HOME + GARDEN
NO. 18 WHITSTABLE BY CONSTANCE INTERIORS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: CONSTANCE INTERIORS
F or over 20 years Emma has run her own decorating business, developing an expert knowledge of colour, high quality finishes and a meticulous attention to detail. Such a practical background, combined with a fine art degree and a lifelong passion for interiors has helped shape Emma’ s personal design style and led her to start a wonderful bespoke design service: Constance Interiors. Enjoying working one-on-one with her clients to make each project a friendly, collaborative exploration into their dreams and wants for their future home, Emma grew up in the Kent countryside and now lives in Whitstable – often taking great inspiration from visiting the many local stunning stately homes and gardens with her husband and daughter.
Why were you chosen for the project? I’ d already designed bedrooms for this family, so they approached me to help with the downstairs area of the house this time.
What was the property development brief / objective? From working with the clients previously, I already knew their style preferences: a timeless elegant design with period features and a sprinkle of a French feel – inspired by their wedding in France. However, this time was a much bigger brief, requiring a complete redesign of the ground floor. Rooms needed transforming into bespoke, practical family spaces that flowed effortlessly. The detached Edwardian house was a good size which meant an extension wasn’ t necessary, so instead they chose to spend the budget thoughtfully on the existing building. The original layout had Dave cooking in a tiny woeful kitchen and this was one of the main reasons for rethinking the entire ground floor- to gain an open social kitchen / diner that all the family could share. Other important considerations were reintroducing period features and the much needed addition of plenty of storage.
How did you begin the redesign and refurbishment process for No. 18? After speaking with the clients and listening to what they hoped to achieve, I began working out what they needed for the house to work as their home. Then it was time for the floor plan / layout. The design transformed a dysfunctional space into a home where every family member had their own area. Selecting the wallpaper to use in the kitchen and dining room was a key moment in the design process. I often have a gut feeling for a colour or wallpaper, then it all rolls from there.
What was your design / refurbishment timeframe? We didn’ t have a tight deadline on this project. Spending a sizeable budget meant the clients wanted to take time to make thorough decisions and fully engage in the design process. Emma and Dave put their full trust into
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