Meet the maker: Charlotte Heather
In this exclusive Q&A, we catch-up with talented interior designer Charlotte Heather who recently collaborated with our London showroom on a luxury bathroom project. From blending style and function to curating bespoke elements, Charlotte shares insights and expert advice on general interior design principles as well as bathroom-specific design.
1.How do you approach designing a space that reflects the client's personality while also being functional?
For me, it’s really important to see the clients in their home where they are most comfortable and I can get a feel for their preferred style and sense of colour. As a designer it’s all about the client - who they are, how they live or would like to live and use a space. We ask all the practical questions about who is using the space, who might use it in the future, what are the storage needs and what are the ‘wants’ vs ‘needs’. A well designed room must be practical, make one’s life easier, as well as enhancing the beauty of your home. From our years of wonderful collaboration, I know this is how Ripples create such beautiful bespoke bathrooms too.
2.What are some common mistakes people make when decorating their homes and how can they be avoided?
One of the biggest common mistakes I come across is poorly planned spaces, which create rooms that don’t function properly, are not used to their full potential and where everything is a bit of a confusing jumble. It’s like baking a cake without a proper method! We always draw out a room or house first and really think about how the space can be used, the flow of movement and what furniture, fittings and colours will enhance the area. Sometimes you can do more with a room than you can imagine if you plan well enough. With our busy lives, this can be an incredible challenge, so an expert designer is your best bet to fully optimise your home.
3.How can colour psychology be used to influence the mood of a room?
Colour is everything! I always think, what does this room want to do and what emotions does the client want to evoke whilst being in a certain room? In an entertaining space, strong warm colours can evoke a sense of drama and joy, especially in an evening setting when lighting is designed perfectly. In an office, living room, bedroom and bathroom we might want to feel a sense of serenity and calm, so soft pinks, teals and blues can work really well.
4.What advice would you give for creating a cohesive design theme throughout an entire home?
In an ideal world, we would do as much of your home in one go, as well as sticking to a colour palette or theme, set of materials, furniture style, bathroom style and cohesive hardware fixtures and fittings can help too. Layering and having fun can be done once these elements are set. Also, being true to yourself, understanding what colours and objects bring you joy will help you achieve a sense of cohesion. I have to say, this is a designer's bread and butter, and our job is to make harmonious, balanced homes and spaces better than one can imagine!
5.How can I incorporate sustainable and eco-friendly design elements into my home?
You can always use reclaimed, vintage and antique materials and importantly - check the providence of materials; are they locally made, do they use environmentally safe, plastic and chemical free materials, are they natural or biodegradable? A designer and a good quality builder can help enormously with this as we have training from suppliers and insider industry knowledge.
6.What are the key considerations when designing a small bathroom to maximise space without sacrificing style?
Look at the wall depth. I also look at voids above the basin for the built in vanity and lights,. Also there must be the lovely feature recesses in the shower for shampoos etc. Not forgetting the cavity wall above the concealed cistern - this can have a recess with lighting and storage above for additional medication, cosmetics and to hide loo rolls to hide away! Wall mounted and simple WCs and basins can help create a feeling of additional floor space.
7.How can I create a spa-like atmosphere in my bathroom?
Low level and atmospheric lighting will create a serene feeling. We often put these below the wall-hung units and within recesses, all in a warm white tone. Natural materials and tones are very calming and using good quality taps and even jets with varying pressures and large rain showers are essential, with great ventilation too. In addition, making sure there is a place for scented candles, luxury toiletries and fluffy towels and bathmats.
8.What are the current trends in bathroom design, and how can I incorporate them without going out of style quickly?
The brick style tiles in the soldier course design are currently on trend at the moment. I would still recommend them in a design as they look good and will stay timeless if they are laid differently, in maybe a chevron layout which is a bit different but classic and very aesthetically pleasing!
9.How can I add personality to my bathroom through decor and accessories?
Easily, by adding plants, scented decorative candles, statement hand cream & hand wash pumps on a tray. Beautiful towels help and don’t be scared of introducing white towels that have an accent colour detailing - especially in the hand towels. It’s also fun to add art in the bathroom if it’s well ventilated.
10.What are the best materials for bathrooms that combine durability with aesthetics?
The classic white porcelain sanitaryware is always reliable. I also love marble, which should be laid correctly, sealed, and cared for correctly by a good quality installer - it will last forever and remain timeless and stunning. Also, lacquered brassware as it stays looking the way it did on the day it was installed and for many years to follow. It can sometimes be tempting to go for un-lacquered brassware, but this is not for the faint-hearted… it takes time for it to age and it often ages unevenly, which can be quite concerning for clients, but not all as its an amazing and unique look.
Find out more about Charlotte’s work - chinteriordesign.uk
Want to find out more about how our designers work? Visit your nearest showroom to discuss your project with them.
This client project features a breathtaking bespoke basin which centres the scheme.
