The process of choosing a designer is one of the biggest decisions you will make when planning a renovation project. One of the biggest questions that clients ask is whether there really are any benefits to choosing a local interior designer. We think there are, and we’re going to let you know why.

As interior designers we are aware that Northern clients are continuing to choose to employ the services of interior design practices across the country, particularly in London, regardless of the abundance of design talent throughout our region.

Why are we so committed to championing the North West?

We’ve all heard the term ‘Northern Powerhouse’ – this was the term and strategy adopted by the government back in 2010 as a means of boosting the economy in the North of England following the 2008 recession. The aim was to dissolve the preconceived idea that in order for a business to be successful it needed to be located and operate from the capital. 

With more funds for the arts, culture and creative businesses promised, along with better transportation links which are still to be developed, small businesses in the North really haven’t noticed a big difference in their day to day lives. Now, with the added stress of surviving a pandemic, local interior design firms are really feeling the pinch. We’re still yet to find out the full economic impact of the lockdown and restrictions that we’re still experiencing.

The notion of supporting local businesses also resonates with our company values. We are deeply committed to supporting and collaborating with other local businesses to guarantee mutual success. We like to work with clients who also share this view!

Here we are going to outline four benefits of working with a local designer, and dispel some common myths about the interior design process. 

Travelling

It goes without saying that being actively involved in a design project results in a fair amount of travelling to site. This is to ensure that progress is maintained, and will likely increase in frequency as we progress through the process. One obvious advantage to utilising a local interior designer is that you will save money on these travel costs. Similarly, if you choose to take advantage of our Project Management service you can expect us to be present on site directing tradespeople and handling deliveries regularly. We like to make things as easy as possible for you to keep track, which is why our quote is inclusive of any travel costs incurred throughout the project. On the other hand, designers elsewhere in the country will most likely charge you over the odds for additional travel, especially if they are needed on site unexpectedly.

Local knowledge & working with local tradespeople

As a business proudly based in the North West, we are incredibly lucky to have the local knowledge to understand which materials, manufacturing processes and styles are sympathetic to the region, and we are able to apply this thinking to each project. We are big believers in championing local professionals, in the creative sectors and beyond. We have an abundance of small and often family-run businesses in our area, ranging from furniture designers to textile manufacturers which you may not have heard about.

If you are looking design a space which is environmentally-conscious this is especially important as we are able to utilise the expertise of local tradespeople with whom we have established connections with. This not only provides a truly unique look but it also supports our local economy and reduces our carbon footprint! We can also make suggestions for bespoke pieces to maximise character, again calling on the expertise of local artisans. 

At Keyhole Interiors we have worked on projects in the beautiful scenery of the Lake District, to the suburbs of Manchester, Cheshire and the Ribble Valley. Even with properties in such close geographic proximity, there are some incredibly subtle cultural differences from town to town. They should be picked up on by any interior designer. We are confident in our ability to recognise these little idiosyncrasies and use them to our advantage in any project. 

Personal service

The interior design process is naturally an incredibly personal experience for our clients, particularly when working on residential projects. We provide a deeply personal service, taking careful consideration of your brief and creating a meticulously researched design proposal. If you have any reservations about the design process we encourage you to speak to us – we are just at the end of the phone ready to guide you with any query.

We believe in the philosophy that every home (and equally, every commercial space) should be designed with wellbeing in mind. This is where we are estimated to spend up to 80% of our lives inside these buildings after all. With this in mind, your proposal will reflect the need for your home to be a relaxing yet practical haven, designed with you at the core. The ultimate aim of any designer is to guarantee that our clients are 100% content with their space at the end of the day, and we are no different. 

Cost

It may seem obvious, but being based in Lancashire we are most likely significantly cheaper than a London-based design studio. Why spend the majority of the money you’ve set aside on a designer, when it could be maximised within the project itself? 

So, why should you choose a local interior designer? We will be close to you – geographically as well as being able to provide a truly personalised experience. We understand the traditional styles of the local area, and can tailor your designs to be sympathetic to your surroundings. Finally, we’re probably cheaper than a London designer; designers in the capital typically charge based on the average real estate prices around them, which are considerably higher than anywhere else in the country! Yes, your personal style does play a vital part in choosing your designer; we are certain that we can create spaces which fits with any particular style you’re after. Let’s continue supporting our local small businesses up in the North!

Please get in touch if you like what you’ve read and would like our input in your next project. To see more of what we get up to, you can follow us over on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter (@Keyholeinterior).