Posted on 25 Apr, 2023

Panelling is an interior design technique whereby rigid panels – often wooden, though other materials have gone in and out of fashion – are installed on the interior (and sometimes exterior) walls of a property. The technique achieved its greatest popularity in the 16th and 17th centuries, when it was applied to the homes of the rich and influential. Back then, it served as a form of crude insulation, preventing the chill from bare stone walls from leaching into the room. These days, it is more likely to be applied for decorative effect, which also explains the growth in faux panelling for interior design work.

In this article, we’re chatting about both ‘real’ panelling and faux panelling and taking a look at some of the advantages in both of them. Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 30 Mar, 2023

Can you believe it? It's now more than three years since Brexit, when the UK formally stopped being a member state of the European Union, and over two years since the end of the transition period and the signing of a trade deal between the two states. So much has happened since then!

Brexit has meant a complete overhaul of business practices and conventions that most companies in the UK had been used to dealing with over the 40+ years we had been a member. No industry has been unaffected by the process (though some have suffered worse than others) and the design sector is no different.

In this article, we’re going to look at some key areas in which Brexit and the subsequent changes in legislation have affected our industry.

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 13 Mar, 2023

Like any aspect of interior design, wallpaper has gone through a variety of trends and fashions over the last fifty years. With wallpaper being such an integral part of many British homes and intended to last a good few years at least, how its design changes over time can tell us a lot about the direction society was taking.

In this article, we wanted to look back at some of the major themes in wallpaper designs of the last half-century, and then look forward to what we can expect in 2023:

While we like to think of the 60s and 70s as two distinct eras, there was significant crossover between the two. In terms of wallpaper and interior design, the main difference was the introduction of avocado a... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 16 Feb, 2023

As we settle into 2023, it’s worth keeping an eye on what the rest of the year is likely to bring in terms of interior design trends. The design sector is one that is continually in flux, evolving to meet the needs and interests of businesses and the general public. Some trends develop slowly, describing a smooth cultural arc as they do so, whilst others leap onto the scene, almost fully formed, and grab attentions and headlines in the process.

In this article, we’re looking at five interior design trends that are either already on the horizon or about to pop their respective heads over it:

This is an example of design trends changing to meet social trends. Despite the popularity of streaming audio servi... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 01 Feb, 2023

Office chairs have been a staple of most workplaces for a long time. From the corporate cubicle to the cosy home office, many of us use them every day. They might demonstrate some slight differences in design, but the general functionality is the same – a wheeled, mobile chair with several points of articulation for easy movement.

But where does the idea come from? In this blog, we look at the history of the humble office chair and how it has developed over the millennia.

Millennia? Oh yes – office chairs are older than you think.

There is archaeological evidence dating back to 1900 BCE that Egyptian artisans used specially designed and purpose-built chairs when carrying out their wor... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 17 Jan, 2023

With energy costs rising across the board and no sign of them slowing down, many people are looking for alternative methods of heating their homes—specifically, ones that will keep their fuel costs down compared to a gas central heating system.

If you are an Interior Designer or just looking to take on a revamp of your own home then the question of heating solutions is likely to crop up. Here we've been looking at the more popular options:

For many people, opening up an existing fireplace and making use of it seems like the obvious solution for saving money on heating bills. While an open fireplace looks amazing and can certainly warm up a room, it is not without its own particular problems.

If it has ... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 29 Nov, 2022

If you’re looking for examples of cutting-edge interior design, there may be no better place to start than with the world of speciality hotels. After all, these are places that have the sole purpose of attracting the attention of prospective guests and many of them often have big budgets behind them.

Here at Careers in Design, we can’t resist interior design projects that make our jaws hit the floor. In this article, it was a difficult job to choose, but we’re going to look at 5 hotel interiors from around the world that make us do just that!

Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 28 Oct, 2022

Like every aspect of interior and product design, there are fashions in flooring that come and go. Choosing the right flooring option can pull the design together in any room. In this article, we’re looking at some of the current floor trends that are cropping up across the industry:

With a history dating back around 500 years, there’s nothing new about parquet flooring or the familiar angled positioning of its wooden planks. While its popularity might ebb and flow over the years, it’s definitely on an upward trajectory as we reach the tail-end of 2022.

