Industry Interview: Celia Sawyer, Business Women & Interior Designer.
What made you want to go into interior designing?
In my first apartment I decided to try and add value by adding another floor. I had to think through what and how this would work in unison with the interior, as well as how to keep my budget to a minimum yet achieve the maximum return. Even though I hadn’t had any prior training it went very well and I had a lot of estate agent friends and contacts commenting on it. The interior design looked great so it led to other people asking me to do theirs; the rest is history as they say.
Do you feel that every property deserves some interior design works when it comes to selling?
Yes absolutely. The majority of the properties I see need at least some re-thinking and re-working to create a better flow, if nothing else. Most people benefit from an element of interior design when selling as some personal items can put off potential buyers and it’s often too close to someone to be able to de clutter. If you can offer a desirable interior you are more likely to sell for a higher price, and much quicker, as you are selling the buyer the entire lifestyle.
Does interior designing increase the value of a property?
Yes it certainly can do if it’s done well. It needs to be well-thought out and bespoke for the property so that it looks right for the market place it sits in.
Have you worked in some celebrity homes whilst interior designing?
I have been fortunate enough to work on many pop-stars, film-stars and sporting personalities primary homes and second homes around the world. Some love getting involved and have quite specific visions and ideas, whereas some just love to leave it to me and turn up with a suitcase!
If you could give one piece of advice, for anyone looking to have some interior design work done, what would it be?
Always secure a few different quotes so you can price compare and see how the interior designer operates from the word go. I also believe in the power of recommendations so ask people you trust to make suggestions.
Thank you for your time and sharing your thoughts with us Celia!
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