There has been a lot in the news recently about a certain flat and a certain refurbishment costing over £100,000.
Are interior designers really worth that sort of money and can you ever get your money back ? Read on for my thoughts and my tips on local designers, retailers and crafts people . . . because believe me, The Johnsons could have saved a fortune had their flat been in the Calder Valley!
It is important to remember that an Interior Designer, of any repute, is a skilled professional. They charge a fee for their service which can encompass so much more than picking wall paper. A professional designer is also a project manager who will have links to trades people and suppliers. They could potentially, save you money on some of your purchases. They can bring so much to the table and will work with you to create your vision – your home. Major house builders use interior designers. Often architects work with them to help plan the flow of rooms, positions of windows etc. Soft furnishings and décor are really just a small part of interior design.
However, let’s be honest, most people cannot afford to employ an interior designer. Also, many are reluctant to hand over control to someone else, when home decorating and design is such a personal matter. Some people want to be fully hands on from concept through creation, application and all the way to completion. Others want to come up with their own ideas but would rather pay local trades people to execute these ideas, perhaps they lack the time or the skills for a full DIY project.
From an investment point of view, spending thousands of pounds on statement wall paper and décor is always going to be risky. However, a well decorated home will always sell faster than one needing work. It all boils down to your personal budget and long term plans. If you are thinking of moving on in a year or two, you are better spending more on curtains or furnishings that you can take with you, as opposed to wall paper you can’t. Sometimes it’s the little touches that can make all the difference to a room and brighten up your home in these dark and dingy winter months. You really don’t have to spend a lot of money to make a difference.
The West Calder Valley is a creative hotspot so we are fortunate to have many excellent people living and working in our backyard. This is worth knowing if you are thinking of selling and want to get your home looking it’s best. Alternatively, you may be staying put and wanting to splash out on some home improvements or just looking for some simple ideas to make a change and re-vamp your home. I am happy to unashamedly list some of my favourite local businesses . . . . (PS they don’t know they are on this list, there are others out there so shop around, there are no referral fees involved here – this is my blog and these are my faves)
Paint & Paper - 5 Halifax Road, Todmorden OL14 5AG.
So much more to this store than you can see from the window!
No website or on-line ordering, you have to go in and browse through there many wallpaper books, pick your paint & supplies or use their colour mixing machine.
Colour Yorkshire - www.colouryorkshire.com/
Kate closed her shop but now runs an on-line business supplying trade and domestic customers with designer paints and she will help with ideas on anything from tiles to interior transformations.
Brocante Country Homeware - 9 Hollins Place, Hebden Bridge HX7 8EU
Ruth’s little shop is a treasure trove of wonderful fabrics, roll ends, off cuts, quality seconds – it’s a sewer’s paradise but don’t worry even if you can’t sew, Ruth offers a bespoke service – she will make you beautiful blinds, curtains, cushions and even let you supply your owen fabrics if you prefer.
Hannah Nunn - www.hannahnunn.co.uk/
Local artist Hannah has really made the big time with her beautiful designs and creations. She also closed her shop but continues to run a thriving business on-line. Originally Hannah designed and made lamps but now her range encompasses wall paper, fabrics, decorations and even window films.
Hotcakes - 4 Hilton Street, Hebden Bridge HX7 6EZ - www.hotcakes.rocks/
One of my favourite Hebden Bridge shops and a go to for birthdays! You may wonder what this shop can offer in terms of home design but that’s just the point – the little things can make all the difference. Hotcakes sells small homeware items and novelties from coasters to vintage lamps.
Heart Gallery – 4 A Market Street, Hebden Bridge -www.heartgallery.co.uk/
Proudly independent, the Heart Gallery is a beautiful gallery space but also a shop – exhibiting and selling the wares of a range of local artists and crafts people.
Water Street Gallery – 25 Water Street, Todmorden OL14 5AB - www.waterstreetgallery.co.uk/en/
As with the Heart Gallery - this “shop” combines an exhibition gallery with a retail space and is well worth a visit if you want to adorn your home with anything from original art works to beautiful ceramics and glassware.
Dickies Tiles – Aachen Way, Halifax HX1 3ND - www.dickiestiles.co.uk/
If you want tiles, for the wall or floor then say no more – you must visit Dickies, an independent tile shop and warehouse who also offer a delivery service.
Kate Boyce - www.kateboyce.co.uk/
One of my favourite local artists, Kate’s work is just beautiful. You can visit her studio along with many other local artist, during the Open Studios weeks. If you can’t wait till then, visit her website and view her work. She has turned a selection of her locally inspired nature works into home furnishings such as cushions and lampshades.
Wood And Wire – 9 Market Street, Hebden Bridge HX7 6EU - www.woodandwire.co.uk/
I have not personally used Wood & Wire but I have seen some amazing kitchens that this talented team have put together. I have also visited their funky little shop on Market Street and admired their lighting, homewares and moomin mugs! Their contemporary and bespoke plywood kitchens and furniture are designed and made in Hebden Bridge.
Happy Valley Decorating - www.happyvalleydecorating.co.uk/
Wall papering, tiling, painting, outside or inside – Martin and his team do an excellent job at an affordable rate.
IS Gardner Development – 14 Pudsey Road, Todmorden Ol14 8NJ - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sam is a HETAS registered local independent stove installer. If you want a wood burning or multi-fuel stove to enhance your room then Sam is your man. He will ensure you have a beautiful fireplace, compliant with all the latest building regulations.
Lancs & Yorks Flooring - Todmorden - www.lancsandyorks.co.uk/
Colin is an excellent carpet fitter and he can lay his hands on a wide range of products from the everyday to the more adventurous. He will visit your home and leave you his books to browse through at your leisure.
Drew Forsyth & Co – 27 West End, Hebden Bridge HX7 8QU - www.drewforsyth.co.uk/
Luxury bespoke kitchens, hand made in the valley. Established over 50 years ago, Drews have a show room in Hebden Bridge town centre and their factory is in Mytholmroyd.
The list could go on, and on – but these are a few of our talented local businesses. Do check out our local website directories for more:
www.hebdenbridge.org/ www.visittodmorden.co.uk/
Tel: 01422 842007
Email: enquiries@clairesheehan-estateagents.co.uk