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- A NOTE FROM GWENDOLINE -
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After a week's holiday by the seaside, I've been back into tracking my interior design projects. I hope you found last week's article on project tracking useful. I shared with you how to track your projects so that they're on time and within budget, whilst looking super stylish, Checkout the DESIGN DIGEST on my website if you missed it.
Today I'm following on with the last week of my
PROJECT MANAGEMENT TIPS
to help you achieve your dream home. This week focuses on
PROJECT CLOSE DOWN. This is an important and often forgotten step of any interior project. It enables you to go back and find information once the project has finished. This is vital when issues arise after the workmen have gone.
If you're planning a makeover of your home this Spring then remember to pick up my interior design book,
A HOME TO CHERISH
(available on amazon as paperback of kindle) that will help you create your stylish and healthy home.
My next
BEGINNERS INTERIOR DESIGN
course starts next week, Wednesday 1st May. I'll teach you the basics of design to help you create a room that you love. Check out the details below and remember to sign up quickly because there's only a couple of places remaining.
On Sunday 5th May, I've been invited to speak at
GRAND DESIGNS LIVE. It's the fifth year that I've been invited back to speak as an expert on interiors. Such an honour. I'll be giving free advice on kitchen design in
ASK THE EXPERT, as well as talking on
STYLING YOUR HOME FOR SALE to attract buyers who fall in love with your home.
For my next next interior design book,
I'm still on the lookout for anyone who works from 'home' and would like to be one of my stories.
Working from home could be sitting in a coffee shop for inspiration, having meetings in a members' club, working at your dining table or even having a dedicated room in your house as an office.
If you know of someone, or you think you'd like to be considered then just message me and we can have a chat.
Wishing you a happy Easter filled with laughter and joy x
HEALTHY BODY - HEALTHY MIND - HEALTHY HOME
Thank you for your continued support and encouragement
Wishing you a healthy and happy weekend
Gwendoline x
Author
Conference & Event Speaker
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THE PERFECT PROJECT
(PART 3)
Over the last couple of weeks I've shared with you how to plan and track your interior design project so that you're set up for success.
If you remember, 90% of interior design projects fail. One of the reasons they fail is because they're not finalized. You have outstanding snagging, those jobs that are never finished and annoy you every time you see them. The paint that's scuffed, the door that doesn't quite close, the dripping tap and the squeaky floorboards. They annoy you.
Having a concise list of the issues that you give to your builder will help you get the problems sorted quickly.
If you took my advice and updated your baseline plan in step 2 (Project Tracking) then your plan now becomes your snagging list. It highlights what's not fixed and finished.
Project Close Down
The aim for Project Close Down is to make sure your interior design is to a finish that you're happy with.
If you remember, 90% of people aren't happy with their homes even after they've finished decorating. Once of the reasons is because of the little jobs that keep reminding you that your space isn't perfect. You didn't want your dream home to have paint scuffs, dripping taps or squeaky floorboards.
With your snagging list you need to add in a couple of extra columns of information. You need to know who is responsible for fixing the problem, when it's expected to be completed, how much it will cost to fix (if required) and also space for your notes.
As each item is fixed you can cross it off your snagging list so that your focus remains on the outstanding problems. Having a definitive list of the problems should help you to feel less anxious because you can see progress and the problems reducing.
The second focus of Project Close Down is to make sure you have
historic information to go back to in case there's an issue in the future.
This is why Project Start Up and Tracking are important. You note down the supplier and product details so that when something breaks or goes wrong, you have the part number and can quickly go back to the supplier for a replacement. It's particularly important if your products have warranty attached to them.
Keep all of the key information for the project in a file (either electronic or paper copy). It doesn't have to be close to hand because you hopefully won't need it very often. If it's a paper copy, you could store it in the loft or a cupboard so that you know where it is but you don't need it everyday. If you have an electronic file then you could archive it to storage.
If my clients ask me to keep design information for their projects, I store it in archive. I don't want my office cluttered with old information, but I might need to refer to it in the future.
This is the last of the three steps that will help you manage any interior design project. Good luck and I hope it helps you create your stylish and healthy home that's within your budget and ready for your big event.
If your struggling with your project,
or feeling overwhelmed with where to start,
just get in touch
I'll help you create your perfect project.
Wishing you a stylish and healthy year
Gwendoline.
BIID Interior Designer
Author
Conference & Event Speaker
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- FIRST STEPS IN INTERIOR DESIGN -
SHORT COURSE
It's a 6 week, once a week, leisure course that will teach you the fundamentals of design to help you create your own beautiful interiors. I take you through all of the important considerations from colour theory to lighting, choosing the right curtains or wallpaper, as well as planning the perfect room space.
Some students come along with a friend as a sociable way of learning something new, others are keen to see if they can make a career out of interior design, and it's a great way to have some personal time away from the hustle of a busy family.
You'll go home each week with loads of knowledge, ideas and inspiration. Each week I tailor activities to help you feel comfortable using your new skills with confidence. Also, at the end of the course you'll have created a mood board design for a room in your own home.
This course is always popular so, if you're interested in joining up then sign up soon.
I look forward to meeting you in person and sharing my expertise.
Wednesday 1st May 2019
(7:30 pm till 9:30 pm)
To reserve your place click on the link above or contact:
Community Learning Team
01727 737154
Looking forward to seeing you for
a whole lot of learning.
Gwendoline.
Interior Design Expert & Lecturer
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- SEE ME SPEAK -
GRAND DESIGNS LIVE 2019
Grand Design Live (ExCel, London) is the award winning home event for ideas, inspiration and expert advice.
Based on the Channel 4 series and presented by Kevin McCloud, the show offers visitors top expert advice, new product launches and specialist exhibitors in six project zones. Whether you're planning a self-build, renovation or are adding the finishing touches, you'll find ideas and inspiration for your very own Grand Design.
Being asked back to speak as an expert is an honour, and this year I'll be sharing ideas and inspiration to attract buyers who'll fall in love with your property.
Sunday 5th May
11:30 - 12:15 pm and 2:30 - 3.15 pm
I'll showcase the latest styling trends to create an attractive home, helping you achieve a quick sale for the best possible price in a competitive market.
Hope you can join me
Gwendoline x
Interior Design Expert & Speaker
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If you know someone who's creative, enjoys watching interior programmes on the telly, reads design magazines, or wants to create a beautiful home, please feel free to forward this onto them for inspiration.
Gwendoline
BIID INTERIOR DESIGNER
DIGITAL INTERIOR DESIGNER
LECTURER
PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER
GA INTERIORS
TELEPHONE +44 (0) 7841 519802
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