Home staging professional

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Optimist Design Ltd

I believe that every client, and every home, is individual, so I prefer to deal with each job on a bespoke basis, and work out pricing to suit the client's requirements and budget.

If time permits, I send a brief questionnaire to a potential client to get an initial feel for what they are looking for. It's also really useful, but not essential, to get a few photos from the client before a first meeting. This allows me to see the property for the first time having already got some ideas to discuss. At a first meeting I look around the property with the client, and then start discussions about their likes and dislikes, style preferences, existing items which will be used in a new scheme, how they use their spaces and also what their interests are. Finding out about the client, and not just their home, is really important, and can often be the inspiration for a design. I also, at this stage, try to find out what the client has in mind regarding budget. After the first meeting I prepare a concept based on our discussions. This is intended to be a starting point, a general 'look and feel, using the clients preferred colours and styles. Once the client is happy with the concept, another meeting will usually take place during which we talk in more detail about specific items, decorating ideas, furniture, accessories, lighting - all the elements which, combined, will create the perfect space for the client.

I am a qualified interior designer (National Design Academy) and a member of the Home Staging Network and a HouseWow consultant.

I work with homeowners who are looking to improve all or part of the home, and also with landlords who are looking to maximise rental potential by presenting their properties in the best possible light. I also work property developers to produce beautiful show homes, and with estate agents to stage and style homes for photography, viewings and open days.

I send all potential new clients an initial questionnaire so I arrive at a first meeting with some ideas as a starting point for the discussions. If possible, a client should think about their preferred interior style (but don't worry if you can't define this, I can help you through this stage), and really importantly, about how they want their home to feel. It's also useful to think about any items you own which are going to be re-used in a new scheme.