design et al are delighted to announce that Designer Touches Ltd have been shortlisted for Residential £1-2.5 Million (Property by Value) Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2017.
Designer Touches were briefed to create a sophisticated yet relaxed scheme for a family home in the beautiful setting of Epsom Downs, Surrey. The client, a couple with two grown up children wanted to update their home to create a contemporary open space, which is tailored to their demanding, yet sociable lifestyle. They wanted to create a look that was both effortless and elegant but also individual. Designer Touches used a neutral palette of greys with an accent of purple to create this design; the unusual wallpaper provides a dramatic yet stunning backdrop to the scheme. 
The bespoke glass and walnut staircase creates an open and contemporary feel to the space. Every detail of the design has been specified to meet the client’s desire for a unique property, including the upholstered doors in soft grey faux shagreen leather which were beautifully finished off by chrome inlays and extra-long textured chrome handles. Within the brief the task was to create this open plan space feel homely and warm, this was achieved by creating distinct zones using statement pieces of bespoke furniture, including a beautiful walnut TV unit with chrome inlays that tie in with the design of the doors.
The central point of the scheme is a stunning layered Swarovski crystal chandelier which makes a dramatic entrance and can be seen at various angles throughout the property including the gallery landing. The kitchen which was designed in conjunction with Stonehams Kitchens continues the neutral colour palette throughout the property with the use of pale grey gloss and walnut carpentry. The space is both functional, with high end appliances, but beautiful with attention to detail within the design including walnut inlays within the gloss units and its hexagonal marble table which enhances the unique hexagonal space of the seating area.
The designer’s favourite aspect of the project is how the design still has a sense of space but is also homely and warm. This has been achieved with the use of the glass panels within the staircase and also how different zones have been created through the statement pieces of furniture. Designer Touches feel that the design is sympathetic to the character and open plan nature of the property, as well as being stylist, elegant and homely which was a priority to their client. The designers used a bespoke furniture company to create tailor made pieces of furniture to ensure they maximized the space available in the property and to also provide the client with a level of uniqueness to their project that they requested in their brief.
Mary Georgiou is the founder and principle designer of Designer Touches. She began her career within the fashion industry and established an award-winning luxury designer label. In 1999 she realised that her passion lay in interiors and transferred her creative attention to launching Designer Touches. Through word of mouth she has grown the business to where it is today and the reputation of the company speaks volumes, with many clients returning year upon year.