Name: Mary Georgiou
Company: Designer Touches Ltd
Position within company: Founder and Principle Designer
Website: www.designertouches.co.uk
What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms?
Significant trends from the fashion design stage, music and the film industry all have a reflection on interior design and changes in client’s tastes. We recently had a client who was inspired by the TV series The Vikings and wanted us to create a scheme around this theme.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2016 and beyond.
1) Coloured metals, in particularly gold and rose gold, have come back in a very big way and we have seen this across furniture design, accessories and fabrics. They add a sense of luxury and glamour to any design theme.
2) Winter 2016/17 we are going to see a shift in colour palette towards the cooler tones of greys, pearl whites, dusty blues and aqua greens – inspired by the sea. This scheme provides a sense of calm in its environment. Consequently other sea related accessories and artwork will also become popular.
3) Reflective surfaces, in the recent trade fairs that we have attended we have seen many designers use reflective surfaces within their designs, including coloured glass, mirror and pearl. This has been used across wallpaper coverings and furniture design. These materials take advantage of natural light and make even the smallest of spaces feel bright and airy.
4) Natural stones and minerals such as marble and agate are not only being used in kitchens and bathrooms but in furniture design. Agate and marble effect will also been seen on wall coverings and fabric prints.
5) Incorporate styles and trends into your designs because you like them and not just because they are fashionable for that year.
What projects are you currently working on?
Various residential projects in Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, comprising of new builds and refurbishments.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
The one piece of advice that I would give when designing a scheme is to start with a single element to work from… It could be a piece of furniture, or a feature fabric or wallcovering that will be the basis of your design and then choose complementary items around it. Many people place furniture against the walls to maximise space in the room but by arranging your furniture around a focal point creates a more inviting and intimate space.
A designer’s work is so diverse – how do you manage to hold down a career and a life?
Working as a designer is extremely diverse and sometimes it is difficult to juggle both a career and home life. However, I am extremely lucky to have an understanding and supportive husband and immediate family who are happy to help out whenever they are needed.
How important are The International Yacht and Aviation Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
The International Yacht and Aviation Awards are extremely important as a recognition of talent and achievement as it celebrates the best design in the industry. We are very passionate about our industry and are tremendously proud to be nominated for the award, which enables us to showcase our designs and achievements to the wider design community.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
The car you drive?
Mercedes CLS
Your favourite place to travel to in the world?
Italy and Greek Islands
Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar?
Hotel: Villa d’Este, Lake Como;
Restaurant: Seasons Oriental, Four Seasons, Cyprus
Bar: Hush, London
The place that gives you the most energy?
My design studio
And the place that enables you to totally relax?
Lake Como, Italy
Your favourite food and drink?
Greek food and Mojitos
