Universal Design in Wilton.

“Caroline has been such a great inspiration to us with getting us to think carefully about what we want from our house interior! She has come up with a beautiful colour scheme and has great ideas and vision on how to throw some colour in too. Very professional and friendly with excellent customer service. With the added bonus that she can upholster cushions and blinds too and keen to upcycle existing items that we already have! Would highly recommend ”

“This team are very thorough and appreciate high quality products, it was a pleasure to be part of this project.”

“Briony advised me on a bathroom redesign. It was a really challenging project. The room was tiny and the layout awkward. Briony came up with ideas I hadn't thought of (and I'd been mulling for weeks!) which included some brilliant technical and plumbing solutions. I was really pleased that she was able to solve some of these problems because it made a new and much better layout possible. Briony really got my sense of style and what I was looking for and I was delighted with the drawing she provided showing in quite a lot of detail what each layout might look like once units and tiles were installed. She also hand-drew a vanity I was hoping to have made bespoke. And she sourced some actual options for units and tiles, which was so helpful. I'll definitely ask Briony to help again!”

“For some years, we had planned to extend our 3 bedroom, end-of-terrace property and already had plans drawn up and approved. However, with the passage of time, we wanted to be sure that these plans continued to suit our purposes. We invited Nick to review the proposals and he made a number of very useful observations. Importantly, he helped us to see that we could reconfigure the space and change our way of living to enjoy an improved view of the garden and across the valley in a light-filled, open-plan kitchen-diner with separate seating area. He also identified some simple changes to the layout to maximise functionality of the various new spaces, creating a separate utility room that we had always wanted, and an area for our pets. He also spotted a design simplification that would facilitate installation of a new kitchen. The proposed renovation would affect many of the spaces in the house, so Nick produced several 3D models of the whole property to help us to envisage optional layouts. His advice, supported by the different models and estimated costs, also identified elements that were not worth pursuing, releasing funds for other aspects that were more important to us. With the basic layout agreed, Nick worked with the architect, structural engineer, and Council planning officers to ensure that the agreed re-design would be approved. In parallel, he produced a very detailed specification with electrical and lighting layout and schematic for the TV, music and IT installation; this, together with architect’s drawings, formed the tender package against which 3 contractors bid a fixed price. We came to realise that this detailed document with specific references was critical to containing the price within defined limits; through the specification, the contractor was given very clear instructions on specific building works, plumbing and heating, joinery, lighting, flooring and other aspects of the project. Nick ran a competitive tender working closely with us and the 3 bidders. Together, we then selected the winning contractor and work started. In essence, whilst we lived with the building work, Nick was on site almost every day to keep an eye on developments and make decisions where required. Largely, we sat back and made cups of tea for the builders. If we spotted anything of concern, we generally raised this with Nick in the first instance and he would either explain the issue to us or, if some action was required, would address it with the contractor. Having established the principal price for the works, Nick was also keen to show us the total cost of the project including carpets, window dressings, audio equipment etc. He had also designed a number of bespoke storage units some of which were eventually fabricated and fitted. Early in the planning process we met to review decorative schemes with samples to show how each room would look and feel, along with the associated prices. He maintained a detailed spreadsheet, so that we could budget for furnishings over a timescale that suited us. The spreadsheet included a risk budget for identified risks, to help us understand the level of caution required as the project progressed. The value of the main contractor’s work was £120k + VAT (including kitchen) and the total project budgeted price was £150k + VAT (including furnishings etc). Nick oversaw the contractor’s implementation of the design. He also managed any interfaces between the contractor and other suppliers, and organised purchase of additional items such as the kitchen, carpets, blinds, and audio kit. He took us to view kitchens and appliances so that we could confirm our requirement. He then negotiated a good price for us which saved several £ks. This was another feature of working with Nick; not only did he negotiate good prices on our behalf, he also passed on elements of his trade discounts to us, and identified cost effective solutions which more than paid for his fees. We were particularly fascinated by Nick’s attention to detail and came to realise and appreciate its importance. For example, his insistence on the apparently small detail of aligning the floor level at the threshold to the French doors was simple to implement, but the contractors would have proceeded to fit a step over the threshold (because it was easy and what they always do) without Nick insisting otherwise. We now have no such trip-hazards. As the project proceeded, Nick spent more time with us and our teenagers, confirming styles and tastes, bringing samples and putting together schemes, before sourcing carpets and other fixtures and fittings. He introduced us to a number of new ideas: all of our friends marvel at our purple glass splashback and resin-worktop; the walk-in rain shower is fabulous; the music distribution system is fantastic, the wide floorboards are a real feature, and the look of our spacious, contemporary kitchen-diner is very special. He also future-proofed the property with an ethernet network in all key areas of the home. To manage cash-flow, the project was split into 2 phases. In planning for this, Nick ensured that all foundations, cabling, and pipes for phase 2 were installed during phase 1, negating the need for re-work or additional work later. In fact, during the 6 month break between phases, the contractor failed to record works already completed and paid for, and were preparing to escalate the ongoing price significantly (by approximately £8k, or 30% of the price remaining). However, Nick’s dogged determination and scrupulous record-keeping allowed us to maintain the project largely within the original price (allowing only for a legitimate inflationary increase in materials and labour). Throughout the project, we had every confidence that Nick would address any issue with the work. He produced a detailed snagging list at the end of each phase and ensured that all items were closed before the project was signed off. We are delighted with our “new” home and, having lived with it now for over a year, we find it practical as well as stylish, with plenty of functionality, space and light. Nick is a pleasure to work with. He offers fresh ideas and has opened our eyes to opportunities that we would otherwise have missed. Equally, he accepts respectfully that a client may not always be able to follow a particular recommendation. He is extraordinarily diligent and reliable and his involvement saved us money overall (to the tune of many £ks). We will certainly continue to use his services for future developments of our home and it gives us great pleasure to recommend him to others.”

