Amanda Clothier

I wanted to convert a very dull and crowded spare room/playroom into a relaxing 'sanctuary' for myself and guests; Mandy immediately saw where I was coming from and was in on the project from the start. With an eye for details and a real feel for the person, she carefully put together two different scenarios of environments where I've felt most relaxed - a beach theme and a mountain theme. The mood boards she created were beautiful and I found it difficult to choose between the two themes, though the mountain room she envisaged gave me the restfulness coupled with the cosiness that I wanted. Mandy then measured up and carefully observed how the natural light fell, as well as coming up with clever suggestions on how to deal with elements of the room that couldn't be changed - e.g. the dormer window and the sloping ceilings. From here she worked up a floor plan with soft shapes and functional, but relaxing furnishing ideas. Never forcing her thoughts on me, I had plenty of free range to add my own touches and she showed me how to use colours and the way they can work together. I was much more adventurous than I have been before! It felt like we really worked together as a team to achieve the finished results. So, my 'sanctuary' includes a bed (so we can still welcome guests), a seating/TV/gaming area (where the big kids can still relax, but their paraphernalia is low key/hidden), a reading area with a comfortable chair and footstool, and coffee table (reclaimed and painted). There's a variety of textures and soft colours using mainly greys and dusky pinks and other natural colours. My favourite part is the main wall featuring a mural of a mountain range in silhouette in soft dawn tones. I absolutely love it - as do my guests and kids! I highly recommend Mandy and her work. Her designs are beautiful, thoughtful and functional; whilst she provides plenty of her own ideas she is keen to incorporate your own too. I'll definitely be using Mandy again.