Time for a little exercise:
I want you to pretend that you are thinking of buying this house, this is the very first time you have ever seen it…and I want you to be brutally honest!  This is your chance for the ultimate wish list to create your ideal home.  If you think you’ll have trouble being objective, enlist a friend or family member to accompany you.  Take a pad of paper and pen with you, head out the front door and when you’re ready, re-enter with a fresh pair of eyes and ask yourself some of the following questions:

Take note of how you feel when you approach the front door, does it feel welcoming? 
On entering, is there a place to put your keys and check your makeup and hair before heading out? 
Is there a neat way of storing shoes and coats?
As you move through the house, from room to room, does the space flow well and are the rooms big enough for their uses?
Is there any furniture that is simply too big or too small?
Is there an interesting focal point in the living room?   Like a fireplace or artwork – not the gigantic flat screen television that hubby bought himself for Christmas!
Is there enough storage?  Could you make better use of your alcoves and space underneath the stairs?
Does the kitchen function well – is there a neat triangle from oven to fridge to sink?  Is it clean looking?
What about the bathrooms or ensuite – have the services been arranged logically?  What do you see immediately in front of you when opening the door – toilet? or lovely vanity?
Is there space for any extra rooms? Maybe the loft is convertible or the back garden is big enough to nick a bit of space for an extension?

Ask yourself, “Would I buy this house?  What would I change to make it the space we need?”  If you aren’t able to see it objectively – remember to ask a friend.  And promise them you won’t be angry if they tell you they hate the wallpaper in the downstairs cloakroom!

Now go on, get cracking on that wish list!

According to Wikipedia:
“Problem solving is a mental process and is part of the larger problem process that includes problem finding and problem shaping. Considered the most complex of all intellectual functions, problem solving has been defined as higher-order cognitive process that requires the modulation and control of more routine or fundamental skills.  Problem solving occurs when an organism or an artificial intelligence system needs to move from a given state to a desired goal state.”

Gosh! And add to that, us designers are charged with making something look great as well – our job is rarely easy!  However, that’s exactly what we’re good at and why clients hire us.

All projects are different and therefore present their own set of unique problems to solve.  Things like:
• How can I get more storage out of the space I already have?
• My property is Listed, how can I get the design I want passed through planning?
• How can I achieve a luxurious look on a more modest budget?
• I use a wheelchair, how can I make sure my bathroom is stylish and accessible?

These are just a sampling of a few I’ve come across in my many years of being a practising interior designer.  Some problems crop up in all projects (issues about storage are very common problems) and that’s how I develop my experience in dealing with these types of issues.  Although, what I really enjoy is being presented with a completely new problem and developing a well designed solution for it.  That’s what gives me the most pleasure in my job and a good designer has a very “can-do” sort of personality.

All interior design projects start with a Design Brief.  This is a way of “moving from a given state to a desired goal state”.  In commercial projects, it may even outline the target market.  This is a pretty crucial stage, because if the designer doesn’t know what the problems are, how are they going to solve them?  And vice versa, it helps the client to see that the designer understands and appreciates what they need and want.

Typically, I solve problems in a project by researching, drawing, sketching and talking with other specialists and professionals.  It’s very time consuming, which is another reason why clients hire an interior designer – they simply don’t have the time to figure out how their project is going to work.

So, am I an Interior Designer or Problem Solver?  Well, I like to think I’m a Problem Solving Interior Designer Extraordinaire!

In bedrooms, custom made wardrobes that are the full height of the room, means that you can use the space above your normal reach for less used items like warmer blankets, luggage and hat boxes.  The same goes for kitchens.  Don’t just use the standard height wall cabinets of 600mm, use at least the 900mm.  That extra space right at the top can be used for your less used small appliances, platters and casserole dishes.

Hiring a joiner is not as expensive as you might think.  When deciding on how to choose, it’s always best to get a recommendation.  Check with friends and neighbours first to see if they have used anyone they like.  Make sure you check references and ask to see some recent previous work, also ask if you are able to see any of their work in the flesh.  That way you can check to see how it is holding up under use and see the finished quality up close.

So, have slip covers made for your sofas, armchairs and dining chairs.  Try a darker, sumptuous colour in a soft textured fabric.  Or depending on the style of your home, maybe a lovely throw casually draped over your sofa would be appropriate.  How about simply changing the accent cushions to something more cosy and festive?
Even if you decide to stick to a more neutral or lighter colour scheme, choose soft and tactile fabrics like chenille’s and velvets and add silks for a touch of glamour and a little shine.

Changing the area rugs and/or curtains to match whatever you choose to do with your sofas and chairs, will make sure the scheme is cohesive.  Another tip is to have a look at your bookcases, shelving, any surfaces with displays of photographs & accessories.  I’m cheating a little (this isn’t just a Christmas thing) I like to change my displays of books and photographs around every so often, usually once or twice a year.  You’d be amazed at what this can do to freshen up the look – and you don’t have to buy a thing!

Now, it wouldn’t be a Christmas makeover without a beautiful wreath and garland!  Get in touch with your inner Blue Peter and get the kids to help you make your Christmas house decorations.  Whether it’s with a more traditional look with fresh pine branches, cones and dried fruits or something more cool and contemporary with black feathers, sparkly beads and baubles, it’s great fun for the kids and everyone feels pretty proud to create something themselves.  However, if you’re short for time or inspiration, you can buy some pretty spectacular wreaths online, delivery straight to your door!  A lot of florists and garden centres will sell fresh and fake wreaths and garlands too, how about buying a plain wreath and decorating it yourself?

Whether you go with traditional Noel or contemporary Christmas, creating an updated festive look doesn’t have to cost you the earth….and when you’re all finished, treat yourself to a mulled wine and a mince pie, I would!