“Had a fantastic experience working with Nina the last 5 months on a renovation project in central Bath. Nina did the initial concept for the whole project (90 sqm 2 bedrooms split level flat), paint colour consultation, sourced carpets, blinds, tiles, furniture and decorations. We also had a professional photoshoot which Nina acted as stylist for the day. Not only is Nina extremely knowledgeable, she also understands our requirements very well, she's conscious of our budget, and tries to add value where it created most impact. I'm sure we saved £££ due to her great furniture sourcing skills. She's also a lovely person, very approachable and friendly. It was honestly a pleasure to work with her. I'd recommend her to family and friends and will definitely work with her again.”

“We have worked with KiteCreative on our last two projects and I must say how thrilled we were with the outcome on both occasions. On our first project we used KiteCreative for the interior design and Helen came up with many solutions in the form of mood boards for a more boutique style of room maximising the space available and creating a beautiful finished product. For our second project we used KiteCreative for both the build and interior design parts of the project and I must say how much easier it was to have both teams working together from the start of the project. Having design input early on in the build process eliminated the need for late design changes, mistakes and ultimately cost. The quality of finish on the build process was also superb with regular updates and communication throughout. I cannot recommend KiteCreative highly enough and will certainly be using them again for my future projects.”

“I wanted to convert a very dull and crowded spare room/playroom into a relaxing 'sanctuary' for myself and guests; Mandy immediately saw where I was coming from and was in on the project from the start. With an eye for details and a real feel for the person, she carefully put together two different scenarios of environments where I've felt most relaxed - a beach theme and a mountain theme. The mood boards she created were beautiful and I found it difficult to choose between the two themes, though the mountain room she envisaged gave me the restfulness coupled with the cosiness that I wanted. Mandy then measured up and carefully observed how the natural light fell, as well as coming up with clever suggestions on how to deal with elements of the room that couldn't be changed - e.g. the dormer window and the sloping ceilings. From here she worked up a floor plan with soft shapes and functional, but relaxing furnishing ideas. Never forcing her thoughts on me, I had plenty of free range to add my own touches and she showed me how to use colours and the way they can work together. I was much more adventurous than I have been before! It felt like we really worked together as a team to achieve the finished results. So, my 'sanctuary' includes a bed (so we can still welcome guests), a seating/TV/gaming area (where the big kids can still relax, but their paraphernalia is low key/hidden), a reading area with a comfortable chair and footstool, and coffee table (reclaimed and painted). There's a variety of textures and soft colours using mainly greys and dusky pinks and other natural colours. My favourite part is the main wall featuring a mural of a mountain range in silhouette in soft dawn tones. I absolutely love it - as do my guests and kids! I highly recommend Mandy and her work. Her designs are beautiful, thoughtful and functional; whilst she provides plenty of her own ideas she is keen to incorporate your own too. I'll definitely be using Mandy again.”

“Amanda and her shop are fantastic. My wife and I had very different ideas on what we wanted. Amanda had so many fabrics, patterns and styles (all of the best taste and quality) and she kindly helped develop our thinking and led us through the difficult process of coming to an agreement on what to choose (which involved some considerable mediation). I am happy to report that we both love what Amanda supplied (sofas, curtains etc.), which is a coherent theme of colours and styles that perfectly suit our Cotswold home. I can also happily report that my wife won and I lost - which really was the best outcome all round.”

“I hired studio 12 designs to interior design my entire house, we had just done an International move and I was busy with 3 young children and work. It was a large project. Claire listened to my needs, priorities and budget. She inspired me and made it fun. I felt in control of the decisions she always gave me options. She was reliable, efficient, extremely helpful and made a difficult task seamless. I now have a beautiful home, that flows from one room to the next that I love. I would highly recommend her services.”

“My son is a young teenager, who hated his room and refused to spend time in there, except sleeping. It was all beige and orange, inherited from his older sister. The dislike got to a point, where he wrote his homework on the dining table in the kitchen, which was not convenient for either of us. After Erika designed him a brand new room, I stopped seeing him around the kitchen. He loves his own little space and finally spends most of his time in there: learning, playing, watching TV & hanging out with friends. Erika was helpful and kept my son's desire as the nr. 1 rule to follow whilst deciding the colour scheme and buying furniture. He wanted blue and green walls (I hate blue...) and a huge bed (in his small room). Erika suggested to split the levels and build an upstairs bed(room) for him. I have to say this was a huge win - he loves to chill up there, and it hides the mess around his bed. There is plenty of storage in his room plus he has his own laundry basket which help achieve a tidier look so I don't freak out every time I go in there... Erika also managed to get him a cool design lamp on his desk, made from the handlebar of a bicycle - which he loves. Although the rest of the decoration is more concentrated around basketball and karate, it all looks cool together. Now, he's proud to invite friends over and show off his room (with all of his hanging gold medals he won for karate). I would definitely recommend hiring Erika, as she can truly help you achieve what you want in your home.”