Marble has always been an excellent flooring choice for anyone wishing to add a touch of class and elegance ... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 17 Oct, 2022

During the national lockdown, millions of office workers across the UK and the whole world ended up working from home. Although many of us have since returned to the office, many companies large and small have adopted hybrid working patterns for their staff, where they are only expected to be in the office a couple of days a week.

While this certainly helps employees strike a more appealing work-life balance, having an office permanently set up in your house can be an unwelcome reminder of your day-job, even when trying to relax at home. Advancements have been made since then and in this article, we look at some of the current clever ways to make your home office as unobtrusive as possible and put some distance between your home and work life.

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 30 Aug, 2022

Since lockdown restrictions were lifted, some offices and other workplaces have adopted some variation or other of hybrid working. When most of us consider that phrase, we’re probably thinking of it in terms of combining working from home with being in the office. However, this hybridisation of the workplace has affected much more than that.

In this article, we take a look at some ways in which workplace interior design has changed since the pandemic, as offices attempt to strike a balance between work and home life.

For many of us, working from home allowed us to enjoy unrivalled levels of comfort in a working environment. Some of us spent our day in a home office, kitted out with a luxurious gaming chair. Others wor... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 12 Aug, 2022

Incorporating smart technology into the home is becoming more and more popular. From automatic lights and heating, to security cameras you can access and operate via an app from the other side of the world, this exciting tech development is taking us to exciting new places all the time. We might not be quite at the level of George Jetson’s fully-automated space home, but we’re getting pretty close.

In this article we’re going to look at smart technology and how it pertains to interior design. How can you incorporate smart house elements into a tradition design aesthetic? Let’s take a look and see what possibilities present themselves.

We use lighting at home to create spaces that we are comfor... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 29 Jul, 2022

As any interior designer knows, lighting is one of the cornerstones of design, however many people don’t seem to think about it until it is pointed out to them by the designer during the initial briefing phase. Perhaps it’s because most lighting is above eye-level and out of sight. Maybe it’s because we use light to see, so don’t think of it as a fixture. Whatever the reason it is important to consider your lighting scheme early on in the design. With this in mind we thought we'd look at the latest trends in lighting for 2022.

Slender floor lamps, rising up from ground level to meet our expectant gaze are all the rage in 2022. The trick, of course, is to use a material that’s heavy... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 28 Jun, 2022

As the name suggests, Mid-century Modern is an interior design movement that sprung up in the middle of the 20th century, during the post-War years. While it was popular for a span of about thirty years between 1945-1975, it hit its peak in the mid-1950s. However, you can’t keep a good design style down. Like so many other trends, what was popular once will become so again, with sufficient passage of time. That’s exactly what has happened with Mid-century Modern, as many contemporary designers begin taking on its aesthetic.

So what is Mid-century Modern, in practical terms? What is its aesthetic? Its theme? Its feel? More importantly, how can you replicate it in now in 2022?

Mid-century Modern is a minimalist des... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 31 May, 2022

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 26 Apr, 2022

When we talk about interior design it’s easy to overlook the fact that some interior design roles involve projects outside. Outdoor spaces that adjoin the house or building – patios, terraces, balconies, front and back gardens are all important spaces to take into consideration when designing.

Outdoor living has been a popular design trait for some time now – thanks in part to the pandemic keeping so many of us at home for extended periods of time. It only makes sense to make the most of your outdoor space by transforming it into a functional extension of your home.

We have researched here some of the top outdoor living trends you can expect in 2022.

During lockdown, the nearest many of us got to a summer bre... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 12 Apr, 2022

Decorating homes for the season is nothing new. Most of us do it at Christmas, with many also adding macabre touches for Halloween, or hearts and shades of red for Valentine’s Day. Easter gives you another opportunity to mix things up in the home. Whether you celebrate the holiday or not, much of the imagery and colours associated with Easter work just as well for a general springtime theme.

These are some simple steps you can take to get your home ready for the spring and Easter season.

Traditionally, eggs were decorated for Easter using watercolour paints, but you might not have the time, patience or skill to try that yourself. Not to worry – temporary tattoos let you do the same job with a fraction of th... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 29 Mar, 2022

Maximalism is an aesthetic of excess – the direct counterpart to minimalism, where rooms are stripped down to the bare essentials. It’s a way to display your treasured possessions for your own pleasure and to impress visitors. Here in the office, we've been discussing which of us would like to introduce this into our homes. This has in turn led to the question of what it actually was and why it's so popular at the moment.

