23rd May 2024 | IN EXPERT INSIGHT | BY SBID ShareTweetPinterestLinkedIn Catrin Fenton, Founder of Catrin Fenton Design has given her insights into the industry. Catrin Fenton Design Why did you want to work in the interior design profession? I have a degree in Textile Design and worked as a fashion designer before having children. When we moved into a bigger house after we had our second child, I oversaw the complete renovation of our new family home and thoroughly enjoyed it. I went on to study interior design and set up my own practice in 2019. I find that many of the skills I acquired during my time in fashion are directly transferable to to interior design process, particularly working with colours and textures and communicating detailed design instructions to manufacturers and craftsmen. Catrin Fenton Design Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most? I think it has to be coming up with a concise design concept and creating visuals to show my clients how this can be implemented. I always focus on the clients’ brief and will find out top priorities for each space as well as style preferences and budget before thinking up a look and its ingredients. I will then show my clients what I think will work best through visuals that typically contain inspiration photos, a colour palette as well as suggestions of materials, fittings and fixtures. Once the style-direction has been approved, I create detailed space planning options auch as floor plans and elevations. Catrin Fenton Design What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year? Hanging some of the dramatic light fittings in an otherwise minimalistic, Scandi-inspired project. I advised to include some eye-catching features and everyone agreed that the lighting, especially the custom linear pendant above the kitchen island, elevated the space from conventional to sumptuous and characterful. Catrin Fenton Design What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why? I enjoy attention to detail and working with clients who are open to commit to including pattern, texture and wall decor. Soft furnishings often get overlooked or not budgeted for but good quality, well thought-out window dressing for example has immense impact. Catrin Fenton Design What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design? It is not always straight forward to realise everything on a client’s wish list due to spacial restrictions and existing features that cannot be changed without adding significant costs. I believe a thorough site assessment is imperative at the start of every structural refurbishment. This allows me to create workable solutions that fulfil my clients’ interior goals efficiently without having to make alterations further down the line. Another challenge that has cropped up recently is that building material as well as labour costs have increased noticeably and that sometimes means having to simplify ideas after initial construction quotes have been received. Catrin Fenton Design What do you wish you knew before working in the field? There are many sub-categories and opportunities within interior design and it is helpful to find a niche and build your business around the type of work you enjoy the most from the start. Catrin Fenton Design If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be? Stay on top of the latest interior trends and find out about as many furniture, interior accessories and homeware retailers as possible. Be an expert in current trends and the latest materials if you want to focus on the creative side of interior design. Build friendly and solid connections with other designers, tradesmen, builders and suppliers. Catrin Fenton Design How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead? Many established interior designers are already offering online consultations and I believe this is a great tool to defy physical distance between client and design studio as well as to help people who initially only seek help with general aesthetic aspects or want some help with sourcing. For clients, online consultations can offer an opportunity to obtain ad hoc expert advice as well getting to know a designer and their way of working before potentially employing a studio to assist them in-depth/for the duration of a project. What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you? I’m proud to be an accredited SBID member and the logo with link is displayed on my website. It demonstrates my commitment to industry standards and a high level of expertise to any potential clients. Being part of SBID makes me feel much more connected with industry partners and other designers. I take part in many exciting networking and showcasing events throughout the year which I would not know about or have access to without my membership. Catrin Fenton, Founder of Catrin Fenton Design About Catrin Fenton Design Catrin lives in Hampstead and set up her own practice in 2019 with a vision to create timeless interiors. She is always focussed on the client’s brief and offers choices to achieve sophistication, individuality and practicality. Catrin undertakes projects of various sizes and has extensive experience in contemporary as well as traditional interior design. Clients can expect a bespoke, up-to-date approach to achieve their interior design goals and benefit from Catrin’s confidence with colours, textures as well as supplier lists, contacts with building companies, decorators, joineries, curtain makers and upholsterers. The studio provides comprehensive interior design services from early planning stages to adding decorative items at the end of a project. Catrin also offers consultations on colour, textiles, furniture and art. Visit Profile If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.