Personal, functional and timeless are the most important qualities when it comes to transforming a space, says bespoke interior design master, Janey Butler. Working with the country’s top architects, designers and suppliers, Janey tells us about her most recent bespoke project – a flagship office in Cheshire
What was the brief for this project?
Our clients are one of the top real estate agents in Cheshire, and they approached us around June 2015 with a simple brief, “To create their new flagship showroom/offices”. From this, our detailed design created a stylish, contemporary, inviting space of course, but we wanted to create something new with more of a showroom/homely feel to it rather than the normal formal office environment. We specified some of our signature bespoke furniture design within the project, including the luxury brand Linteloo with whom we collaborate.
What was the budget?
The budget was £400K.
What was the biggest challenge?
The 18th century building is on the main high street of a pretty market town and falling within a conservation area. It was formerly used as a ladies’ fashion shop which had been empty for some time. It had lots of damp issues, leaking roof, ground water basement problems and very dated interior. Our aim was to preserve the beauty of the old building, enhancing and repairing the exterior and giving the interior of the property a unique and contemporary look.
What are you most pleased with?
We love to source unique individual pieces for all of our interiors. On this project, we especially love the new managing director’s office, which features a stunning frameless glass section complete with an incredible large section of naturally curved oak, which we designed and made into a stunning desk to go through the glass wall. This created an amazing effect and focal point on the ground floor.
Anything you would change with hindsight?
We spend a lot of time getting to know our clients. It is important to understand their needs, what they want to achieve and to spend time getting to know their business/staff levels and requirements so that our design and ultimate end result surpass anything they could have imagined. Combined with our talented team of craftsmen and women who work for us and turn our design concepts and ideas into a reality, there is nothing we can think that we would have changed.
Client involvement – hands-on or hands-off?
Our clients are professional, busy people and like all of our clients were very interested in the design process of the project, which is why they wanted to use us. This was especially true with regard to the choices of fabrics, materials and furniture design which we encourage with all of our clients, as this means the end result is much more personal for them. So, hands-on, with the ’nice’ aspects of the construction, leaving all the hassle and stress to us which is what we do!
Do you have any exciting projects in the pipeline for 2016?
We have some amazing projects lined up for 2016 and beyond, including a replacement dwelling development which is in a beautiful rural location and has an amazing basement design with frameless glass sections, sky frame and Bulthaup kitchen. There is also a 22,000 sq ft new build which is in a stunning location with a very large Spa Level, 20m swimming pool, Bulthaup kitchen designs on several levels and an incredible lounge with uninterrupted views that span for hundreds of miles.
What excites you in the world of interiors?
There are some incredible designers and suppliers in the world. Attending interior, lifestyle and decoration trade shows such as Maison Object, Imm and Milano allows us to meet more of these talented people and designers that we believe keeps our interior design and architecture innovative and different from everyone else. The scope of talent around the world never ceases to inspire us to push and develop our interiors continuously.
Any predictions for interior trends in 2016?
We believe the trends for this year are what we have been designing and building into our interiors for a while now. With the use of woods, stone, glass, porcelains and ceramics, simple and elegant is what we have always done, so we think it will be a great year for naturally beautiful interiors.
What is your everyday luxury?
I adore Aesop products which are 100% plant based body, hair and skin care products from Australia. After a busy day in the showroom, office, client meetings or on one of our sites, it is wonderful to look forward to a luxury hot Fantini rain shower using these wonderful luxury organic products… my everyday luxury.
Janey Butler Interiors officially launched last September and has already been shortlisted for two International Architecture & Design Awards, as well as securing some amazing Residential and Commercial Interior Architecture projects for 2016/17
For more information, visit Janey Butler
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