it to the builder to interpret. This means you won’t have to check each quote for what’s included and what’s excluded, making the final decision much easier.
There’s a common belief that there is nothing better than a recommendation from a friend or a family member, and in most cases, this is true. Nevertheless, it’s also useful to do your own research by reading reviews, checking previous projects and references of builders whose work you like. A contractor should offer you a contract, guarantees, proof of insurance, and a clear schedule of payment. All of this combined with a recommendation from someone you know who’s used this builder, such as your architect and/or interior designer, will put your mind at rest.
We recommend taking similar steps when choosing a builder to those when choosing an interior designer. Since you’ll be engaging your builder to work on/in your home for an extended period of time, you want to ensure you like their previous work and you like them as a person.
The new Ask the Expert blog series invites you submit the questions about interior design you want help finding answers to, whether you’re a consumer looking to redecorate your home or professional looking for expert business advice. Please submit your questions to [email protected]
Your home should reflect your personality and taste and be attuned to your unique needs. However, achieving this on our own can be a real challenge, especially when your work and family commitments place so many demands on your time. When investing both time and money into a project, it’s important to know how to choose the best designer for it. You want your designer to unlock the space’s full potential by doing this in a creative yet practical manner. So how do you choose the right interior designer for you? SBID Accredited Designer, Katie Malik, founder and creative director of Katie Malik Interiors outlines some important considerations.
It’s absolutely essential that you research the designer’s portfolio to see whether you like their style and completed projects. Don’t approach designer’s based solely on their proximity to you or how high they come up in google search. You have to like what you see, so number one criterion when choosing a designer is the style match.
A good interior designer will have the perfect balance between focusing on the bigger picture ultimately leading up to the final outcome, whilst also focusing on the immediate jobs which need to be done. Therefore, look for reviews and recommendations of the company. It’s important to understand the quality of work and the team you’re hiring before you fully commit.
Also, check whether the designer is accredited by or a member of a professional body, such as SBID – this would give you an added security that the work will be completed to the highest industry standards.
A good brief and a full and open discussion about what the job entails is the best way for your designer to work out a fee and a project timeline. Experienced interior designers have an abundance of planning experience when it comes to undergoing a design project, and they can provide a step by step plan of action with a start and end date. This takes the stress away from you, so you don’t have to this about the logistics so when choosing an interior designer, ask whether they can provide a detailed plan of the project and the space.
An experienced designer will have a wealth of knowledge and contacts that they’ve built up over their career to enable them to collaborate with other professionals, such as lighting designers, landscape and garden designers, and architects. A good interior designer will take an interest in the architect’s vision for the building too.
You want a designer who is fully invested in the project – someone who’s passionate and willing to ensure your project is complete to the highest quality possible. You want someone who will take all of your own ideas on board and develop them in the best possible way, adding their own professional opinion. Look for an interior designer who will push you completely out of your own comfort zone, encouraging you to go for an original and refreshing design.
Click here to discover how to choose the right builder for a project.
Continuing to support the profession of interior design, interior designers in practice and the businesses which underpin the industry, SBID shares the official government advice released for interior design; offering essential guidance on how the industry can begin to return to work safely amid COVID-19.
The document has been prepared by the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) with input from the Society of British and International Interior Design (SBID) and the devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, in consultation with Public Health England (PHE) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The advice provided is designed to help employers, employees and the self-employed in the UK understand how to work safely, keeping as many people as possible 2 metres apart from those they do not live with. We hope it gives the interior design industry freedom within a practical framework to think about what is needed to continue, or restart, operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. We understand how important it is to work safely and support your workers’ health and wellbeing during the pandemic, and hope this guidance will be useful for businesses as they develop new ways of working – or to help them prepare for a time when they are able to reopen.
To access the information on Coronavirus Business Support in the UK, click here.
To stay up to date with the latest Government updates on coronavirus, click here.
To hear the design industry’s thoughts on the impact of coronavirus, click here.
SBID Accredited Designer and head of interior design at Knights of Beaconsfield, Gill Surman shares her journey into the interior design profession, and the importance of having a strong understanding of business from the outset.
What is your current job?
I am Head of Interior Design at Knights of Beaconsfield which is one of the largest Interior Design and Retail Showrooms outside of London. I lead an expert team, specialising in luxury residences and developments in the UK and Europe.
What is your background and how did you get into interior design?
I have an entrepreneurial background having had several of my own businesses in the past, but have always had a love and flair for design. My experience in all elements of business has been invaluable. I joined a luxury construction company to focus on their marketing and got side lined to the design of their show houses. I have been fortunate that my experience was very ‘hands on’ at the top end of the design market and have had roles as Senior Designer and now Head of Design over the past 14 years.
Describe an average day in your job role..
I am usually in the office by 7.30am as it provides quiet time for me answer emails, review the projects that we are working on and work on the administrative/financial side of my role. No two days are ever the same. On an average day I will discuss with the team our ongoing or upcoming projects, meet with furnishing or fabric suppliers, source new products for particular projects, meet with clients and try and find time to design! I rarely take a lunch break and usually finish my day by 5.30/6.00pm, although I am always available to my clients in the evenings if necessary.
Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most and/or find the most rewarding?
For me, I really enjoy taking on an inspiring project that I can visualise immediately, a project that the client and I connect on at every level. Good design is about the relationship with the client and also the property, particularly in Residential design. It is also about the client having realistic expectations, particularly when you are working with fixed elements of an existing building or furnishings that the client wants to keep. The reward is the end result and exceeding the client’s expectations.
Is there anything new you are excited to be working on?
We have taken on a property in St-Legier-La Chiesaz in Switzerland that is set overlooking Lake Geneva. It is a beautiful location!
What do you find the most challenging aspects of your job?
Managing multiple projects can be tricky. Projects often have issues as install dates are constantly moving and people let you down which has a knock on effect on everything else, resulting in pressure from clients. I am tough but fair with my suppliers, always professional and I have earned their respect over the years because of this. The trick is to use tried and tested trades that are used to overcoming issues on site and are familiar with the way our team work. You need to be good at managing stress!
What do you wish you knew before working in the field?
Thankfully I had a good understanding of business before I entered the industry, which you wouldn’t automatically think was necessary. The job is a lot more physical than people perceive and time for design can sometimes be limited!
What would you tell your younger self if you had the chance?
Have confidence in yourself and be prepared to keep learning – you can never know enough. Don’t expect to be good at everything, but excel at the things you are. Set yourself goals and strive to achieve them. Don’t assume that people know more than you do. A design degree is a good starting point but not always necessary. Experience, a good eye for colour and communication is everything.
What has been your favourite project to work on?
A recent whole house residential project in Buckinghamshire – it was a delightful project for a delightful family!
What do you think is the biggest problem the interior design industry faces?
Interior Design is a hugely undervalued profession and the perception is that it’s an easy career. It would help if the public were educated about the knowledge, skill and business acumen needed to design an interior space professionally and cost effectively. It is refreshing to see that Interior Design is becoming more regulated.
Who do you admire the most in the industry and why?
I admire longevity in this industry as it requires commitment, drive, passion and resilience. Anyone that survives the constant change in market trends and economic pressures deserve the success they have.
If you were inspired by Gill’s story, click here to learn more about the role of an interior designer.
Want to become SBID Accredited? Click here for more information.
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