1. Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.
I’m Charlotte Campbell and I have been working in design for 10 years since graduating with a degree in interior design. I first started designing hotel interiors and worked on projects all around the world from big chain hotels to smaller one-off boutiques. I have been with Harvey Jones since 2014 and have been based in three showrooms before buying and settling in Guildford.
2. What is your design mantra?
It is the client who lives with the kitchen once we leave. I could design something that looks wonderful and works for me, but everyone uses their space differently. Just because it is not the norm or what someone else would choose, doesn’t mean it isn’t right.
3. What is your kitchen like at home?
My kitchen is a small U shape with the typical ‘triangle’ that everyone loves. I would ideally like more counter space though, as I am not the neatest of cooks.
4. What inspires your work? Where do you go for inspiration?
A client’s home is the best inspiration. Getting a feel for their lifestyle and choices elsewhere will help me to understand how the kitchen can be personalised to them. I get inspiration from their choice of magazines; interior blogs and Pinterest are also great places to develop ideas.
5. What are your first considerations when designing a new kitchen?
How will the room be used? Is it a family living area, with homework and friends? Is there a dining table that will host big parties? The layout is the first aspect to be established, after that everything else will fall into place.
6. What projects have you found the most rewarding and why?
It is always lovely to work with people who have a tricky space and can’t see how it will work, or people who have been working towards doing a new kitchen for a long time. I have clients that I have been working with for two to three years. When those projects are finished it is lovely seeing something that people have worked hard to get, come to fruition.
7. What do you try to avoid?
Clutter. If you can design it so that all your mixers and gadgets have a home and leave the worktop free, it creates a much less stressful space. As kitchens are rarely just kitchens any more, most are now the centre of the home and you don’t want your toaster and kettle in your living room.
8. How has kitchen design changed over the last five years?
Other than the fact that kitchens are now part of the main living space, the biggest difference is the appliances. Everything is geared towards healthy cooking and speed. Steam cookers are becoming a very popular alternative to microwaves and most kitchens will have a Quooker tap rather than a kettle.
9. What kitchen trends do you predict in 2018?
More colour! Grey is fading, and people are becoming bolder in their choices. Colours are dark and deep, with greens and blues leading the way. The trend of clean empty worktops is still strong so appliances such as Quooker taps are a must now.
10. Do you have any tips for homeowners embarking on a new kitchen project?
It is never too early to start. Get a designer on board as soon as you know you are doing a project. Start a Pinterest board and get a feel for the look you want to create.
For more design inspiration, request a copy of our 80-page brochure or browse our blog and gallery page for recent case studies. Alternatively, book a complimentary consultation here in Guildford or your local Harvey Jones showroom to discuss your kitchen design with our expert designers.
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