There is more to maximalism than just putting everything you own into a room. That’s called hoarding and is generally frowned upon. Maximalism is about highlighting the best of the material goods you have in your life. Whilst the examples we have from the past might have been an exercise in enumerating one’... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 15 Feb, 2022

FF&E is one of those acronyms that crops up a lot in the world of interior design and it’s one that you’re expected to understand if you’re part of the industry. Taken at face value, FF&E stands for Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment – but what exactly does that entail?

For those of you who'd like a better understanding of this particular role, we thought we'd take a look at some of the responsibilities an FF&E Designer is likely to have.

This is as good a description of FF&E as anything, as it refers to all non-architectural aspects of the design process. Depending on the project itself, this could be anything from bedframes, headboards, mirrors and lighting for a bedroom, through to d... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 27 Jan, 2022

In our recent blog on bathroom design trends for 2022, we mentioned the concept of biophilic design and how it is set to play a major role in interior design jobs over the years to come. But what exactly is biophilic design, and why is it so important?

Biophilia is a Latin term that that means ‘a love for nature’. Its underlying principles are easy to follow – namely that humans are happier when they have access to nature – and the field of biophilic design has sprung up around that principle. It involves getting people in touch with the natural world, either directly or indirectly.

When you de... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 17 Jan, 2022

The beginning of a new year often heralds new renovation projects in the home with certain rooms always a popular choice – notably bathrooms and kitchens. With this in mind, we thought that we'd do a little research into bathroom industry trends as we head into 2022.

If there’s one word that can define the direction bathrooms are going, it's biophilic. In essence, that means a love of plants which, from a design perspective, means bringing the natural world inside. With so many of us working from home since the pandemic, the urge to get in touch with nature has never been more pressing. Introducing hanging plants (macrame has made a return), tubs of pampas grass and easy-to-maintain succulents are ways of doing just that.

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 21 Dec, 2021

There’s a reason the term ‘hearth and home’ is such a well-recognised part of the English vernacular. For centuries, the fireplace has been considered the heart of the British home. Even with the widespread adoption of central heating, many homes incorporate a gas, electric or solid-fuel fireplace, even if it's used more for decoration than heating the property itself.

Interior Designers often use a fireplace as the focal point of a living room or lounge but what look and style is best? Like all aspects of design, this key component goes through several trends and fashions, so we had a little look at some of the ways you’re likely to see fireplaces and fire surrounds utilised as we head into 2022.

Perhaps not a new tr... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 08 Dec, 2021

Whilst certain trends from 2021, such as sustainable, reconditioned and recycled materials are likely to remain popular in the New Year, the interior design industry will always continue to introduce new ideas and fashions.

These are just some of the interior design trends we are expecting to see in 2022.

2022 looks like being a year for seventies throwbacks in interior design. Popular colours that trademarked the decade, like burnt orange and moss green will see a resurgence, lending a warmth and brightness to your project, without overwhelming more natural and muted shades.

Of course it won’t just be colours that we’ll be borrowing from the seventies – retro furniture and décor will also... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 23 Nov, 2021

Yes it's nearly Christmas! As the old song says, it’s the most wonderful time of the year – and that’s certainly true for creatives. Christmas provides you with the opportunity to try new ideas that would seem out of place at any other point in the calendar. A creative Yuletide design job – whether for a private customer or a commercial client – can also look great in your portfolio, being an effective calling card for other Christmas or themed design roles in the future.

Here at Careers in Design we love to keep an eye on festive trends and see what wonderful creations are made. With that in mind, we have had a little look at some of the hottest Christmas trends for 2021.

Botanical themes will feature in a lot of ... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 12 Nov, 2021

With sustainability and environmental accountability at the forefront of public discussion, everybody from private individuals to worldwide corporations has a responsibility to lower their ecological footprint. We have been thinking about how this applies to interior, furniture and product design as well.

When putting together a bid for a design project, using sustainable materials to tackle the job is a great way to present green credentials and we have compiled a few of the most popular, effective and reusable materials available at the moment.

