Meet the client… Priscilla

The first in our new ‘Meet the….’ series, we are delighted to share some insights from a wonderful client!

What kind of home do you live in (eg. period property, apartment, new build, farmhouse)?

We live in a 17th-century house that needed to be brought into the 21st-century. Emma’s touch has done just this; her team added style and colour that complements the original architecture and nods to tradition while remaining modern.

How did you find Kelling Designs (eg. Google, word of mouth, recommendation, Instagram)?

I knew of Emma and we had met a few times before I called and asked for her help with this project. She came very heavily recommended. We became great friends after lots of laughter and fun throughout the process.

What drew you to the Kelling Designs look?

The short answer is colour. Emma is so brave and I didn’t want a boring house. I needed Emma to push me in the right direction when it came to my home. I thought I could do it all myself, but the task that became impossible for me was a breeze for Emma. We had boxes with blankets over them for bedside tables and no curtains in the living room. It was actually my sister-in-law who made it clear the house deserved more than my efforts. She told me, “you can’t camp in here. You need to do this home justice.”

Was there anything you owned already that needed a place in the new design scheme (eg. pieces of art, family heirlooms, etc)?

So, so much. My parents moved out of a big house about 20 years ago, leaving outhouses and a barn filled with furniture. Old chests of drawers, side tables, ottomans and more were refurbished, restored and updated with new upholstery and finishes and used to furnish our new home. My mother liked to buy furniture at auction, so amassed lots of unique pieces, often for no more than £10. It was all covered with 20 years’ worth of dirt and grime but Emma saw the potential in each piece. Each time I doubted whether something was salvageable, Emma convinced me otherwise. The phrase, “shut up and put it in the van,” will say with me forever.

What was the most exciting part of the project?

It’s hard to choose. The whole process was exciting. However, seeing all the refurbished and updated furniture arriving over the two days of installation was incredible. Emma is amazingly collected and enthusiastic and has just a brilliant team around her. Nothing is ever too much effort for them. It was almost theatrical watching the furniture coming in. Everyone was smiling.

Any amusing anecdotes, hiccups or obstacles you remember?

Everything felt like it was going wrong until Emma and her team got involved. I was in freefall and she was my parachute offering a soft landing. One funny memory is that Emma and her team were going around the house plumping every cushion on every sofa and chair, closely followed by my husband with a cup of coffee, sitting in every seat and flattening their work and causing trouble.

Did anything in the final look surprise you?

To be honest, I was blown away by every single room. I’m quite good at envisaging how things will look from a bricks and mortar perspective, but not when it comes to fabric and colour, I find it difficult to visualise the final look. For Emma, it’s as clear as day.

Tell us a story about one of the new pieces in your home…

One of the many items we salvaged from the barn was a billiards table that needed a new baize. Under firm instruction from Emma, green was never an option. It was actually my choice to go for a punchy purple after sampling over 20 different swatches. It was a hard choice, but I can’t envisage it any other way now!

What do you love most about your home?

I love that every room is better than the last. I completely love the hall as you come through the front door with its thoughtful details like the curtains and the lamps. Next comes the sitting room which is a plethora of colour, linking with the dining room where every chair around the table is a different shade. The billiards room is the next space you see, complete with the re-baized table. Then, all of the bedrooms are so unique and full of surprises. Every room is comfortable and luxurious. It’s all Emma.