Interior Design FAQs

Every project is different, so our fees are tailored to the size, scope and level of support required. Following an initial conversation, we will provide a clear fee proposal setting out what is included before any work begins.

Our services range from consultations and room designs through to complete interior design, specification, procurement and project support for whole properties.

For projects where we source furniture, lighting, window dressings and other furnishings, we also offer a procurement service. Wherever possible we use our established trade supplier network, which can give our clients access to products, makers and trade pricing that may not otherwise be available to them.

Most importantly, we establish the likely overall project budget at the outset so that the design is developed with a realistic understanding of what you would like to invest.

This depends very much on the scale of the project.

A smaller or more focused design project can often be developed within a matter of weeks, while the design and implementation of a whole house will typically take several months. Larger renovation projects can run for a year or more, particularly where architectural work, planning or Listed Building Consent is involved.

Furniture, bespoke joinery, kitchens, bathrooms, fabrics and specialist finishes can also have significant lead times, so we build these into the programme from the beginning.

Where there is a particular deadline, such as a move-in date, event or holiday, we will always discuss what can realistically be achieved and establish priorities accordingly.

We offer a complete interior design service , which can be tailored to suit the requirements of each project.

This can include space planning, furniture layouts, colour schemes, lighting and electrical layouts, kitchens and bathrooms, bespoke joinery, architectural detailing, flooring, wall finishes, window treatments, furniture, lighting, artwork and accessories.

We also provide detailed drawings and elevations where required, source and procure furnishings through our extensive supplier network and can work alongside architects, contractors and specialist trades throughout the implementation of the project.

Some clients appoint us for the complete journey from initial concept through to installation, while others engage us for a specific stage or area where specialist design input is required.

Yes. This is one of our particular areas of expertise.

Etons of Bath has specialised in Georgian, Regency and period properties for over 15 years and we understand the balance required between respecting the architectural character of a building and creating a home that works for contemporary life.

We regularly work with original architectural features, historic proportions and Listed Building considerations and understand when something should be retained, restored, reinstated or sensitively adapted.

That does not necessarily mean creating a period interior. Many of our projects combine historic architecture with contemporary furniture, lighting and art. Our aim is for the new and old elements to feel connected, complementary and harmonious rather than competing with one another.

Ideally, as early as possible.

An interior designer can influence much more than furniture and colour. Decisions about room layouts, lighting, electrical positions, bathrooms, kitchens, flooring, fireplaces, joinery and architectural details are often made surprisingly early in a building project.

Bringing us into the process early allows the interior to be considered as a whole and can help avoid expensive alterations later. It also gives us time to work through detailed designs, often alongside an architect or whilst early conversations are being had with a contractor, ensuring that all decisions have been made and all of the minutiae detailed before the contractor or trades start on site; saving time, money and a multitude of hurried decisions.

Equally, if work has already started, it is rarely too late for us to help.

Absolutely.

Although we are based in Bath and have particular expertise in the city’s Georgian architecture, our projects take us throughout the UK and overseas.

We regularly work across Somerset, Bristol, The Cotswolds, London, the South West and further afield and have also undertaken international projects.

Much of the design development, sourcing and project communication can be undertaken remotely, with site visits scheduled at the stages where they are most valuable. For projects further away, we will agree an appropriate programme of site visits and associated travel costs at the outset.

The first consultation is an opportunity for us to understand both you and the property.

We will talk through how you use the space, what is and is not working, your practical requirements, your aesthetic preferences, your priorities and your likely budget.

Where appropriate, we will also look at the architectural character of the property, existing furniture or artwork you would like to retain and any building work that may be required.

For larger projects this conversation helps us establish the scope of work and recommend the most appropriate design process. It also gives us both an opportunity to make sure that we are a good fit before embarking on the project together.

Our process is designed to make the project collaborative without requiring you to make every individual design decision.

At the outset, we spend time understanding how you live, what you like, what you need from the space and where your priorities lie. From that brief, we develop a fully considered design concept for each room, bringing together the layout, colours, finishes, furniture, lighting and architectural details as one cohesive scheme.

Rather than presenting endless choices, we will usually recommend one clear design direction, with selected options where there is a genuine benefit in comparing alternatives – for example, a choice of stone, fabric or finish.

We then present the concept to you, talk you through the thinking behind it and gather your feedback. A set of agreed revisions is made before the design is approved and developed into detailed drawings, specifications and costings for final sign-off.

This gives you meaningful input at the points where it matters while allowing us to do what you have appointed us to do – consider the project as a whole, resolve the detail and create a scheme that is both coherent and personal to you.

Of course, every client is different and we can adapt the level of communication and involvement to suit you, but we find the best results come from a clear brief, open dialogue and trust in the design process.

Generally, yes. This enables us to manage and control the delivery of the design vision that is signed off by you. It also means that we save you all of the hard work, communications, logistics and administration involved in doing this.

Our sourcing extends from major pieces of furniture, lighting, rugs, artwork and window treatments through to bespoke joinery, antiques and decorative accessories.

For projects that require it, we can also source the smaller finishing details such as bed linen, towels, tableware and other household items.

We work with an extensive network of established manufacturers, craftspeople, fabric houses, antiques dealers and specialist suppliers. This enables us to combine readily available pieces with bespoke and unusual finds rather than relying on a small number of recognisable retail brands.

You do not necessarily have to replace everything. We are equally happy to incorporate furniture, art and objects you already own into the new scheme.

Not every project needs to involve an entire property but we generally require a minimum of three to four rooms to be included in a brief.

For smaller projects we will recommend the level of service that represents the best value. This may be a focused design package rather than the more extensive process we would use for a whole-house renovation.

We can also help clients establish an overall direction for their home which they can then implement gradually, room by room.

Yes. We frequently work as part of a wider professional team.

Interior design and architecture inevitably overlap, particularly when decisions involve layouts, lighting, joinery, kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces and architectural detailing. Working collaboratively from an early stage usually produces the strongest result.

We are very happy to work with an architect, contractor or other consultants you have already appointed. Alternatively, where required, we can introduce trusted professionals and specialist trades with whom we have worked previously.

Our role is to ensure that the interior vision is clearly communicated and that the many individual decisions made during a project contribute to one coherent finished scheme.