One of the top sustainable materials for design and construction, bamboo is highly versatile. A member of the grass family, it grows incredibly quickly, making it a leading green material. It is extremely strong... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 28 Oct, 2021

The topic of this blog is Digital Art as we explore what it is and how it can be used.

Digital Art is an artistic practice commonly found in avant-garde exhibitions and art museums. With so many platforms, software, and tools available, a digital artist can transform traditional works such as drawings, paintings, sculpture and video to create something entirely new and unique.

With digital mediums progressing rapidly, digital art is gaining popularity. Used for quite some time within experiential design, it’s slowly working its way into home decorating and interior design, giving homeowners plenty of opportunities to display digital art in the comfort of their living spaces. Here are a few designs and ideas to inspire your décor.

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 19 Oct, 2021

Mood boards are an essential tool for many design-related careers such as interior design and architecture. Mood boards are a great platform for designers to visually express their design ideas by compiling a variety of information such as product images, colour palettes, material and fabric swatches, and inspirations into one board.

Pinterest and graphic design software are commonly used to create mood boards, giving designers complete control with a range of helpful editing tools and digital features. If you're trying to decide whether to use Pinterest or graphic design software for your next project, we've compiled a comparison detailing the benefits of both.

Opting for graphic design software gives you control over picture editing, i... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 31 Aug, 2021

If you’re fortunate enough to have a spare room or guest bedroom at home that you’re unsure what to do with, converting it into a home gym is a cost-friendly solution that can help utilise your extra space and stay healthy. A home gym will not only help you meet your fitness goals from the comfort of your own home, but it will also save you time and money by cutting monthly gym membership costs and commuting time.

Dedicating a space specifically for home exercise will allow you to work out 24/7 without having to worry about peak times and packed gyms. No matter how small your spare bedroom is, any room can easily be converted into a gym with the proper preparation and space management. If you’re thinking about turning your bedroom into a mini gym, here are some... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 17 Aug, 2021

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 12 May, 2021

It may be surprising to think that a casual stroll around your local high street or shopping centre might inspire you in your next design project or make you want to find out more about a store that you previously hadn't considered going into. Interior furnishing and homeware retailers are an obvious and easy choice for creative styling but other retailers such as shoes, clothes, games, stationery and floristry have products that can make for an innovative, enticing window shop display. 

Local stores and retailers have just a few seconds to attract a buyer's eye. With the convenience of online shopping and ongoing lockdown restrictions, it's crucial to get it right to attract the public back into shops. To catch the attention of some... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 28 Apr, 2021

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 08 Mar, 2021

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 08 Feb, 2021

2020 was a long and challenging time for many of us. With a new year ahead of us and a fresh start to look forward to, there are plenty of reasons to revitalise your household space with a fresh look at interior design. With so many trendy design ideas, it can be overwhelming to pick the best aesthetic for your home. So we have narrowed down some of the best design trends that we have found, with ideas to inspire you.

The vintage design scheme never goes away and evokes a sense of nostalgia and a feeling of cosiness. Creating a vintage-like space happens at a gradual pace. It’s an aesthetic choice that requires layering, so choose furniture and items carefully.

It may take you a couple of visits (when they reopen) to... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 30 Nov, 2020

Mirrors show reflections of anything placed in front of them. It is how we can see ourselves when we look in the mirror every morning. But this is not all mirrors can do. They have been used by interior designers for years to create various effects in homes and commercial spaces. Here are some mirror decorating ideas we have found that you can easily use.

If a room does not have enough natural light, a mirror is the only solution needed. Find a large mirror and place it opposite a window. It will reflect all the light from the window back into the room, making it brighter.

A mirror placed next to a light source will increase the intensity of the light shone in the room.

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 11 Nov, 2020

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 29 Sep, 2020

Like any art form, interior design is in a constant state of flux. Practices that were commonplace a few years ago can already appear out-dated. As time moves on, the way we design today will doubtless seem just as old-hat.

Here are five ways that the interior design industry is changing:

Digital design solutions

Advances in technology and the abundance of mobile devices place interior design tools into anybody’s hands. This means that quality interior design will become available to anybody who wants it. While designers themselves will still be in demand, supplying the skills that only come from training and experience, the process will be simplified, streamlined, and cheaper to conduct.... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 12 Aug, 2020

If you’re interested in interior design and its accessories, then it's essential that you keep on top of the most recent trends in the industry. After four months of lockdown, home decorating has played an important part in many people's lives; and as we get well into the second half of 2020, that shows no signs of abating.

