Need expert interior design help in Kent or East Sussex? Meet Nicky Percival
Choosing an interior designer to work with can be hard, especially if you haven’t done it before.
So, I wanted to tell you a little bit more about myself, the type of work I do and most importantly, what my clients can expect from me.
Why?
So that when you contact me, the ice is already broken. You will already have the answers to your initial queries, you will know that I’m not going to insist on telling you what to do, and you will feel ready to book that exciting first meeting.
WHAT’S MY STORY?
Well, you could say that interior design is in my DNA as my mother was an interior designer and I grew up in her ‘world’. My personal design philosophy has been honed over 30 years of training and experience, however, in the earlier days of my career, I worked in theatre design – literally setting the scene for actors and creating an atmosphere that would tell the audience how to feel.
I’ve also worked on TV dramas, creating believable ‘homes’ and settings for the characters who inhabited them. For the past 20 years, however, all my clients and projects have been firmly set in real life, and I truly believe that the design of a space should go beyond looking gorgeous to personally resonate with the people who live within it. That ethos is at the heart of my design philosophy, and I always aim to create spaces that inspire my clients, enhance their lives and enable them to thrive.
As well as preferring to use trusted local tradespeople, I love to use smaller independent British-based suppliers for the fabrics, lighting and bespoke pieces included in my designs. When appropriate, I also like to include some carefully curated vintage and antique furniture, lighting and art in your design so that it becomes a truly unique reflection of your style and personality.
A benefit of my theatre and TV experience also means I’m capable of dealing with a bit of drama, whether that’s in the form of big personalities on the job site or a flamboyant style on the design board!
I also hold a BA Hons degree in Interior Design from Kingston, am an associate member of the BIID (British Institute of Interior Design) and a full member of SBID (The Society of British and International Interior Design)
This means that when you work with me, you are guaranteed that my work will be of the highest quality and that all health and safety considerations will be adhered to during implementation. Due to continuous professional development, I can offer you the most up-to-date advice.
WHAT TYPE OF PROPERTIES DO I WORK ON
Having lived in Tunbridge Wells for 18 years before moving to East Sussex last year, I’m mostly involved with townhouse and countryside renovation, restoration, extension and conversion projects. Due to the history and development of both counties, I regularly create unique interior design schemes for properties ranging from rural barn conversions and cottage renovations to amazing grand house restorations. Architecture is also a passion of mine, and my knowledge of structural design, period buildings, and decorative art allows me to seamlessly blend the modern elements of design with creativity and architectural respect.
I’ve also personally renovated several period properties, and last year, my husband and I took on a new large ‘project’ of our own. It has five storeys, and everything from the roof and windows to the bathrooms and kitchen needs gutting and renewing, so I can fully appreciate and sympathise with the type of challenges you face, the decisions you need to make and the resources you will need.
Here’s a quick glimpse into the project we’re undertaking….
WHERE CAN YOU SEE EXAMPLES OF MY WORK?
The best place to see examples of my work, read client testimonials and, a little brag here, see my ‘Best of Houzz Design’ and ‘Best of Houzz Service’ awards, is on my website. It’s my virtual showroom and through it you can also view many other blog posts on topics ranging from the creation of a bespoke mural in a morning room to a behind the scenes peek at a contemporary refit for a classic design and a look at the colour palettes for 2024.
I also use my Houzz profile, Instagram feed and Pinterest account to share images of completed projects, works in progress, personal inspirations and life behind the scenes. That said, I’d just like to add a note of assurance here that every project you see on my website, social media or Houzz account is 100% guaranteed to be my work.
“Nicky Percival understood our design concepts and vision from day one and was able to transform our tired, dreary seaside flat into a chic, contemporary home. From design to completion, Nicky made our project fun and exhilarating. She kept my partner and I central to the entire process and engaged us in every step along the way. Nicky took time to really understand our flat, our personalities and lifestyle and was able to transform our home from ordinary to amazing! We highly recommend Nicky Percival!”
WHAT GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS DO I COVER?
Due to the delights of Zoom, we can all have virtual meetings these days, but when it comes to interior design, actually being able to meet in person, hold fabric, flooring and paint samples and see furniture first-hand makes a huge difference.
Having historically lived in Tunbridge Wells, the majority of my clients tend to be based in that area and my little black book is filled with incredible local tradespeople, contractors, suppliers and craftspeople such as Tom Goldsmith Joinery, Traditional Bespoke Furniture (Kitchens) seamstress Natasha Davis, Bailey Wighton Carpets, Ode Interiors (who sell fabulous 20th Century pieces) CNC Laminates , and Balboa creators of gorgeous upholstered furniture.
