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Interior design Q&A: Maria Smythe, Parkfield Interiors

Posted 18 April 2017 by Keith Osborne

We speak to Maria Smythe about her work with design company Parkfield Interiors and at The Point, a new homes development in Exmouth, Devon...

Having just designed the latest show home at the end of a major project for Exmouth Quay in Devon, Maria Smythe talks to us exclusively about her work for new homes builders and private clients, and the interior design trends for 2017.

Hi Maria, please tell us a little about yourself and your company.

Parkfield Interiors is a Devon-based company I set up 17 years ago.  I’m a very passionate interior designer who gets hugely inspired by every project I get involved in, whether it is private clients, new developments or helping to set up restaurants. 

Can you tell us some detail about your work at The Point in Exmouth, which has just been unveiled?

I have been working with Eagle One Homes for over 10 years and have been lucky enough to see Exmouth Quay develop over time. This exciting new project The Point is a very contemporary look bringing in industrial textures and colours inspired by the stunning views from the apartments. The main living area is styled in tones of purple, blue, teal and grey with silver thread running through the wallpapers and fabrics. The kitchen features tones of white and grey. The golds and purples that we have used in the master bedroom give this room a very luxurious look taking into account the outside scenery.

Where do you tend to source your furnishings and fittings from?

Parkfield make all their own soft furnishings in-house giving us a high-quality product whilst maintaining flexibility on time scales and budgets. I try and work with local suppliers where possible and have a very supportive team around me.

Is working on a show home very different from a private client project?

I always love working with private clients. It's really special to build up a relationship over time and designing their home is a very rewarding experience especially when you see a project from the start and bring the client’s vision to life.

Being an interior designer is all about talking to my customers and finding out exactly what they have in mind. In the studio I have a vast range of fabric and wallpaper books with a range of prices which someone even on a budget can consider. The collections I have can go from bold and bright to light and fresh. I book an appointment with one of my designers in the studio and we spend time looking through the books and create an ideal vision for the person's home based on their personal preferences.

Parkfield work on many projects from whole houses to individual blinds. I try and work with my clients to achieve their design brief and to budget that they have in mind.

Show house design provides different challenges but is just as rewarding seeing a new house as a shell and turning it into home is a very satisfying experience. When I'm looking at a new house I take into account the area and try to make sure the house appeals to the expected buyer.

When it comes to selling a home, are there a couple of key interiors tips you might offer vendors to attract buyers?

My advice when selling a home is to de-clutter and keep things simple. It is not all about personal taste you need to appeal to a wider audience and you need to attract a potential new buyer as soon as they step through the front door. 

When advertising property online use a picture which shows the main selling points of the home and make sure the rooms look bright and welcoming as people will then see it as a potential home. 

What are the colour/materials trends that have taken off in 2017?

Looking at current trends is very important. I expect to see more industrial looks with black steel and burnished metals with raw and earthy textures as dark green and tropical leaf prints creates a rich back drop for our homes. Also a soft palette of pinks and greys using brass instead of copper is the new trend for this year.

2017 is a year to be confident with colour palettes, be brave and bold. Wallpaper can add colour and texture to your home and this year has some stunning products coming to our shelves. Do some research into what’s available, it will be worth the effort.

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