So, what are the latest trends that you should be aware of?

It’s a rather dramatic name for a fairly simple concept. Grandmillenial style combines a modern aesthetic with retro elements. At its heart, it’s about taking a modern interior and embellishing it with vintage pieces. These could be carefully curated antiques, reclaimed furniture, or pieces of décor inhe... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 01 Jul, 2020

Every one of us has wandered into an immaculately-decorated show home at one time or another and wondered why we can’t achieve that same effect ourselves. From the pristine decoration, to perfectly-matched furniture and eye-catching accessories – it all seems so divorced from reality.

In truth, there’s no reason you can't recreate the effortless elegance of a show home in your own house. At Careers in Design, we deal with hundreds of professional interior designers who know just how to give any property the show home look.

Here are a handful of tips on how to go about it.

Whilst we mostly save upholstery for sitting on, incorporating it into the bedroom or any other room creates a... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 27 May, 2020

As we start to look forward to the gentle easing of the current restrictions, an important consideration will be the layout of shops and other retail outlets. With social distancing still very much a matter of government policy, members of the design industry must ask themselves: how has COVID-19 affected retail interior design?

We’ve mentioned this already, but as the cornerstone of the government’s plan to mitigate the infection rate of coronavirus, it bears repeating. People are expected to maintain a 2-metre distance from anybody who is not a member of their household. What this means in terms of interior design is significant. Aisles will need to be made wider in some stores, to allow for adequate space between customers. This will ha... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 14 May, 2020

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 09 Mar, 2020

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 24 Feb, 2020

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 06 Feb, 2020

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 08 Jan, 2020

Anybody looking for a career in interior, furniture or product design will be aware of the importance of computer-aided design to the industry. Whilst the fundamentals remain mostly the same, there are dozens of distinct CAD software packages on the market, with some better suited to certain design tasks than others.

Let’s take a look at some of the more popular programs.

One of the most commonly used packages is AutoCAD which is used in furniture design and manufacture (although not as much as previously), interior design and architecture, building design and construction, and many other parts of the design industry.

VectorWorks offers a great range of tools for interior and retail designers and also for exhibit... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 05 Dec, 2019

Interior design and styling is an art that comes to life in the festive season, and this year is no exception. Everyone wants their Christmas to be an incredible moment of beauty and joy and there are some wonderful seasonal trends to consider that are particularly beautiful in 2019, which we are excited to share and explore with you.

Soft, earthy, natural themes are very prominent in the trade this year, a theme revolving around cones and leaves, twine and mushrooms. Coming from a desire to not only be closer to nature but to also have a festive celebration that isn’t wasteful has brought around some beautiful pieces for your home. A tree adorned with pine cones and wood... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 07 Nov, 2019

Here at Careers in Design, we don't just prepare CVs for our clients and match them with one of the extensive number of design jobs in our portfolio. We also take a keen interest in trends and developments within the industry.

Trends like open-plan living, for instance.

Anybody interested in the field of interior design should familiarise themselves with this concept, especially since it often comes up in discussion at interviews for interior design jobs.

Aesthetically, open-plan living is a simple way to layout a room or building but, for the designer, it offers several challenges, requiring the appropriate practical considerations to overcome. Here are some key design tips…

Invisible ... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 25 Oct, 2019

At Careers in Design our portfolio of interior design jobs is constantly changing as new vacancies with differing requirements pop up from our extensive list of clients. Outside of having the relevant degree and experience plus appropriate CAD software skills, what else is that prospective employer is looking for?

Let’s take a look at some transferable soft skills that you might already have from your current job.

Most interior design jobs involve being part of a team. It’s important, as a designer to be able to communicate effectively to different audiences and through different media. Remember, you’re responsible for promoting your design work to both colleagues and clients.

When you look at an em... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 16 Sep, 2019

It can be a challenge to decorate a small space and can seem like quite a difficult interior design job - but it doesn’t have to be! 

No matter the size of the home you are designing and decorating for, you need to bring in as much personality as possible - without the rooms feeling cramped and overcrowded with furniture and accessories. 