That said, following my move to the East Sussex coast last year, my working area has grown bigger and I’ve recently had the pleasure of working in Wadhurst, Hawkhurst and Langton Green. It’s exciting to be spreading my creative wings further and if you would like to know if I can cover your location, send me an email or call me on 07773 372158
Project Locations from left to right : Wadhurst, Tunbridge Wells and Rye
HOW MUCH DO I CHARGE FOR AN INITIAL MEETING?
The first step for every project is the appraisal and brief, and following our initial phone call, where we chat through your ideas and see if I’m the right fit for your project, I arrange an onsite consultation to fully discuss the brief. This is the point where we discuss everything in detail, from the scope of the work to be carried out, the timings and budget to the style direction and practical issues such as layout, lighting and storage. As we go through each aspect, I’ll offer my advice and guidance - it’s amazing how discussing things before any action takes place can resolve potential issues and avoid unnecessary costs.
I charge £85.00 plus VAT for the briefing meeting which is deducted from the design fee if I am engaged further.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Once we start working together, there are three distinct phases each project goes through and I have briefly explained each stage for you below. I will also provide you with a bespoke quotation for each stage so you know in advance when payments are due.
Step Two – Concept Designs
This is the stage where everything we have talked about starts to take shape as I design a concept for each room and visually represent every element on a moodboard. In addition to this, I create private Pinterest boards to show you various options and help you narrow down your choices.
Step Three – Specification
Once the design direction has been agreed, it’s time to delve into the specification phase. This involves the creation of comprehensive floor, joinery and lighting plans for each contractor, a drawing pack for the tradesman and a decorating schedule. As well as the final specifications for window treatments, bespoke furniture or upholstery and a product sourcing list.
Step Four – Implementation
Once each specification and schedule has been signed off, I arrange for all the hard surfaces, soft furnishings, upholstery and cabinetry work to be made to specification and installed to schedule. I’m also happy to liaise and coordinate on-site with contractors and charge my hourly rate of £85.00 plus VAT, also charged monthly to cover all eventualities.
I’m always happy to chat through any questions and reservations you may have, and although interior design is frequently viewed as a ‘luxury’, the reality is that if you bring an interior designer on board before you start your project, they can actually help you avoid unnecessary stress and costly mistakes.
WHY YOU SHOULD WORK WITH ME?
There are so many things I could say that are attractive about working with me, but I think it’s my client’s reactions that actually tell you the most…
“As a couple with wildly different ideas on design and approach, not only is Nicky a great source of ideas, she is a proven negotiator and project manager. Nicky has a good nose for getting to the heart of the design issue and developing strong concepts that firm up vague ideas that might have been in your head but are much better defined and improved on, and she will often surprise you. Nicky is approachable, enthusiastic and fun to work with - would definitely recommend her!”
“We are nearing the end of a large double-story extension project and I can honestly say that hiring Nicky was one of the best decisions we have made. I was initially hesitant about bringing in an interior designer because I considered this to be a luxury and not a necessity, but I soon realised that her advice, support and guidance were, in fact, crucial to the success of everything. Nicky provided vital help when I was floundering in a mass of decisions; she took control exactly when I needed assistance and was happy to liaise with kitchen fitters and builders to ensure all was carried out to a high standard. She has an exceptional eye for detail, is very professional and understood the brief very quickly. I have really loved all her ideas, which are bespoke for me in terms of style and budget, and her suggestions for furniture, lighting and colour palette have been excellent. Nicky is a good listener, and her advice is always spot on. She also encourages me to be creative, which is a great bonus. We are now moving to the second stage of our project and having Nicky on board to design and steer us in the right direction will be invaluable!”
As you can see, my clients are able to honestly share their dreams, ideas and financial budgets with me. They trust me to do my best for them – to have their best interests at heart, so they consider my design suggestions with enthusiasm. We also have mutual respect.
My approach is lively and collaborative, and it’s my job to encourage and inspire you to come out of your comfort zone a little to embrace whatever it is that truly makes you feel ‘at home’. However, the entire interior design journey is about you, your individual desires and needs, my style and preferences are there to guide you.
The end results are always intuitive, personal and considered, and by involving me in your interior designer journey, your project will be well executed, smooth running and most important of all, enjoyable!
Ready to get started?
Then call me now on 07773 372158, and together, we can start creating your dream home.
Nicky
