Home Design Lessons from the Workplace

Katy Helps of Love Me Interiors

Katy Helps has been living and breathing interior design for more than ten years. She qualified as an interior architect in 2003 and worked as a designer and project manager before setting up her own business, Love Me Interiors, in 2011. She lives in Staffordshire with her husband and their two children.

Interior design is more popular than ever, but it’s not just houses getting a makeover. People are starting to realise that quality design makes life better, whether it’s in the home or at work.

No one knows this more than entrepreneur and designer Katy Helps. She’s worked on everything from bridal suites to bathrooms. Find out what type of buildings are getting a facelift and gain insights into Katy’s approach to design in this exclusive interview.

I Handle Everything From Paint to Planning Applications

Katy may be a designer but it’s not all about picking out colours, and she’s certainly not afraid to get her hands dirty.

“At the moment I’m working on a room where we’re just replacing the wallpaper and paint. Then on another project I’ve completely rebuilt the house with them. It’s from one extreme to the other – the nice jobs of curtains and cushions right through to the dirt and grime of site work and planning applications,” she says.

However, designing for private clients is only a small part of what Katy does. Over the years, she’s seen a rise in commercial clients needing her expertise.

“The majority of the work I do is on the commercial side. Offices – and I’ve done a couple of small independent retail stores. Mainly it’s hotels, restaurants, that kind of thing.”

Katy used a sophisticated palette of colours to create a luxurious Bridal Suite at The Moat House Hotel, Staffordshire. Wood panelling combines with leather and silk to give an up-market feel.

These Days, Design is Everywhere

Ten years ago, luxurious interior design was confined to high-class hotels and expensive public buildings. According to Katy, that’s no longer the case.

“When I started out, the design industry was quite segmented into retail, office, leisure and hospitality. But the gap has closed between them.

“These days when you go to a day spa, you could be walking into a five-star hotel. If you go to a function suite or a business venue, again the gap’s closed. It used to be much more formal and functional, whereas the elements of softness, quality and luxury are seeping through into different areas.”

The most noticeable changes have been in retail shops and stores.

“Retail experiences are completely different to how they were ten years ago. If you look at big brands on the high street, even the likes of Topshop are bringing lifestyle elements into their layout.”

Offices are More Relaxed and Playful

Offices are traditionally quite bland in terms of design, but Katy’s noticed a recent move towards more exciting workplaces.

“If you look at the likes of the big companies like Google and eBay, it’s about employee interaction within their offices. They’re providing a lot more breakout and communication space. It’s much more relaxed and playful.

“I think there was a big revolution 10 or 15 years ago with the whole idea of flexible working and hot desking. No one has a permanent desk – it’s one big table in a room with plug-in points. Things have evolved from that. There are still a lot of the traditional aspects in there but people appreciate the quality of their space a lot more.”

Make the Space Work

Katy works on lots of different projects, but the basic principles are the same. Whether you’re designing a workplace or a home, practicality is key.

“The basic thing is making the space work. Everything evolves from function and form. If you can get the practicalities of the space right, the design can flow. If the layout isn’t practical and the lighting isn’t right, it could be the most wonderful design in the world, but it won’t have the same essence. It won’t be so successful.

Funky lighting makes a statement at the Dog and Doublet Inn.

“Be considerate of how the space is used and how much space you need for things. If the kettle and tea bags are downstairs and the office is upstairs, think about the practicalities of someone walking through the office with a tray of hot cups.”

There’s a Time and Place for Technology

For Katy, good design is about balancing practicality and aesthetics. Nothing should be there by accident, especially when it comes to technology.

“It comes back to practicality. If you’re working for a hotel or restaurant, having a remote controlled lighting system might be the best way forward because it’s easy to program things in. The same is true with blinds,” she says.

“It depends how it’s facilitated. If there’s a remote control that’s going to get lost, then that’s not practical. If it’s done via a computer system where it’s accessible to everybody and easy to get to, then yes. It’s about the client and what their needs are.”

Keep it Simple

One of Katy’s biggest tips is to have confidence and try things out – without incorporating too many ideas into the design.

In terms of finishes – don’t overcomplicate stuff. Keep it simple. I always gather as much information as possible – images, fabrics, wallpapers, carpet – everything that’s relevant. Like a magpie. I put it all in and then begin to sift, because not everything’s going to go together. You might start off with your favourite colour and end up not using it, or just putting it in as a small accent.

“It’s about trying to be pragmatic about it. It’s always easier to do it for someone else than it is for yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask someone to look at it and see what they think.”

It’s not the end of the world if you get your design wrong first time. Experimenting with colours and textures is all part of the process.

“You can always change your mind. A paint colour is a paint colour. If it’s wrong, change it. Keep it simple and don’t be scared.” Katy adds.

This article is the third in a series of interviews with interiors experts. It’s sponsored by The Curtain Pole and Track Company – makers and suppliers of made to measure curtain poles, rails and accessories. Visit the website or call on 01494 535699 for more information.