Interview with
JANE
PICKING
From working with the Middle East's social elite, to renovating stately homes across the UK, Jane Picking has a wealth of design experience. We interviewed Essex's supreme interior designer...
How did you get into design?
Originally my background, was working creatively with Debenhams, designing their window displays in 1978. In their heyday, Debenhams were appointed to design the interiors for new Emerson Park show homes. This gave me a really good first insight into interior design, and i suppose where my love of luxury interiors began!
What should interior design be about?
The individual. The individual should always be allowed to have their own personality, likes and dislikes, although you can bring people out of their comfort zone. Customers can only like what they see, so our job is to make them see everything they like. Interior design sometimes scares people away they think it will cost a fortune and take over their house, but it should be a really enjoyable experience.
How did the launch of House of Design happen?
I was an interior designer consultant up until around 7 years ago, but then made the decision to launch House Of Design with my business partner Alan, who had an established interiors business in Chelmsford. I used to take clients there to find pieces of furniture, and this was the initial inspiration behind our interiors destination showroom, offering a complimentary interior design service.
Do you have a home that is close to your heart?
Personally, the Sacred Heart Convent project because its grade II listed. I loved the end result for the customer. The project was so special because, no matter your taste, be it minimalist or modern, you would walk into that house and be amazed. Its history was incredible and those jobs don't come around too often.
What type of interior designer do you consider yourself to be?
With every client, I always make sure their room or house distinctly reflects their personality, and honours their wants and needs. I also work hard to ensure the design will last, and won't look dated next season . I think one of my strengths is knowing what products work well together and how they can be incorporated in your home. I definitely developed this skill specializing in luxury home wares in House Of Design.
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