Here at Careers in Design, we have put together a ‘go-to’ guide on how to decorate a small house.  

Making sure that the floors are clean in small houses is essential. One medium-sized product can actually take a large amount of space in a small house and if you can’t walk through the room with ease, then it is time to rethink your layout.  Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 27 Aug, 2019

Themed bathrooms have been seen in the interior design world for decades. Given the connection with water, nautical and seaside themes are most commonly created, with the influence of these themes apparent in the profusion of blue and aqua coloured bathrooms.

The rise of luxurious, hotel-style bathrooms dominated with stone, natural materials and neutral colours have pushed themed bathrooms out of style, but in recent years they have seen a reprise. 

In 2019, a bathroom based on a theme is seen as a way to inject personality and even a touch of fantasy into a room that can often be plain and is usually focused on practicality. Your chosen theme could be as simple as incorporating your favourite colour, or it could be based on an iconic location like London, Paris or... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 06 Aug, 2019

Whether you work from home, want a dedicated space for extra projects or just a quiet area for the kids to do homework, most of us dream of setting up a home office.

A dedicated home office can transform your work process completely but you do need to put some thought into it. Step away from the rickety computer chair and rusty filing cabinet, you need to make sure you create a space that will not only encourage you to work with a clear mind, but that you will actually enjoy spending time in. That way you are more likely to be more productive, to take care of the space, and to ultimately get the best out of the room.

Clutter will make you feel stressed, and if keeping your office tidy becomes too much work, you’ll soon find yourself trying to... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design | Tagged: interior design home office

Posted on 22 Jul, 2019

It’s officially summer and it’s time to embrace nature. As the good weather encourages you to spend more of your day outdoors, you’ll be drinking up the sunshine, enjoying the flowers in bloom and making the most of outdoor spaces. But have you considered the ways that nature can be incorporated into interior design? 

At Careers in Design we love everything to do with design, and have been matching designers with opportunities for two decades. We’ve put together some tips on ways to enjoy the beauty of summer even when the nights start to draw in.

Flower prints and images are on trend, so a simple way to bring nature into your home is by looking at these types of prints in your wallpaper and upholstery. In light and bright... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 01 Jul, 2019

As designers, we see colour differently. 

While we interact with the world and go about our day, we’re processing and gaining inspiration that we can bring to life in our designs. At Careers in Design we have been looking into how designers stay aware of colour trends and how  they experiment with new colours in their work.

The Pantone colour of 2019 is Living Coral. This is a bright and beautiful shade that is abundant in nature from sand dunes, autumn leaves and flowers to sunsets and of course coral itself. Similar to last year’s Ultra Violet, Living Coral is bursting with character and emotion. It throws back further to 2017’s natural shade of Greenery and draws on a bigger design trend which is taking inspiration from the natural world ar... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design | Tagged: interior design pantone colour of the year 2019 living coral

Posted on 19 Jun, 2019

The field of interior design blends creativity and business. Designers aim to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional and can work with clients from all sorts of industries. As a creative vocation, interior designers may come to their position through different avenues, picking up skills and experience over a period of years.

There is no one definitive way to approach getting a job within the interior design field, so here we talk about some common routes that a candidate interested in the industry can look at. It also highlights important things to be aware of, no matter what stage of your career you are at.

There are two main components to any route:

Formal qualifications
Work experience

Any candidate se... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design | Tagged: interior design

Posted on 07 May, 2019

Dinner parties are back in style this year, but don't rush off for the antique napkin rings or start polishing the family silver just yet. These modern soirees are different to the stilted, stuffy affairs of the past.

The quintessential 2019 dinner party is an opportunity to bring friends and family together for food and conversation. Once you've compiled the guests list and finalised the menu, the next thing to do is consider the decor. 

Furniture

The table is always going to be the main focus of a dinner party. Glass and wood-topped tables are best as the natural material creates a lovely backdrop. If you have a feature table like this, don't cover it up with a table cloth. There is another option!

Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design

Posted on 04 Mar, 2019

The country home has always had a special charm for interior designers. Mixing character and cosiness with a quintessentially British aspect, it has been a real stalwart for designing traditional hotel spaces, period properties, barn conversions and more. The drawback with the traditional country look is expense and practicality. With more and more people drawn into cities, living spaces are becoming smaller and the country home look has become less popular in favour of more minimalistic styles. Luckily there is a way to get the best of both worlds, adapting the country home to fit modern living and tastes, in a modern country interior.

