Moving to the UK? How to Create Your Dream Interior from Abroad by Tracy Duncan
Moving to the UK is exciting, but can also be stressful. You may be relocating permanently or just moving to London to work for a few years. It could be that you need a base for visiting your children at school in the UK. Perhaps you are investing in a second home or adding to your global property portfolio. Every story is different. We have helped clients from Europe, the US, Asia and the Middle East to create their dream home in the UK.
Choose Your UK Interior Designer
Finding the right interior or garden designer is about more than aesthetics. It is about choosing someone who you find easy to communicate with and has the experience to manage the practicalities of designing a home from abroad. Look for someone who has the back-up of a great team to help with the purchasing and implementation.
Interior Design Skills & Processes Required
A UK interior designer who is experienced with international clients, will:
Have systems in place to help you visualise and discuss design ideas and details
Be used to sourcing and co-ordinating trade suppliers, contractors and deliveries and keeping you updated from the UK
Be able to provide bespoke items and know where to find the best furniture, textiles and decor
Have financial procedures in place to provide up to date information on spend versus budget
Be used to handling international transfers to keep your money secure
Most of all, they will listen and create the design that suits you perfectly
Clarify The Scope of Work
The need for clarity and precision in all communication is heightened when designing a home from abroad, as there will relatively little (if any) face to face contact. It is essential not to assume anything.
This begins with agreeing the scope of work, and budgets involved. Many clients moving to the UK want to arrive with absolutely everything in place down to the cutlery, towels, soap and bed linen. Others are happy to shop for the final accessories themselves when they arrive as long as they have a bed to sleep in. There is no one-size fits all. Clarity and communication is everything.
Share Your International Home Design
Your designer will spend time at the beginning of the project getting to know you, your design likes and dislikes to understand your vision for your home and what will delight you most. Sharing photos of your international home is very helpful. They will want to know if you would like to achieve a similar look and feel in your new home in the UK, or if you would like a totally different design aesthetic more in-keeping with the UK lifestyle and climate.
Catalogue Treasured Possessions
Share the favourite art and decor you plan to your new home in the UK with your interior designer at the beginning. Treasured possessions can inspire an entire room scheme. I-phone photographs, measurements and even which room you would prefer them to be located in is all helpful information. Photograph all items well in advance for insurance as well as design purposes, before shipping.
Planning Permissions for Structural Work
If you are making structural changes you may need to consider: 1) Planning Permission & Use Class, 2) Permitted Development Rights (PDRs), 3) Green Belt (AONB) & Conservation Area rules, 4) Listed Building approvals for alterations, 5) Local Planning Policies, 6) Leasehold versus Freehold Considerations, 7) Environmental & Sustainability Rules. Independent expert advice is advisable before committing to purchase or commence design work.
Interior Design for Temporary Stays in the UK
If you are planning a short stay you will still want to make your rental property feel like home. Your UK interior designer can help you to put together stylish and practical short term solutions that work within rental property guidelines. Renting in the UK can also be a good first step before you buy, to be sure of your decision and the exact area you want to live in.
If you have any questions about managing the interior design process in the UK from abroad, please do not hesitate to get in touch.