Review for Making Spaces
Back in January 2021, we bought a unique 1960s split level detached house that needed a LOT of work – it had no insulation, the flat roofs were falling apart (quite literally), and add-ons over the years meant there was lots of wasted space and lack of flow. We initially started working with an architect because we desperately wanted to get it right – it was our forever home - but progress was painfully slow. The plans then turned out to be totally unaffordable: partly due to unnecessary details, and partly due to skyrocketing inflation.
Cue Karen at Making Spaces. I’ve admired her work for years and I knew that she had an incredible ability to respect and celebrate the period of the house whilst creating a space that works for the people that actually live there (not just a shot for the ’gram). She took the time to really understand what we wanted from our home, how we live and what we love, and from there she was able to look at the floorplan and immediately suggest a number of changes to simplify the design without compromising on the things we valued most: space, ease and light.
Working with Karen has been a joy. Despite juggling numerous projects, she has the ability to make you feel as though you are her number one priority, always. I have genuinely never worked with any professional that comes close to being as responsive or quick to action as she is, and her attention to detail is unparalleled. Every single light, every socket, every bathroom valve is positioned perfectly, and so even though we were working to a limited budget (there’s a mix of bespoke, Ikea and everything in between), the design feels thoughtful and special.
However, the most stand out thing about Karen is her integrity. You feel like she’s got your back, always. Liaising with multiple trades is never easy or straightforward, but she is wonderful at holding people to account and advocating for you as a client. Everything she suggests is for the good of the design – not because she benefits in some way from you buying from particular places.
Working with an interior designer is a luxury – no doubt about it. However, the money we have saved from a) not making unnecessary changes, and b) trade discounts (Karen passes these on, which is unusual from what I can gather speaking to various retailers), is in the tens of thousands of pounds. This was a wonderful surprise and not something I expected going into the process. However, the biggest thing for us is that we now have a home that feels so much more like us than we could ever have achieved on our own.
I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Making Spaces, and I can’t wait to start the next phase of this project so I can work with Karen again!
Cue Karen at Making Spaces. I’ve admired her work for years and I knew that she had an incredible ability to respect and celebrate the period of the house whilst creating a space that works for the people that actually live there (not just a shot for the ’gram). She took the time to really understand what we wanted from our home, how we live and what we love, and from there she was able to look at the floorplan and immediately suggest a number of changes to simplify the design without compromising on the things we valued most: space, ease and light.
Working with Karen has been a joy. Despite juggling numerous projects, she has the ability to make you feel as though you are her number one priority, always. I have genuinely never worked with any professional that comes close to being as responsive or quick to action as she is, and her attention to detail is unparalleled. Every single light, every socket, every bathroom valve is positioned perfectly, and so even though we were working to a limited budget (there’s a mix of bespoke, Ikea and everything in between), the design feels thoughtful and special.
However, the most stand out thing about Karen is her integrity. You feel like she’s got your back, always. Liaising with multiple trades is never easy or straightforward, but she is wonderful at holding people to account and advocating for you as a client. Everything she suggests is for the good of the design – not because she benefits in some way from you buying from particular places.
Working with an interior designer is a luxury – no doubt about it. However, the money we have saved from a) not making unnecessary changes, and b) trade discounts (Karen passes these on, which is unusual from what I can gather speaking to various retailers), is in the tens of thousands of pounds. This was a wonderful surprise and not something I expected going into the process. However, the biggest thing for us is that we now have a home that feels so much more like us than we could ever have achieved on our own.
I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Making Spaces, and I can’t wait to start the next phase of this project so I can work with Karen again!