The modern country look has its roots in the traditional country home aesthetic and therefore contain... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design | Tagged: country style interiors interior design

Posted on 20 Feb, 2019

Fabrics are so important to interior design but often they are the unsung hero that fall into the background. The way that an interior designer uses fabric in a project is a real balancing act of many different factors. Too many bold designs can make the space seem stuffy or crowded, while too many intricate patterns can be visually confusing. On the other side of the scale, plain options can lead to a space seeming washed out and cold.

With Spring just around the corner (well nearly!). we look at some of the best ways that fabric can be used in interior design.

In spaces that see a lot of traffic like show homes, hotels and restaurants, designers often seek to offset the busyness of the area by adopting a simple, modern style, but that can miss the opportunity to introd... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design | Tagged: fabric fabric design floral interior design

Posted on 11 Jan, 2019

Using statement wallpaper is one way to change the look of a space, be it in your home, a coffee shop or a hotel, and there are plenty of amazing designs to choose from. Whether you want something simple and muted, bold and bright or classy and elegant, there's something for everyone.

The first recorded use of wallpaper was in China in 200 B.C. when the Chinese first glued rice paper to walls. When the craze moved to Europe only the wealthy could afford to commission artisans to create their designs via hand painting or the use of stencils. Luckily with the advent of the printing press they became more widely available and now modern printing technology allows us a huge array of choices in pattern, texture and ... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design | Tagged: interior design interior design trends statement wallpaper wallpaper

Posted on 14 Dec, 2018

The Nordic influence has infiltrated many aspects of our life. Its inspiration can be seen in our clothing, television, food and lifestyles but the impact it has had on the interior design world has been huge. As we approach the holidays you may be considering putting a new spin on your traditional Christmas decor by incorporating this year’s Scandinavian Christmas trend.

Some of us in the office here at Careers in Design have been thinking about using this theme to decorate our own homes this year. We then thought we'd like to share these ideas on how to capture a little Scandinavian magic in your home over the festive period.

Lighting is one of the biggest features to use to incorporate the Nordic look. Simple, soft lighting will create a gentl... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design | Tagged: hygge interior design scandinavian christmas

Posted on 30 Nov, 2018

Looking at the Autumn/Winter 2018 design trends we see both new ones emerging and many existing styles still popular.  The team at Careers in Design is always interested to see what are the key trends and would encourage all designers to talk about current and future trends and your own thoughts during an interview if the subject comes up. This then gave us the idea to gather information on some of the most exciting trends and see how you could incorporate them into design projects this season.

Colours for the Autumn/Winter portfolio are normally darker than the first half of the year, but for 2018 they take on a magical feel with deep plum, crimson and navy creating a luxurious and cosy atmosphere. To take this colour trend to another level... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design | Tagged: interior design interior design trends winter 2018/19

Posted on 24 Oct, 2018

Halloween is an exciting time of year as we say farewell to the carefree days of summer and start looking forward to cosy winter nights in. At this time of year we enjoy autumn colours in the leaves, crisp weather and freshly harvested fruits and vegetables. As the weather cools down we think of warmer fabrics and colours in our clothes and our homes.

Now you might be thinking what has this got to do with the world of recruitment and in truth, probably not a lot, but as we love Halloween in the office, we thought that we would put some ideas together for a Halloween themed decor that will bring the excitement and fun of Halloween inside your home too.

For a gentle approach to Halloween decor, tie it together with an autumnal theme. This approach allows you to make use of... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design | Tagged: decor halloween interior design

Posted on 24 Sep, 2018

At Careers in Design, we have years of experience helping candidates find the ideal interior design jobs to suit them. As a result, we've come up with the following advice for starting a career in interior design:

As an interior designer, you’ll be expected to design and refit projects for clients, based on their specifications. You'll be expected to work to a brief, to show creativity and flair and, depending on your position, be able to manage a project team, including suppliers and contractors.

Many interior design jobs expect a certain level of education with an emphasis on design. There are a range of certificates, diplomas,... Continue reading >

Posted in: Interior Design | Tagged: interior design